They say Giving is better than Getting and I absolutely agree. Giving is so rewarding that sometimes you feel as though you've also received something in the process.
This year during the holidays let's do something even better. Let's Give and Give again.
Here are the TOP Gifts you can give to friends, family and co-workers, while ALSO giving to those in need.
WOMEN
Scarves are the essential fashion item to have this season, and available in
21 colors, how can you go wrong? These
Mekong Blue scarves are hand-knit by the
Women of Cambodia's Stung Treng Women's Development Center. The work helps these women earn
"a fair wage, escape a fate in the violent sex trade, learn workplace skills and gain educational opportunities for their families." $50 each.Candles are always something perfect as a gift or just for yourself. These
gorgeous angel votive holders are made from sheet metal in the
Croix des Bouquets tradition of
Haitian artisans. Each sale supports the work of the designer and his family.
Large Votive $42 and Medium Votive $24 (small, is a card holder).
Do you have a friend that has every purse, clutch and bag imaginable? Well look no further and get her another clutch to add to her growing collection. Check out the
pretty, graphic baguette clutch, these aren't your average "bags"... no pun intended.
These clutches are made from
100% recycled DORITOS® tortilla chips bags. The Baguette Clutch, is only
$49 each, and similar ones were featured in the movie, "Sex and the City."
Each recycled clutch purchased, provides jobs for 40 artisan women in Peru.
This
delicate necklace repeats various sayings in braille (like "hug" and "kiss") and benefits the
American Foundation for the Blind. $140 + free shipping. This beautiful necklace speaks for itself.
We are all familiar with
MAC Cosmetics, and who are we fooling? We even buy these lipsticks for ourselves.
"Established in 1994 to support men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS globally, VIVA GLAM I, II, III, IV, V and VI, were launched as continuous shades and have achieved tremendous success over the years. " $14.50 each, available at every MAC Boutique and counter.
Pair those scarves with the perfect accessory.
Fingerless gloves! "These
gloves from Global Goods Partners are made from alpaca and are dyed with all-natural dyes by
women in Bolivia who receive a fair wage plus additional educational and advancement opportunities." $35 each.What about those active women on your list?
Yoga has become a popular exercise for the mind, body and soul and NOW you can carry around your mats with style! Whether going to the gym, park or home. The
yoga bag from Global Girlfriend are made from durable wax-cloth by
women in Uganda who directly benefit from each sale.
$36.00 each.How about some sophisticated
Shawls? These amazing ones were made by the
Asociacion de Artesanos Andinos in Bolivia. The
alpaca scarves are lightweight and incredibly warm, and
they help pay a living wage and support health and literacy projects. $88 each and come in 4 colors!MEN
Men aren't always easy to shop for, ladies, we know that's true. How about getting them something they need or use all the time?
Beats Solo HD headphones designed by Dr. Dre are not only great for listening to your music but they're also connected with the (RED) program. A portion of the purchase price is dedicated to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS in Africa. $229 each.
Guys always need underwear, right? At least let's hope ;). Pact Underwear is made from organic cotton and toxin-free dyes and benefits a variety of causes. Check out each pair of undies to learn which cause benefits. (The ones pictured above are called Winter Lights- their mission is "to provide Citizen Philanthropists the tools and networks they need to work directly with communities around the world to achieve greater self-reliance and sustainability.")
From briefs to boxers and in between ranging from $22-$26 each.
These treats are the perfect gift for Co-workers. You can't get them something too personal or too pricey. So cookies and chocolate, as always, have come to the rescue.
Dancing Deer Company's Sweet Home Pick cookie collection, includes a selection of delicious chewy cookies and 35 percent of the price helps homeless mothers and their children to fund educations, find jobs, and move into homes of their own. $35.95 each.
Chocolate lovers will appreciate Chocolates for Darfur.
The handmade dark chocolates, which feature colorful maps of Africa, have creamy fillings such as caramelized plantains, Kenyan coffee, and cardamom. The proceeds help fund a Women's Center and feed malnourished children in Darfur. $20 each.
Who can say no to Snickerdoodle cookies? This Snickerdoodle cookie mix is a perfect activity for kids and parents over the holidays. The proceeds of this bagged mix go to the Women's Bean Project, "an innovative social enterprise in Denver that benefits women with a history of poverty and chronic unemployment." $5 each.
EVERYONE
Now this is where you can have fun with the gifts you're giving. Fun and universal items with a good cause.TOMS shoes , have a simple premise: Buy a pair for yourself (or for a friend), and second pair will go to a child in need.
"Children in developing countries often aren't allowed into school without shoes, so this purchase could help a child get an education. The shoes work well as around-town slip-ons or even as a cool slipper substitute." The simple designs and wide variety of colors make these shoes suitable for just about anyone on your list. Prices range from $44 and up.
Want to laugh? Amazon.com has the perfect gift for all your Betty White fans (i.e. THE WHOLE WORLD).
Buy Betty White's comic book at AMAZON.COM. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. $3.99; 32 page color comic book full of fun!
At the end of the day when you're seeking out ideas on what to get your friends and loved ones, keep in mind how the gifts you buy can also have a positive ripple effect on others.
These items and other items are the perfect gift for just about anyone. Doing good is great and great belongs on
'The HIT-List'. Click on the links for more information.
XOXO,
HollyWOULDnot
