Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season being in full swing, comes waves of feelings. While most often these can be joyous times, I think at any moment the emphasis on making meaningful memories can quickly turn to stress. I think we are all guilty of losing focus on the true reason for the season once in awhile. I want to teach and model for my son that it is not how much we give or receive, but how much love we put into the giving.

With that in mind, I thought I would create a helpful gift guide for those of you that still have some shopping to complete, while thoughtfully choosing and including items that “give back.”

The purchase of any one of the following items I selected will have proceeds go to a meaningful cause. These gifts are beautiful on their own, but are even more special once the recipient knows the thoughtfulness behind them.

St. Jude (Pottery Barn Kids)

For all of my fellow mamas already ordering from pottery barn kids for Christmas, simply add this sweet little bear ornament to your cart as well. While supplies last, for every ornament purchased, Pottery Barn Kids will donate 50% of the purchase price to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping support research and treatment for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The Starfish Project

This organization is so incredibly special. They are an acclaimed Social Enterprise with a Holistic Care Program that cares for women escaping human trafficking and exploitation in Asia. At Starfish Project women and girls experience freedom, establish independence and develop careers. Every piece of jewelry on this site is beautiful. The Perennial Blooms are my favorite, with the dainty pearls. What’s neat about the organizations website is that they tell you what each purchase will equate to in a donation. For instance, the earrings will afford a month of life skills training for a survivor.

Bombas

If you’ve ever heard a Bombas ad, you know the drill: For every pair of socks you buy, a pair is donated to someone in need. (The company works with overnight shelters and rehabilitation centers to make this possible.) This pack features four Fair Isle–inspired designs made from merino wool that come in a ready-to-gift box. I love!

Feeding America (Harry&David)

This “tower of treats” is part of a “season of giving collection”. Each basket, box, and sweet in the selection donates to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. This holiday season, an estimated 34 million people will face hunger in the U.S. – including more than 9 million children. Now through December 24, for each gift purchased from the collection, 20% of the net proceeds will be donated to Feeding America. For every $1 that this national nonprofit receives, they can provide at least 10 meals.

BCRF (Madewell)

More socks, you may ask?! In case you missed it: Madewell has partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation on a limited-edition collection adorned with pink detailing, including a little ribbon — a direct reference to the cause it supports. Until the end of 2022, Madewell is giving 50 percent of the purchase price of these socks to the foundation.

Though donating directly is the best way to support the causes near and dear to you, a gift that happens to give back is another course of action. These are basically twofers — a present you can wrap up with a donation built in.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season! xo