I’m going to do you all a favor. I’m not going to rant about how out of control Christmas shopping has become, even if you’re not in the West End at noon on a Saturday. I’m not going to preach about how out of touch everybody seems to be with the true essence of the holiday, even though I’m not especially religious myself. I’m not even going to whine about those ridiculous Lexus commercials where the twenty-something beautiful husband gives his twenty-something beautiful wife a red bow-wrapped convertible for Christmas, even though, really? Who gives a car for Christmas these days? Nope, I’m not going to do any of those things. Instead, I’m going to talk about stuff! Because, well, PRESENTS!!!
Christmas is going to be a bit different this year, at least around my house. Let’s just say Santa’s sleigh isn’t exactly going to be weighed down by any Prada bags or Gucci shoes or iPhones or iPads or iPods or iAnything on its way to my chimney. And you know what? I’m glad—and not just because of all the soot that I won’t have to clean off of my new toys. I’m glad because it means that the few gifts I get, or at least the ones I give, are actually going to have a purpose. Partly because I’m too lazy to physically go and do something to help other people, and partly because it makes me feel like I’m giving two gifts per person when I’m actually just giving one, this year, maybe for the first time ever, my shopping list is going to make up in moral value what it lacks in monetary value. Want to join me in winning some extra points for good-heartedness—without resorting to TOMS shoes and/or LIVESTRONG bracelets (which, let’s be honest, is sometimes difficult)? Check it out.
T-SHIRTS AND TOTE BAGS
T-shirts and tote bags are perhaps two of the most quintessential displays of having a social conscience that exist. Plus, they sound like they were made to go together… It’s the alliteration, I suppose. They’re cheap—usually—and very publicly announce their wearer’s generosity. The New York Times recently ran an article on how cheap, and even sometimes free, tote bags seem to have replaced thousand-dollar “it” bags as status symbols. Nice.
FEED USA bag, $39
“Each FEED USA Bag sold includes a $5 donation to the FEED Foundation's FEED USA program to improve school food and nutrition education in America through DonorsChoose.org.”
*FEED Shop also sells T-shirts, scarves, candles, beaded and friendship bracelets, and really awesome teddy bears… So basically, all relatively common charity products.
RxArt t-shirt, $20
100% of proceeds go to RxArt, “a non-profit organization dedicated to placing original fine art in patient, procedure and examination rooms fo healthcare facilities… to improve otherwise sterile environments through contemporary art, promote healing, and inspire hope in patients, families, and staff.”
*RxArt Store also sells puzzles by Dan Colen, Yayoi Kusama, and Terry Richardson, plus a really, impressively intricate coloring book called Between the Lines.
Baggu x Moicun bag, $12
Baggu “makes simple, high quality bags in many bright colors. They’re durable and fill many uses so you can own less stuff.”
*Baggu sells reuseable nylon shopping bags and backpacks, natural-milled leather shopping bags and pouches, and 100% recycled cotton backpacks, duck bags, and zipper bags. Did I mention the gold leather grocery bag? Yes, please.
Jedidiah t-shirt, $26
“Each season, Jedidiah partners with a distinctive and effective non-profit organization to raise money and awareness for life-changing causes.” Proceeds from this shirt will benefit StandUp for Kids, "a national non-profit whose mission is to improve the lives of homeless teenagers and at risk youth.”
*Jedidiah also sells other men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. But mainly, their t-shirts are the bomb.
Wayúu Taya Susu woven bag, $180
The Wayúu Taya Foundation is “a 501(c)3 non governmental, nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to help improve the lives of Latin-American indigenous communities while maintaining and respecting their traditions, culture and beliefs.”
*The Wayúu Taya Gift Shop sells bags that “are hand-made by Wayuú indigenous women at Shukumajaya, the foundation's women center that helps educate women on parenting and nutrition, family planning and hygiene.” They also sell Judith Kuperman jewelry and original illustrated holiday cards.
Edun t-shirt, $35
Edun was founded (by Bono!) “on a commitment to develop trade with Africa and to encourage others to do the same.” The proceeds of the Live logo t-shirt “will be donated to Concern Worldwide US to support Horn of Africa drought relief efforts.”
*Edun also sells other men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. It’s generally pricy, but the Fall collection is 50% off right now!
First World Trash bag, $36
First World Trash bags “are individually handmade almost entirely from recycled materials… created from used seatbelts and vinyl billboards… designed for durability in an urban environment.”
*First World Trash sells all sorts of bags—totes, messengers, makeup, duffle, and even iPad and laptop sleeves. Oh yeah, and earrings made of PBR bottle caps. How perfect.
Apolis t-shirt, $48
Apolis “is a living and breathing social enterprise that equips and empowers people through opportunity instead of charity. Apolis co-creates products with manufacturers and directly allows the market to determine the future of each item... It is a hands-on model to provide people access to opportunity.”
*Apolis sells menswear and men’s accessories exclusively. I would totally buy their t-shirts and luggage for the men in my life (read: my dad). However, I’d also totally wear their t-shirts and carry their luggage myself.
Okay, moving on to bigger and better things.
ACCESSORIES! (It’s just more fun with an exclamation mark)
Shwood x Pendleton sunglasses, $210
Shwood, “launched in 2009, handcrafts sunglass frames from sustainably harvested, natural woods found in Northwest forests” of the United States.
*Shwood sells sunglasses. Obviously.
WeWOOD watch, $119
WeWOOD’s uses mostly scrap, 100% natural wood. “The goal is to help restore Mother Nature, one watch at a time, by planting a tree for every WeWOOD purchased.”
*WeWOOD sells watches. Again, obviously.
Falling Whistles necklace, $44
Falling Whistles started as “a journal written about boys sent to the frontlines of war armed with only a whistle… The Falling Whistles campaign launched with a simple response – make their weapon your voice and be a whistleblower for peace in Congo. Read the story and buy the whistle… [The company partners] with local leaders to advocate and rehabilitate for those affected by war.”
*Falling Whistles sells whistle necklaces ranging from $34 for the original to $498 for the exclusive DANNIJO Swarovski crystal edition. They also sell pretty awesome posters for $15 each.
A PEACE TREATY earring, $45
“A PEACE TREATY is an evolving collection aimed at creating ethically-produced, artisan-level accessories and apparel for the luxury fashion marketplace… A PEACE TREATY creates employment for skilled artisans working in places of socio-political strife, effectively supporting their technique and craft while elevating their products to the level of high design for an exclusive and international audience… Working with craftspeople in seven selected countries and injecting life and trade back into local economies, A PEACE TREATY also assists artisans to compete in the global economy.”
*A PEACE TREATY also sells 100% cashmere scarves.
Senhoa x Coco Rocha necklace, $165
“Senhoa supports victims of human trafficking by providing income-generating opportunities, social reintegration and programs for self-empowerment.”
*Senhoa sells necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets—which is my next topic.
Bracelets are sort of like tote bags and t-shirts in the world of non-profit organizations. They can be cheap or super expensive, they can be unisex or gender-specific, but they’re usually cool and pretty much always there for the taking—or purchasing, rather.
SAME SKY bracelet, $40
“SAME SKY is a fair-trade company whose mission is to empower women worldwide and inspire a movement of women empowering women. Founded in 2008, SAME SKY aims to be a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become entrepreneurs and lead self-sustaining lives.”
*SAME SKY also sells glass bead bracelets and necklaces. The fabric wrap bracelets (pictured above) come in long and short… Go for the long.
Invisible Children bracelet, $20
Invisible Children has this to say about themselves: “As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change… All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.”
*Invisible Children also sells documentaries (which they’re known for), t-shirts, and other jewelry and tote bags made in Africa. The purchaser of the Gray Rescue bracelets and DVD combination (pictured above) is urged to “wear the gray bracelet to remember the child soldier. Give the second bracelet away when you share the story.” They have this engraved rose gold bracelet… If anyone buying me a present was wondering…
peaceBOMB 3 bangle set, $38
peaceBOMB, “developed through the collaboration of spoon makers, the RISE Project, and ARTICLE 22, a social enterprise that supports sustainable development through design thinking,… helps support artisan families, the community development fund, and clearance of unexploded ordnance from Lao land.”
*peaceBOMB sells plain and engraved bangles, leather wrap bracelets, necklaces, cuff links, and spoon accessories all made of scrap war metal. The 3 bangle set (pictured above) comes with a handwoven, organic cotton drawstring bag and story card. The purchase will help clear 9 meters of bomb littered land in Laos.
Pura Vida bracelet, $5
“Pura Vida is now able to fully support the food, clothing, and shelter of 15 talented artisans… Pura Vida is also a member of One Percent for the Planet and donates a portion of its proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation, which is a grassroots foundation dedicated to cleaning up beaches and oceans around the world.”
*Pura Vida sells bracelets. A lot of bracelets… In, like, a bajillion colors.
Braced-Lets 3 bracelet set, $12
“Braced-Lets are fun, durable and wearable stretchy bracelets for all ages, crafted entirely out of brand new, authentic orthodontic materials.”
*Braced-Lets sells bracelets and bracelets only. But $2 of each of the PoP Exclusive Tri-Pack (pictured above) will go to Pencils of Promise in order to build a high school in Nicaragua. Plus, it’s a good way to make nerds with braces not feel so bad about their nerdy braces.
FRIENDS Lucy bracelet, $37
The FRIENDS Association for Children “serves over 3,500 low and moderate income residents in Richmond, Virginia each year with subsidized services… The key to FRIENDS survival and growth are its partnerships with United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Better Housing Coalition, and numerous private foundations.”
*FRIENDS sells the Lucy bracelet in order to “raise dollars needed each year to cover the gap between client fees and operating costs.”
BEAUTY (This includes you too, boys)
Lush gorilla Olive Branch perfume, $29.95
Lush hand-makes “effective products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics… using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made. [Lush buys] ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals.” Basically, from philanthropy, to environmentalism, to fair trade—they’ve covered all the bases of good-doing.
*Lush sells myriad hair, skin, bath and shower products, including shaving cream and other nice things that aren’t way too girly for boys. Plus, they have this Golden Ticket Charlie-in-the-Chocolate-Factory type thing going on. So, yeah.
Leap Organics 3 soap gift set, $15
Leap Organics is similar to Lush in that it’s mission is hard to compress into one quote. They’ve got more credentials than the federal government (wait…) and extensive explanations of each one on their website.
*Leap Organics sells a limited selection of bar soaps and facial skincare, all of which are accompanied by seriously awesome labels or boxes.
Kiehl’s x Jeff Koons crème de corps, $29
Kiehl’s uses “the finest naturally-derived ingredients… and recyclable packaging… Kiehl’s is proud to call more than 100 local communities home around the world… Kiehl’s is engaged in three charitable initiatives, both locally and globally: AIDS education, prevention, and research; protecting and nurturing the environment; and children’s well-being.”
*Kiehl’s sells a variety of men’s and women’s skin, hair, and body products. “Kiehl’s will donate 100% of net proceeds from this collection ($200,000), to The Koons Family Institute on International Law and Policy, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).”
Pacific Shaving Company shaving gift set, $30.99
Pacific Shaving Company creates shaving products that are good for the skin, good for the wallet and good for the earth… made from a unique blend of natural, safe and organic ingredients… [using] sustainable business practices and environmentally responsible manufacturing… in the USA.”
*Pacific Shaving Company sells men’s shaving products. Right now, they’re offering free shipping on orders over $20 and every time you purchase PSC products in-store from a local retailer, you qualify for a buy-2-get-1 free deal.
HOME
Glassbaby drinker, $55
Glassybaby donates “hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities dedicated to health, healing and quality of life, thereby helping to provide a safety net to those in need.”
*Glassybaby sells hand blown candleholders and drinking glasses. “10% of each drinker will be donated to the Seattle Division of V.A. Puget Sound to support veterans battling cancer."
UncommonGoods vase, $65
UncommonGoods donates “a portion of each order to your choice of non-profit organizations: American Forests, AmeriCares, City Harvest, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).”
*UncommonGoods sells a little bit of everything. Browse by filter “handmade” or “recycled” for super guiltless gifts—including one or two for yourself? Maybe?
RvaPillowWorks pillow on Etsy, $15
I’m assuming we all know about Etsy. But in case you don’t, Etsy is an online marketplace that is “bringing heart to commerce and making the world more fair, more sustainable, and more fun.”
*Etsy is like Ebay, except better. Shop local by browsing items in Richmond, VA. Then add on the “handmade” filter and BOOM! Instant good karma.
Pendleton American Indian College Fund blanket, $95
Pendleton, a family-owned American brand for over 100 years, has a history of helping “nonprofit organizations – locally and globally – earn much needed funds to support their efforts.”
*Pendleton sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. But they’re famous for their wool blankets. “When you purchase an American Indian College Fund Blanket, a portion of the proceeds goes to help tribal colleges.”
FOOD
Really, there are just so many local, genuinely good food options in Richmond that I shouldn’t even have this section. Just head to Ellwood Thompson’s, or Good Foods Grocery, or basically anywhere in RVA that isn’t a giant corporate chain, snag a $25 gift certificate, and call it a day knowing you’ve done something good for our community. But just in case you feel like a gift card won’t cut it, here are a few other solutions for the foodies in your family.
Dominion Harvest box, $37
“Dominion Harvest strives to make local produce more accessible to the community of Richmond… utilizing every resource we have to help our environment, protect our farmers and make Richmond healthier.” Dominion Harvest delivers boxes of food from mostly sustainable, often organic farms within a 100 mile radius of Richmond either weekly or bi-weekly from May through December.
*Dominion Harvest sells four box combinations of produce, eggs, cheese, bread, and meat ranging from $37/box to $67/box. The Cardinal Box (pictured above) includes 7-8 types of produce, eggs, and cheese. We get it at my house and believe me, it’s always chilled and fresh, the eggs are never broken, and the delivery guys are pretty much the nicest people I’ve ever met.
Dancing Deer gingerbread cookie tin, $26.99
Dancing Deer Baking Co. makes “a perishable product without artificial preservatives… all natural, baked from scratch, and Kosher.” The company makes decisions in “packaging, production, and facilities management that are friendly to the environment.”
*Dancing Deer makes all sorts of delicious treats. When you buy a product from the Sweet Home line of gourmet baked goods, DDC donates “35% of the retail price to scholarship programs through One Family Inc to help homeless and at risk mothers further their education.”
(PRODUCT) RED x Belvedere vodka, $59.95
(PRODUCT) RED has partnered with some of the world’s top brands to offer “hundreds of products available in more than 70 countries,” whose proceeds go to The Global Fund, the world's leading financer of programs to fight AIDS, TB and malaria.”
*You can purchase the (PRODUCT) RED special edition Belvedere bottle of vodka from VA ABC stores or order it in select restaurants. “50% of Belvedere’s profits from the bottle will be contributed to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS.” Just remember to drink responsibly… Or something like that.
Women’s Bean Project chili and cornbread gift box, $15
Based in Denver, Colorado, “The Women's Bean Project is a social enterprise that offers a transitional job in gourmet food manufacturing designed to provide immediate income, arrange support services to overcome barriers to employment, and teach the job readiness skills needed to get and keep a job. Program participants come from backgrounds of chronic unemployment and poverty, and the program helps them develop the work and interpersonal skills needed to function independently in the workplace and community.”
*Women’s Bean Project also sells jewelry, but the cornbread looks like it tastes better than the earrings…
Okay, I hope not, but I have a feeling I’m really pushing my luck with holding your attention by now. So, for the rest of the post, I’ll just list.
OTHER SHOPPING WEBSITES THAT WON’T LEAVE YOU FEELING COMPLETELY SELFISH, MATERIALISTIC, AND/OR GUILTY
purecitizen.com (like the benevolent version of Gilt Groupe)
communitycollection.com (exclusive designer collections; 20% goes to charity)
sevenly.org (charity of the week = t-shirt of the week; need I say more?)
worldofgood.ebay.com / ebaygivingworks.com / celebrity.ebay.com (like the benevolent versions of itself)
ethicalocean.com (like the benevolent versions of Ebay mentioned above)
getmilkshake.com (good products, good practices, good people)
greatergood.com (hunger, breast cancer, veterans, autism, children’s health, literacy, rain forest preservation—you pick the cause, your shopping cart helps it)
giftback.com / givesthatgive.com (portions of every purchase go to a charity of your choice)
globalgoodspartners.org / serrv.org (fair trade, handmade, global shopping)
OTHER GIFT OPTIONS THAT WON’T BE AS FUN FOR THE DIRECT RECIPIENT, BUT WILL PROBABLY DO MORE ACTUAL GOOD FOR THE WORLD
greenpop.org (you buy trees, they plant them and send you a card saying you bought trees)
feedingamerica.org (you buy food, they give it to people who need it and send you a card saying you bought food)
heifer.org (you buy animals—chickens, goats, cows, honey bees, etc.—they give them to people who need them and send you a card saying you bought animals)
oxfamamericaunwrapped.com / changingthepresent.org / gifts.rescue.org (from school uniforms, to farm land irrigation, to sea otter adoption, you pick the gift, they give it and send you a card saying you bought it)
microplace.com (invest without fees in a business, earn your money back plus interest when the business succeeds)
Deep breath. I know that’s a lot to take in. Truth be told, after 22 years of doing pretty much nothing for anyone besides myself, I got a little overzealous once I started researching all this eco-ethi-entre charity stuff. I wasn’t planning on finding so much that is so good for the world and that is not also tie-dyed or crocheted hippie-wannabe wear! And, you guys, it’s almost Christmas. I know you aren’t done with/haven’t started your shopping yet (are you? Please say no…), so get out there/get online and get it done right! It’s a win-win: Give and give again—but only pay once. If all else fails, you can always just blow all your cash on this and call it the newest family heirloom:
Beastie Boys collector’s action figure set, $750
The proceeds will be split between the Pablove Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand, “two charitable organizations that work with kids with cancer.” And just in case you were worried about spending $750 on three Barbie dolls, don’t be: the action figures come in a metal box dressed in button down shirts, pants, and shoes, but also include three of the following: doll stands, white jump suits (thank God), pairs of safety goggles, pairs of work boots, safety vests, belts, Japanese decal stickers, and extra hand attachments. Also, you get the 2-disc deluxe version of the Beastie Boys Anthology: The Sounds of Science.
I wouldn’t recommend it, but all of us get desperate sometimes…
*The Beastie Boys also sell t-shirts, posters, and really good music. Maybe—probably—pick one of these things that don’t cost a month’s rent.
That is all. Godspeed, holiday shoppers.