Stylish gifts that give back this holiday season
In the spirit of true holiday giving, we've compiled a list of stylish and fashionable products that will leave you feeling extra warm and fuzzy this season. So give freely and with joy, because the holidays should be filled with both.
Spread warmth and cheer of this season with gifts that give back!
In the spirit of true holiday giving, we've compiled a list of stylish and fashionable products that when gifted, will leave you feeling extra warm and fuzzy this season. So give freely and with joy, because the holidays should be filled with both.
Give dreams, courage and strength to those who need it
They say each piece of jewelry has its own story. While keys as charms on necklaces are no novel concept, the Giving Keys introduces a unique spin on its products. So different that the keys have been spotted around the necks of celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Ashley Greene and Demi Lovato. The organization, which was founded in 2010 by singer Caitlin Crosby, exists to help the homeless by employing them to engrave recycled keys with messages like COURAGE, HOPE, STRENGTH and DREAM. Once someone purchases an engraved key, the purpose is to then pass it along to someone who needs the encouragement. $35, http:/thegivingkeys.com
Give the gift of sight this season
Two years ago, four Wharton students founded eyewear brand Warby Parker with the mission to change sight - both literally and figuratively. At $95 per pair, Warby Parker offers stylish, high-quality, prescription eyewear – and the opportunity for its customers to give back. For each pair sold, the company partners with non-profits like VisionSpring, to donate a pair to someone in need. Find these unique frames at Art in the Age in Old City, which offers the entire Warby Parker line in its shop, so customers can test and order glasses on the spot. $95, http://warbyparker.com
For the niece, nephew or child in your life
Children's books are a wonderful opportunity to spend time with youngsters and shape them with lessons of love and compassion. Which is why we think Max the Shelter Dog is the perfect addition to your niece, nephew or child's library this holiday season. The adorable picture book tells the story of a lonely pit bull named Max who was surrendered by his owner to an animal shelter. It teaches kids the importance of showing compassion and respect towards animals. And for each book sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to raising awareness for pit bulls, one of the most misunderstood breeds of dogs. $11.95, available at bookstores, http://maxtheshelterdog.com
Cuddle up
Think beyond the traditional Gund or Build-a-Bear as gifts for kids this season with this plush cotton and burlap teddy bear from FEED Projects. The adorable teddy is the result of a partnership between FEED Projects and Teddy Share, and with each one sold, 5 treatments of Plumpy'Nut, a high nutrient paste, will go to children through non-profit Edesia. After all, what better way to convey the important message of kindness, care and charity to a child than through his or her best companion to be? FEED 5 small bear, $35, http://feedprojects.com
FEED and be merry
The teddy bear's cute for kids, but what about grown-ups? What started in 2003 for FEED CEO Lauren Bush Lauren with a simple burlap bag and a powerful concept has turned into a movement inspiring young women everywhere. Introduce friends and family to FEED Project's mission to transform and raise awareness for underdeveloped communities around the world through practical, cool gifts this season. The company boasts a well-rounded collection of gifts including spacious tote bags, beauty kits, greeting cards, and even, chocolates. But we will always love the FEED 1 Bag, which our style editor packs and uses as her gym bag. It's reversible, spacious and sparks conversation. But the best part about it? With each one sold, school meals will be provided to 1 child for 1 year. FEED 1 Bag, $80, http://feedprojects.com
A refreshing gift
780 million people live without access to clean drinking water. 3.4 million people die each year from a water-related disease, and 99 percent of these deaths occur in the developing world. These weren't simply statistics for Scott Harrison, who in response founded Charity: water six years ago. To date, the former club promoter has raised over $40 million funding to fund water projects all over the world. This holiday season, gift stylish cufflinks (below, $110), basic tee shirts inscribed with the word "water" ($25), and even a set of speakers ($199-299) to help support this refreshing cause. http://charitywater.org
Share the music
Music mogul Dr. Dre has made ripples recently after landing the top spot in Forbes' highest-paid musicians in the world list. He has his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones to thank, which allows music lovers to hear music exactly how artists intended for tracks to be heard. This holiday season, Dre would like to share the music through his Solo HD (Product)Red Special Edition headphones found at Apple stores. With each one sold, Beats by Dr. Dre will contribute $5 to the (Product)Red Global Fund. $199, http://apple.com
Donate to help those impacted by Sandy's destruction
The Council of Fashion Designers of America in conjunction with Vogue have created the Fashion for Sandy Relief initiative as an industry fundraiser to benefit those impacted by the hard hitting storm which struck our region in November. The online auction available through luxury bidding site charitybuzz includes some really cool, and pricey, opportunities. Bid on these great gifts: A meet and greet with Manolo Blahnik, lunch with Rachel Zoe and Roger in Beverly Hills, tea with Grace Coddington, and a visit to the creeptastic set of FX's American Horror Story in Los Angeles. CFDA and Vogue Present the Fashion for Sandy Relief Initiative
Buy products to support Breast Cancer Awareness
Although October has passed, the holidays are the perfect time to support family and friends who've been impacted in some form by cancer. We included this trendy and charitable leather tote from Tommy Hilfiger as part of our round-up during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it's the perfect gift for girlfriends, mothers and sisters this season. As part of the legendary designer's sixth year teaming up with Philadelphia-headquartered Breast Health International (BHI), $100 from each purse sold will go to the Fund for Living, a global BHI initiative. Tommy Hilfiger 6th Annual Limited-Edition Handbag for Breast Health International, $298, available at select Tommy Hilfiger stores and online at usa.tommy.com. Also, click here for more BCA gift ideas.