10 Gifts That Give Back

Give with purpose this season with our top gift picks that affect change around the world. —Rachel Johnston

Me to We Mon Amie Pink Leather Watch: This pretty piece ($125) features crystal indexes, a heart icon at the 12 o’clock and a genuine leather strap. Through Me to We, proceeds go towards prenatal care for vulnerable women in Kenya. Bonus: the organization allows you to keep tabs on your contribution through the Track Your Impact feature on their website.

Ten Thousand Villages Sari Throw: Sewn together by men and women living in the impoverished Nilphamari District of Bangladesh, these beautifully colourful throws ($84) are made from recycled saris. Through the Hajiganj Project, the workers are offered an alternative income to the low wages paid by wealthy landowners.

Ikea Sagoskatt Soft Toy Collection: After receiving thousands of entries from children around the globe, Ikea selected 10 dream-inspired drawings and turned them into stuffed toys ($4 each) including a hippo/crocodile with no teeth, a smiling rainbow cloud and a silly Dachshund with a horn. All of the proceeds from the Sagoskatt collection go toward the Let’s Play for Change Campaign that funds programs that support children’s right to play and develop in the most vulnerable communities.

Obakki Foundation Bidi Bidi Scarf: An accessory with purpose, the Bidi Bidi Scarf ($49) was designed through art created by a group of African women living in the largest refugee camp in Uganda. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be returned to the women, allowing them to pursue business initiatives in agriculture, textiles and trade.

Bootlegger Socks: Keep a special someone cosy this season with a pair of festive slipper socks ($10). For every pair sold, Bootlegger will donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

Plan International Canada Birth Certificate: For thousands of children in Colombia, basic human rights and protection can’t be accessed due to lack of documentation, leaving them exposed to abuse and exploitation. With your donation, Plan International will purchase a gift certificate for a child in need ($25), providing them access to education and healthcare.

Breakfast Club of Canada Jars: Healthy, delicious and oh-so-handy, these jars made by Recettes en Pot ($10) are the perfect gift for your busy friends. For every jar purchased, Breakfast Club of Canada will feed a child in need for one week and Recettes en Pot will donate an additional meal to the local food bank.

Nishi Pearls Second Chance Bracelet: Handcrafted, stackable and featuring freshwater pearls, the Second Chance Bracelet ($40) is an initiative created to empower women who are new to Canada. In partnership with the Fondation Y de La Femme, YWCA Montreal and the Gemology School of Montreal, Nishi Pearls will allocate one hundred percent of the proceeds towards funding specialized training in gemology, providing the women access to long-term employment.

Starbucks #GiveGood Red Cups: When you’re grabbing your next peppermint mocha this season, consider ordering another for a friend, colleague or even your local bus driver. The limited-edition red cups feature a white heart where you can write the name of the deserving recipient, recognizing them for the good they bring to the world.

An Alpaca from World Vision Canada: In addition to being cute and fluffy, these animals are incredibly valuable in the Andes Mountain region. With your donation ($250), World Vision Canada will purchase an alpaca for a family in need, providing them with up to 5 kilos of wool annually which they can make into clothing, rugs and blankets to sell at the local market.