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18 Gifts That Keep on Giving

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

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If the act of gift giving is your love language, but you’re painfully aware that your friend who told you they “don’t want anything” actually means it, why not gift them something that benefits a cause they care about? Nowadays, brands are making products that are not only highly covetable in their own right and double as great gifts, but give back, too. A moisturizer that will combat dry winter skin is always welcome, but it’s even better when proceeds go toward education.

From sweatpants helping to plant trees to a bandana supporting abortion rights, we rounded up the best gifts that give back this year (and we’ll continue to add to this list as the holiday season gets closer).

To Support Abortion Rights

A green bandana has become a symbol of abortion rights. Taking after the pro-abortion activist efforts in Argentina, the color has since signified the fight for abortion access. To support that fight, Oui the People has released the
Green Bandana Project, 100 percent of the proceeds of which will be donated to the Whole Woman’s Health Alliance, a nonprofit committed to providing reproductive care for their patients, including abortions.

For the Foodie

Material Kitchen The reBoard
$28
$28
Photo: Courtesy of vendor

A best seller when it comes to kitchen gear, these colorful cutting boards are BPA-free and made entirely of kitchen-plastic scraps and renewable sugarcane. Plus, 50 percent of the profits from the boards goes to Heart of Dinner, which is a local organization that delivers care packages of hot lunches and fresh produce every Wednesday to Asian elders in NYC.

$28 at Material
Buy
with code: STRATBDAY

To Support Female Artisans

This resortwear brand donates 5 percent of all proceeds to help woman artisans in Africa — who hand-weave caftans like this one — gain better access to health care, job opportunities, and responsible production. Aside from caftans, Lemlem also offers vacation-ready dresses, swimsuits, accessories, and more.

To Help Fight Child Hunger

A slouchy sling bag is on everyone’s wish list heading into the fall and winter months. Not only is this one done in a cool khaki suede, it supports a good cause — FEED has given over 100 million meals and counting to children around the world.

If You Want to Support a Variety of Causes

This brand is appropriately named, as it distributes 90 percent of profits every year — 80 percent to charitable causes (two environmental charities; three charities focused on positive social impact) and 10 percent to the people who make the collections. All of the Ninety Percent designs are classic and elegant, but this wrap dress that has a cascading drape and cinched- waist belt is a standout.

To Support Breast-Cancer Research

This beautifully packaged gift set features four varieties of healing tea and brews 80-plus cups. For each collection sold, $3 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

To Aid Incarcerated Women

Consider this iconic tee for your friend who isn’t shy about their recreational smoking habits. Fifteen percent of the profits from this bag is donated to the Women’s Prison Association, which works to empower women in the face of injustice and incarceration.

To Support the LGBTQ+ Community

Not only are these rainbow towels adorable and well-made, but they support the LGBTQ+ community. Fifty percent of each purchase goes to the Trevor Project, the world’s largest provider of crisis intervention and suicide-prevention services for LGBTQ + youth.

For Your Most Fashionable Friend

Australian brand Emma Pills is known for its colorful jewelry. However, Pills is also dedicated to donating 50 percent of net proceeds from every sale of its Pink OG Earrings to the Breast Cancer Research Center, which funds the research for a cure. Her mother was one of the first women in Australia to receive a prophylactic double mastectomy, so the cause hits close to home.

For Your Friend Whose Uniform Is a Tee and Jeans

Launched by Everlane amid the civil divisions following the 2016 election, 100 Percent Human is made to be worn and advocate for the human rights of all, and 10 percent of the proceeds go to the ACLU, which fights to protect our fundamental freedoms.

For Your Friend Who’s Always Cold

As fan-favorite brand for blanket lovers (including Selena Gomez), Barefoot Dreams is the gift to give. This year, it is donating 15 percent of the retail price of every RED blanket purchased to the Global Fund, which finances HIV/AIDS programs, with a minimum donation of $100,000.

For Your Friend Who’s Into Self-Care

When it comes to giving back, Lush is doing it right. One hundred percent of the purchase price of each charity pot (minus the taxes) goes to grassroots organizations that support environmental justice and animal welfare. Plus, this lotion smells sooo good!

To Support the Brooklyn Community

Sustainable and Brooklyn-based self-care brand Klei donates 10 percent of all online sales to two local causes. The first is the Brooklyn Community Foundation, which is the only public foundation dedicated to Brooklyn’s charitable community, and the second is the Environmental Defense Fund, whose mission is to preserve the environment. Whether you’re a Brooklyn resident looking to give back or wanting to support more smaller brands, this set from Klei will not disappoint.

For Your Activist Friend

Philadelphia Printworks makes an array of clothing that has slogans and designs to support movements. Plus, with the revenue of its shirts, it supports local and national organizations doing work in the areas of food security, police brutality, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, mass incarceration, and more.

For the Dog Lover

Not only is this handmade leash cute, it’s extremely functional. Part of all the proceeds from its sales go to support animal welfare and rescue organizations. A whole section of the website is dedicated to helping facilitate direct pet adoptions.

To Reduce the Stigma About Mental Health

Each month, the L.A.-based brand Project Social T donates 5 percent of its sales, with a minimum donation of $5,000, to different charities. It’s currently supporting Hope for the Day, an organization dedicated to breaking down the stigma around mental health and suicide. Not only can you support a great cause, but you can get some of the cutest clothes on the market, like this ribbed tank.

For a Mani That Does Good

J.Hannah is all about cruelty-free, nontoxic nail polish that doesn’t give up any quality when it comes to the color. All the profits from every purchase of the brand’s subtle Dune shade go to Los Angeles’s Downtown Women’s Center, which helps unhoused women in the area.

For the Egg Lover in Your Life

This handcrafted sterling-silver ring shaped like an egg isn’t just cute but helps eggs of all kind. Ten percent of all proceeds from this piece is donated to Planned Parenthood.

18 Gifts That Keep on Giving