It’s the same every year. You stress about what to get family and friends. What do they need? What do they actually want? Will they like it? And then you think about the gifts that you have received over the years and how many have gone unused or end up being donated. Why not make sure this year that the gifts that you give will keep on giving? As we mentioned in a previous blog , there are plenty of companies and organizations that donate a portion of their proceeds to causes and charities. FirstLantic has some great ideas that will allow you to make a positive social impact and help you feel great about gifting!

 

Support artisans around the world

Branch Out Market is a curated market for social impact. By partnering directly with non-profits and artisans, they bring together products and causes from all over the world. Whether you purchase a one-of-a-kind woven bag or a colorful set of African placemats you are helping to support artisans in some of the poorest parts of the world and allowing them to make a livable wage.

 

Give the gift of nature

For family and friends who love nature, there is no better gift than an “America the Beautiful Pass.” For $80.00, the pass covers the entrance fee for the holder and up to three adults in the same vehicle to all 60 national parks. It’s a win-win! You give a green gift and you help support our national parks in the process.

 

Gift baskets that save lives

Gift baskets are always appreciated and if you fill it with some of the following goodies, this one will be even more special. You can add things like “This Bar Saves Lives” which is a healthy snack bar company that gives life-saving food aid to a child in need. Put in a jar of Justin’s peanut butter which is not only delicious but also pays-it-forward through their hunger relief and global poverty relief efforts. Add in a bottle of wine from ONEHOPE Winery which aims to create exceptional products that allow people to indulge while also doing good. To date they have donated more than $3 million to charity. Finally, don’t forget to throw in an Askionosie chocolate bar (because who doesn’t love chocolate. And the founder, Shawn Askinosie, was recently named by O, The Oprah Magazine, as “One of 14 Guys Who Are Saving the World” by teaching people how strong ethics and business can work hand in hand to make a positive impact.

 

Don’t forget the readers!

And for the readers on your list, why not get them some reading material from a bookstore that actually helps to change the world? Better World Books collects and sells books online which allows them to also donate books and fund literacy initiatives worldwide. With more than 8 million new and used titles in stock, you are sure to find the perfect gift and help others in the process.

 

So, this year instead of buying something that may end up being forgotten or even re-gifted, spend your money on something that will help improve other people’s lives. Give a gift that keeps on giving…

 

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