Spread joy in the world and find the best present for the do-gooder in your life with this list of gifts that give back.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Spread joy in the world and find the best present for the do-gooder in your life with this list of gifts that give back.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
The Gabriel & Co. Stronger Together huggies are the perfect everyday earrings. These sterling silver earrings are crafted from two strands of metal wound together to represent the power of humanity. These earrings are gifts that give back and 100% of proceeds from each pair purchased go to Jewelers For Children and its charity partner, the Organization of Autism Research.
Help your lucky recipient start off the day with one of the tastiest gifts that give back: Rescue Roast. It’s a 100% Arabica medium roast that contains notes of caramel, dark chocolate, red currant and toasted pecan in every sip. The brand donates all their profits to a new pet rescue organization every month. Grab this as a gift for any coffee lover you know.
This memory foam travel pillow might be made from recycled plastic bottles, but it’s so buttery soft you’d never know it. Your jet-setting recipient will sleep like a baby thanks to the pillow’s 360-degree head support and chinstrap technology that will keep their head from bobbing around while they sleep. The cherry on top? Cabeau has become a plastic-neutral brand by partnering with Clean Hub, a global nonprofit, to pull 25,000 kilograms of plastic waste out of the ocean annually.
Whether it’s a busy parent whose coffee has gone cold by the time they sit down to drink it or your coworker who always gets called away from their desk, they’ll appreciate this triple-insulated, stainless steel mug. It keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours, and the stay-put bottom ensures it won’t easily tip over. Every purchase helps bring clean water to people in need.
They say that an elephant never forgets. Well, this pair of stuffed elephants is a gift that your loved one will never forget. These plush elephants bring a bit of cheer to any nursery or office. Knowing that 100% of the proceeds go to various organizations that help fight poaching and also provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned and abused elephants will make you feel even better about these adorable gifts that give back.
While a supply of TP might seem like a gag gift at first, these luxuriously soft rolls are as gentle on the environment as they are on the tush. Each three-ply roll has 370 sheets of toilet paper made from 100% bamboo and is safe for septic tanks. The brand donates 50% of profits directly to its charity partners who work in water, hygiene and sanitation and helps millions of people around the world gain access to clean water.
These hand-knit dolls make a sweet gift for new parents. They’re expertly crafted and make a beautiful addition to a baby’s nursery. And once the children are old enough, these heirloom quality dolls make for a lifelong best friend.
They’re available in two different sizes and an array of precious characters from dogs and bears to flamingos and unicorns. And for every doll purchased, the brand donates 10 nutritious meals to hungry children around the world, including right here in the U.S.
It’s impossible to go wrong with practical gifts for men. But this year, don’t give him any old pair of socks. These ankle socks from Bombas are designed for comfort. They’re designed to fit his feet, cradle his foot and have moisture-wicking properties to ensure his feet stay dry and comfortable all day long. And since socks are the number one requested item in homeless shelters, Bombas donates a pair for every pair purchased.
Whether your recipient is a minimalist or a pro at stacking, this 18-karat gold-plated cuff bracelet will make a welcome addition to her jewelry collection. The simple design and pay-it-forward concept encouraged by the brand makes this one of our favorite bracelets. Not only that, but they also partner with Chrysalis, an organization that helps people transition out of homelessness as well as navigate the workforce.
Finding the perfect pair of winter boots is no easy feat, so you’ll score major points when she opens up these suede boots from Beek. This classic style features an all-leather sole that will loosen up and custom form to your feet as you wear them, ensuring that they’ll be a wardrobe staple for years to come. And for every pair of Beek shoes sold, the brand donates the equivalent of five meals for a child in need through the Childhood Hunger Strategy with the Second Harvest Food Bank.
This travel-size blanket isn’t your average throw blanket. Nope. This blanket features a fire-resistant exterior topside material which makes it perfect for cozying up around the campfire, fire pit or fireplace. It also features cape clips for hands-free use to stay wrapped up while toasting marshmallows. Rumpl currently partners with 1% for the Planet, so they give 1% of yearly sales to support their various environmental non-profit members.
Shopping for kids doesn’t mean you have to head straight to the toy aisle of your local store. A pair of soft Sammy + Nat pajamas is a thoughtful and practical gift that won’t get tossed into a pile and forgotten about after a day or two. These hypoallergenic jammies feature 100% Peruvian pima cotton and get softer with every wash.
Not only that but for every pair of pima cotton pajamas sold, Sammy + Nat will donate a onesie to a Bundles of Joy baby. These are certainly some of the cutest gifts that give back. And be sure to check out these cotton pajamas for the adults on your list.
Whether they’re hauling their laptop and files back and forth from the office or packing their essentials for a well-deserved vacation, this canvas tote bag will make their lives infinitely easier. Each year, State Bags allocates a portion of the company’s total revenue towards efforts that help American families and children in the ways they need it most.
New parents will appreciate not having to deal with countless tiny snaps or zippers during those late-night diaper changes. That’s because this buttery soft footie features sewn-in magnets that are easy to open and close.
While the brand has donated over 5,000 Magnetic Me outfits to different hospitals through their Heart to Heart Donation program, they will donate 100% of the profits from this adorable footie to The Children’s Heart Foundation. This is also an excellent gift for a baby shower.
Put a bottle of St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon, which boasts rich notes of ripe black currant, spicy tobacco and cedar, in a pretty basket with some snacks and other affordable trinkets, and voila. You’ve got a beautiful gift for your boss.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has a partnership with Canine Companions, an organization that provides free service dogs to adults, kids and veterans with disabilities. For every bottle of St. Francis Sonoma County or Reserve wine sold, the winery will contribute $1 up to $100,000 annually to the organization.
Arts and crafts lovers of all skill levels will appreciate gifts that give back like this pottery kit. It comes with everything they’ll need to create a one-of-a-kind vase made from air-dried clay, including a mini bouquet of dried flowers to display. The brand donates a percentage of all proceeds to a top nationwide initiative or non-profit organization working to advance the world of mental health.
Tween girls will love having a place to jot down their thoughts, hopes and dreams as they navigate this wild and crazy thing called life. This cool holographic journal is the perfect place to do just that. They’ll have 80 blank sheets of paper to fill in, and this journal is small enough to take with them on the go. And you’ll feel good knowing that for every Yoobi item purchased, the brand will donate a school supply item to a child in need right here in the U.S.
Foodies will be buzzing about this delectable honey gift set for months, and it’s not hard to see why. Four jars of organic honey from Italy come nestled in a beautiful gift box along with a golden spoon and booklet containing chef-curated recipes. Bona Furtuna contributes 1% of all sales to the preservation and restoration of the environment. They’re also active in the local community around their farm in Corleone, Sicily.
Not all olive oils are created equally—some are great gifts that give back! The Pairing includes two bottles of olive oil that have been purposefully harvested in the founder’s family grove in Turkey. The bottle of Early Harvest is perfect for dipping and drizzling while the Mature Harvest is best suited for cooking.
This set is perfect for your favorite home chef to hit all the right notes in the kitchen. The brand is a 1% for the Planet Member, which means at least 1% of their annual revenue goes towards helping the environment.
Sit back, relax and just breathe as you watch stunning patterns unfold in this mesmerizing sand table. There are hundreds of pattern designs to choose from as well as ambient lighting color options to select right from the app. Set your speed or create a custom playlist to further enhance your zen time. For every Drift that is sold, Homedics donates a portion of proceeds to Bring Change to Mind, an organization rooted in ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
Luscious fruit flavors, herbs and botanicals blend with prebiotics and probiotics for an organic mocktail with benefits. This Mocktail Gift Set includes a four-can sampler, a recipe booklet with 10 mocktail (and cocktail) recipes and a three-piece cocktail set with a shaker, jigger and muddler for everything they’ll need to host their next cocktail hour.
This woman-owned business donates 5% of proceeds to causes that empower women and marginalized communities. We’ll cheers to that.
Drift off to dreamland with the help of this quilted weighted blanket. This all-natural, vegan-friendly blanket doesn’t feature synthetic liners or polyester fill. And what makes it truly one of the best weighted blankets is the fact that it’s also made with chemical-free cotton and lab-tested, lead-free glass microbeads, giving it breathability to keep you both cool and cozy year-round.
You’ll also sleep better knowing that the brand donates a portion of profits to Pajama Program. This nonprofit partners with thousands of schools, shelters, group homes and community organizations across the country to provide new books, sleep health education and caring connections so children facing adversity have a comforting bedtime routine and healthy sleep.
Snuggle up on a Sunday morning in this plush waffle robe from Cozy Earth. Made from cotton and bamboo viscose, this luxurious robe features an adjustable tie waist and large front pockets to stash everything from tissues and chapstick to your phone. These pockets even hold a Kindle Paperwhite or other small book you just can’t put down.
Cozy Earth purchases are gifts that give back as each one allows you to choose a nonprofit where 1% of your purchase is donated at no extra cost. Choose to support children, public health, the environment or families with newborns.
Fans of CleanTok are sure to have come across the newest member of the Bissell CrossWave family. The Bissell Hydrosteam not only vacuums and mops at the same time, but it uses steam to tackle the toughest and stickiest of messes. For every Bissell product you buy, you’re helping support the Bissell Foundation which helps save homeless pets. Talk about a fantastic gift for dog lovers.
Wear this necklace by itself or as a stack. Made with 18k Gold Vermeil, this Kendra Scott pendant is a nod to military dog tags, and 20% of proceeds benefit Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members. Have it engraved at no extra cost, making it a truly special necklace to wear every day.
This frame-worthy puzzle is sure to delight anyone who loves a good book. And a good challenge. This 800-piece puzzle comes in a reusable glass jar and includes a tube of puzzle glue, a straight-edge tool to spread the glue and a print of the art to follow. Buy a couple of tough puzzles for a rainy afternoon of visual strategy.
Each Jiggy puzzle features art by an emerging female artist from around the world. These puzzles are gifts that give back as a percentage of every sale goes directly back to the artist behind the design.
Slippers are always a cozy gift idea for moms. These Bobs from Skechers Keepsakes slippers offer a whole new level of comfort thanks to a slip-on style and faux fur lining. The cushioned memory foam footbed offers responsive comfort for even the achiest feet.
For each Bobs purchased, the brand donates to animals in need. They’re among the coziest gifts that give back and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
It’s five o’clock somewhere, so it’s time to mix up some drinks. If you’re ready to play bartender, reach for the Joanna Buchanan Stripey Bee Cocktail Set. It’s beautiful, functional and one of the most exciting gifts that give back. A portion of the profits (10%) is donated to a conservation trust that supports Pollinator Pathway to help save the bees. This golden-hued idea also makes a charming hostess gift.
Each purchase of this special-edition tea tumbler set from The Tea Spot helps bring clean water to one person in need. The set includes a 32-ounce travel tumbler with a tea infuser. Double-walled insulation keeps tea (and other drinks) fresh for hours—hot or cold. Every bottle comes with a 25-serving package of peach-flavored oolong tea, making it a favorite gift for tea lovers.
Rain usually means dreary skies, but the myriad bright colors and patterns of Roma rain boots will make your recipient wish for a downpour. For every pair of galoshes sold by Roma, a donation of a brand-new pair goes to an impoverished child. The popular one-for-one model means every pair sold makes a big impact. To date, Roma has donated over 100,000 rain boots to children in 26 countries, across six continents.
Most people have a collection of hair care and skin care products at home. The problem is what’s left behind is a collection of plastic bottles. The Ethique gift set features concentrated face, hair and body products that last two to five times longer than traditional bottled counterparts.
That’s because they’re delivered in plastic-free bars instead of bottles. Even the sleeves they arrive in are 100% compostable. Plus, the brand gives 20% of its profits to conservation, animal welfare and environmental groups each year. This is one of those amazing gifts that give back more than you’d expect.
There are tons of gifts for book lovers that don’t have to only include more novels for their collection. “Not only is this 500-piece puzzle a fun celebration of banned books,” says Senior Editor Megan Mowery, who suggests completing it on a rainy afternoon between reading sessions, “but it also donates a portion of its proceeds to PEN America, a nonprofit that defends free speech.”
Exercise, desk work, or everyday stress can cause sore back, shoulders or neck. The Papillon back and neck massager, featuring a heated surface and three pressure settings, is a great gift for tension relief.
Marisa Hillman is a professional writer with experience at Reader’s Digest, WE TV, PopSugar, U.S. News & World Report and Gourmet Insider. She has extensive expertise in finding retail and lifestyle products that make great gifts and enhance everyday life, especially for those on a budget. With her keen eye for top products, she offers valuable insights into the best gifts that give back.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
A general rule of thumb is to spend between $15 and $30 for most occasions. However, for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, consider spending between $50 and $100.
A versatile gift for any occasion could be a personalized cutting board, a candle, a back massager or a bottle of wine. These budget-friendly options are simple and pleasing, making them suitable for most recipients.
The most special gift is something meaningful that can be used in everyday life or on special occasions. Consider a wine aerator for the wine enthusiast, a cutting board for the foodie or a closet organizer for someone who recently moved.