Gifts That Give Back
During the holidays, our collective consumerism can reach a fever pitch and prompt some very real self-reflection. With this in mind, we encourage readers who have the bandwidth and budget to donate time or money—at any time of the year—to local mutual aid initiatives or larger organizations like The Loveland Foundation, The Trevor Project, Last Prisoner Project, Everytown, Kiva, RAICES and more. Sometimes, though, you can buy a present that a loved one will adore and give to an important cause at the same time. With art, accessories, apparel, food, skincare products, jewelry and much more, our Gifts That Give Back guide overflows with ideas that will have far-reaching, positive effects.
Hero image For The Birds LP 3, cover art by Simone Shubuck, courtesy of the Audubon Society
Dried Cacao Fruit Chews
Dried Cacao Fruit Chews
We haven’t been this excited about a rarely used plant byproduct since coffee flour—flour made from the fruit of the coffee cherry that covers the bean. What’s so similar with Holy Cacao’s Dried Cacao fruit chews is the similarity in using the fruit of a plant that is otherwise a waste product. Both coffee and cacao are grown in similar climates / locations, and both are nearly always processed on site. Like the coffee cherry’s fruit, the fruit inside of the cacao pods that surround its seeds is rarely used as a food source for animals or humans, mostly because it must be handled as the seeds are removed; it’s not easy to work with, and it spoils quickly. Holy Cacao turns it into a dehydrated fruit leather, cut neatly into small squares. The dried cacao fruit chews are tasty, tangy, full of energy, flavor, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Price is for the 1lb bag. Smaller and larger bags are available, and it comes in natural and sour lemon flavors.
This product is sold by Holy Cacao
Mountain Gazette’s When in Doubt Merch Collection Benefitting the National Parks Foundation
Mountain Gazette’s When in Doubt Merch Collection Benefitting the National Parks Foundation
Mountain Gazette is one of our favorite print magazines, and they’ve just launched a collection of merch featuring an illustration by The Dead Dirtbag along with the magazine’s motto, “When In Doubt, Go Higher.” The collection includes a t-shirt and sweatshirt in several colors, a sticker, a print, a poster, and a mug. A percentage of each item’s cost is donated to the National Parks Foundation. Prices range from $6 for a sticker to $99 for a framed print. And if you’re feeling extra generous you can also make a donation directly to the NPF.
This product is sold by Mountain Gazette
Bamford California B80 Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Limited Edition
Bamford California B80 Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Limited Edition
Bamford London has released a 50 piece limited edition watch with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu. In addition to the Club’s regular efforts, they have been helping support their community during this very difficult time with access to temporary housing, personal care products, emergency grants and access to mental health services. The 39mm B80 watch features a black titanium case, a 25 jewel Sellita SW-300-1 automatic movement with a 56 hour energy reserve, sapphire crystal, and a fabric band. The dial has all 12 numbers in a playful range of sizes on a gradient background, and the bezel is red with white markers.
This product is sold by Bamford London
Away With The Tides Umbrella By Calida Rawles
Away With The Tides Umbrella By Calida Rawles
If you have the opportunity to see Calida Rawles’s Away With The Tides show at the Pérez Art Museum Miami before it closes 2 February 2025 it’s well worth seeing in person. The seminal work celebrates residents of Overtown, one of Miami’s historically black neighborhoods near the museum, who are experiencing the ocean for the first time at the historic Virginia Key Beach nearby. The now-closed beach was the first “official colored only” beach in Miami and a much loved location for decades. This umbrella features one of the installation’s most powerful images, and ironically protects you from the rain while celebrating the joy of being submerged in water. The umbrella is 34″ high and 36.5″ in diameter when open. The show’s catalog is both a great companion to the umbrella as well as a must-have coffee table book or addition to your library.
This product is sold by PAMM Shop
Limited Edition Candle by Dilo (and other items) for Lexus in Design
Limited Edition Candle by Dilo (and other items) for Lexus in Design
Lexus has presented in Miami for art and design week for years, and this year its installation includes a limited edition capsule collection of items that you can purchase, with all proceeds going to ICA Miami. Dilo created a fragrance and a candle, featuring blood orange, bergamot, cedar, moss, amber and fir, connecting to the brand’s beliefs in sustainability, progress and personalized luxury. The candle uses US-grown soy wax, non-phthalate ingredients and clean-burning cotton wicks. Other items, many one-of-akind, are also available in the collection.
These products are sold by ICA Miami
Stoneware Dog Bowl by Helen Levi
Stoneware Dog Bowl by Helen Levi
This limited edition stoneware dog bowl is a collaboration between ceramicist Helen Levi and Kismet, a new pet food company. A donation to Project Street Vet and Paws for Life is made for each purchase.The bowl is also available in a larger size, along with a matching mug for pet parents.
This product is sold by Kismet
Hand Knit Star Hat
Hand Knit Star Hat
This playful, abstract star pattern hat is hand knit with upcycled yarn in Peru by local artisans. Available in three colors, it will keep you warm while supporting the local community. It measures 10″ wide when measured flat, 8″ tall when measured with the fold, and unfolded is 12″ tall.
This product is sold by Degen
Todd Snyder + Navot Miller Artist Series Terry Beach Towel
Todd Snyder + Navot Miller Artist Series Terry Beach Towel
All proceeds from Todd Snyder’s newest Artist Series collection with Navot Miller go to Visual AIDS, a not for profit that “uses art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy, because AIDS is not over.” Navot’s colorful collection appears on several products. This extra large terry towel is based on his work “French Boys in Deià” and brightens up any beach, park or pool for you and a friend.
This product is sold by Todd Snyder
Tomato Vine Candle
Tomato Vine Candle
This garden-inspired candle gives the summer feels we’re vibing, with a mix of tomato, citrus and earthy green scents that hit just right. Handmade in the USA, its coconut and apricot wax blend burns smoke free. It features a wick made from renewable fibers, a reusable glass jar, and each purchase sends 5% to support the Trust for Public Land.
This product is sold by Outdoor Fellow
Socks That Protect Sloths
Socks That Protect Sloths
Conscious Step creates socks, hoodies and candles that feature illustrations of a range causes—from protecting Sloths to building homes, planting trees and saving rainforests, providing meals to those in need, and many others. A donation is made for each item purchased, one small way for you to subtly share concern about our world and the many ways in which we can help make a difference, however small it may seem. Purchasing a pair of these socks sends $1 to Conservation International. Kids and toddler sizes, , footies and more are also available.
This product is sold by Conscious Step
Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC’s Asian Communities
Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC’s Asian Communities
More than a recipe book, Made Here: Recipes & Reflections From NYC’s Asian Communities is a love letter to the chefs, bakers and food vendors that make food in 43 Asian eateries across NYC. Packed with essays that give context to dishes, interviews, illustrations and more, the cookbook spans cuisines and regions. Learn how to make Thai Diner’s som tum, Pecking House’s dirty fried rice, Awang Kitchen’s tahu gejrot, Kuih Cafe’s pulut inti Kuih Cafe, and more. Best of all, 100% of net proceeds go to Send Chinatown Love’s community-focused projects.
This product is sold by Send Chinatown Love
Piruwa Kettle
Piruwa Kettle
Honoring 65,000 years of Australian culture, Breville has worked with Alison Page—a Wadi Wadi and Walbanga woman of the Yuin nation and founder of the National Aboriginal Design Agency—to create the Aboriginal Culinary Journey collection. Four different artists created original works for the collection; they each own the copyright to their works and receive royalties from the sale of the products. Further, Breville is donating 100% of the profits from this collection to be split between the National Indigenous Culinary Institute and an Indigenous scholarship fund at the University of Technology Sydney. A total of 10,000 units were produced with the goal to raise AUD$1,000,000. Shown here is the Piruwa Kettle by Yalti Napangati.
This product is sold by Breville
2021 The Alright Fight Club Wine
2021 The Alright Fight Club Wine
This white blend from Tank Garage combines Grüner Veltliner with Chenin Blanc, making for a bright wine with hints of citrus, lemongrass and pear. Perfect for summery meals, it’s refreshing and crowd-pleasing. Best of all, proceeds from sales go to The Jed Foundation and Winston’s Wish—organizations that focus on children’s mental health.
This product is sold by Tank Garage
Table of Contents Community Cookbook
Table of Contents Community Cookbook
Table of Contents is a food, literature, arts and culture project from chef Evan Hanczor. The Table of Contents Community Cookbook features recipes and other works by 36 writers (including Alexander Chee, Carmen Maria Machado, Nafissa Thompson-Spires and Kaitlyn Greenidge), along with illustrations from more than 18 artists. In addition to being a diverse selection of recipes, the book is a way to give back to the community, with all proceeds going to Food Issues Group (FIG), a grassroots collective working toward an equitable and sustainable food system in New York.
This product is sold by Table of Contents
“Our Bodies Deserve Respect” Tote
“Our Bodies Deserve Respect” Tote
Embellished with a design by visual artist and trans activist Xavier Schipani, the “Our Bodies Deserve Respect” Tote is part of a collection of apparel and accessories from Noise For Now—a non-profit focused on reproductive justice and healthcare. The organization keeps 10% of proceeds from sales (in order to cover operations) and the other 90% goes to Texas Health Action’s Kind Clinic as well as other independent abortion centers.
This product is sold by Noise For Now
“cultivate freedom, fund abortion” Sweatshirt
“cultivate freedom, fund abortion” Sweatshirt
The Jane Fund of Central Massachusetts is a non-profit dedicated to funding and supporting access to abortion for the state and beyond. Their ethos “cultivate freedom, fund abortion” adorns this classic sweatshirt (below a floral design). The garment is available in sizes small to 5XL. All proceeds from its sales go directly to the organization to support their critical, life-saving work.
This product is sold by The Jane Fund of Central Massachusetts
Heart Cards
Heart Cards
Visual artist Ifeoma Orjiekwe’s heart-shaped faces adorn the exterior of these greeting cards from Heart n Soul, a visual arts company and non-profit that employs individuals with learning disabilities. Available in sets of two (in red or blue and orange), each card has a blank interior and comes with an envelope. Price is in Pounds.
This product is sold by Heart N Soul
“FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR” Knit Socks
“FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR” Knit Socks
Sky High Farm Workwear is a clever “food-to-fashion” collection from Sky High Farm, a New York-based non-profit that grows fresh produce to donate. Led by artist Dan Colen, the apparel’s visual language mirrors the farm’s ethos: it’s playful, functional and a reminder to be benevolent. Thus, their take on classic, mid-calf socks features “FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR” on the side. Cozy and durable, these socks benefit the non-profit.
This product is sold by Sky High Farm
Blue Dogs Tea Towel
Blue Dogs Tea Towel
An ode to canine companions, this 100% cotton Blue Dogs Tea Towel features dog illustrations by artists who are part ARTHOUSE Unlimited, a UK-based non-profit that represents creatives who are neuro-diverse and/or have physical support needs. Each artist drew a pet’s portrait in blue pencil, creating a delightful print of all types of dogs. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the charming but practical product go back to the charity. Price is in Pounds.
This product is sold by Arthouse Unlimited
Abolish Prisons Shirt
Abolish Prisons Shirt
From Small Spells (the company helmed by artist, reiki healer and tarot card reader, Rachel Howe), this “Abolish Prisons” T-shirt has been solar-dyed by LA-based Jennifer Parry Dodge, who forages eucalyptus, Japanese alder cones and logwood for the process. Each shirt is unique, thanks to this natural method, so colors and patterns will vary from indigo to purple to gray. Additionally, 50% of the proceeds from sales of each garment will be donated to the National Bail Out collective.
This product is sold by Small Spells
Taste and Place: The Design Hotels Book
Taste and Place: The Design Hotels Book
Travel is intrinsically linked with food, and this new book from Design Hotels explores and celebrates the culinary offerings and practices at properties including Jamaica’s Rockhouse, Italy’s Rastrello, Mexico’s Círculo Mexicano and Japan’s Satoyama Jujo. Through images and words by photographers, chefs and culinary experts and writers, Taste and Place traces terroir to table settings, tradition, sustainability and beyond. The company has also promised to donate a portion of the proceeds to humanitarian aid organizations that were suggested by their two Ukrainian member hotels: 11 Mirrors and Bursa Hotel. Price is in Euros.
This product is sold by Design Hotels
Eat More Baseball Cap
Eat More Baseball Cap
Phillip Lim and Panda Express partnered on a capsule collection of merch that benefits six organizations (Heart of Dinner, More Than a Meal (via Feed Forward), OCA-Greater Houston, Radical Family Farms, Respect Your Elders (Mama’s Drive-by Kitchen) and Welcome to Chinatown) that fight food insecurity within the AAPI community. From the three-piece collection, the “Eat More” baseball cap has been embroidered with the words “eat with us” on the front, and “eat more, share more, love more” at the back. With a buckle closure for adjusting the size, the six-panel cap is made from 100% cotton. All proceeds from sales of the cap are donated to the aforementioned organizations.
This product is sold by 3.1 Phillip Lim + Panda Express
Macaroni Necklace
Macaroni Necklace
Crafted with hand-painted sand-cast beads—antique African trade beads made by turning glass into powder, a process that originated with the Krobo tribe in Ghana in the 1800s—each of SVNR’s Macaroni Necklaces is one of a kind. The beads are threaded on 38-inch raffia but can be restrung on metallic cord for extra durability. All proceeds from sales go to Build Black Bed-Stuy, an organization fighting to preserve the historically Black community in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
This product is sold by SVNR
Brooklyn Tote
Brooklyn Tote
West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid and Gowanus Mutual Aid partnered with GrowNYC to create a community-supported agriculture program that provides fresh produce to those in Brooklyn who need it. This tote, featuring a logo of the borough designed by Brooklyn-based artist Jessie Smith, supports the initiative, with each purchase funding one week of food for a family.
This product is sold by West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid
OYA Pour Over Set
OYA Pour Over Set
Made by the staff of POT—a ceramics studio in LA that prioritizes people of color, adult beginners and the LGBTQ+ community—this pink pour-over set is full of levity, featuring a speckled design and a wacky frowny face with eyes made of stars. 100% of the proceeds from purchases of this set go to OYA Studio-Museum in Philadelphia to help Black ceramicists make and acquire art.
This product is sold by POT
