Holiday Guide: Gifts That Give Back

The holidays are for giving. As much as I like receiving gifts, I get more pleasure seeing the look on the faces of those who open my presents. You can double that pleasure with gifts with a charitable element.

Here are some of the best beauty and fashion ideas for men and women. Some are personal favorites; others were suggested by fellow influencers on Twitter:

Kiehl’s Greatest Hits Collection $45: Every year, I buy my sister a Kiehl’s product to discourage her from hanging onto old products from the year before. For the holidays, the brand’s Greatest Hits Collection has, obviously, everyone’s favorite products in one box. It’s a great value for diehard fans. Also, 100% of Kiehl’s net profits up to $100,000 from the American sales of the Limited Edition set will support Feeding America.

Bird & Stone Cleopatra Bracelet $26: This global chic bracelet has diamond cut brass beads and turquoise stone. You can actually choose the right size to suit your arm for stacking or wearing alone. A percentage of the net profits from their sales benefit the SISI Fund. They help widowed women in Kenya through microloans and financial training to become entrepreneurs.

Caudalie’s Premier Cru Anti-Aging set $99: Who doesn’t love champagne during the holidays? This gift set contains the two most popular products from the brand in travel friendly size. This company is against toxic ingredients and contains plant based anti-oxidants like Polyphenols and grape based resveratrol.

Each product purchased from Caudalie contributes to the “1% for the planet” movement to help the environment. This initiative supports projects like reforestation in the Amazon and building a sustainable, organic, and fair-trade Shea Butter industry cultivated by communities of women in Burkina Faso.

M.A.C. Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick $16: If you look at my makeup drawer, you will see that MAC lipstick by far is the dominating item. I have loved this brand’s lip color since high school. I request it every year for my stocking (and my family lovingly obliges). Instead of just a percentage of profits, every cent from the sale of their Viva Glam products goes towards helping people affected by HIV/AIDS via the MAC Aids Fund.

Warby Parker Windswept Shades $145: This company was an instant darling for their hipster eyewear at affordable prices. Let’s face it, in fashion; no product has a higher markup than eyewear. Warby Parker brought that percentage down AND manages to donate a pair of eyeglasses to a person in need with partnerships with organizations like Vision Spring. The Windswept shades above are part of their higher end Concentric collection. You can give a gift card so your recipient can choose their favorite style, fit and even prescription

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Tom’s Men’s Paseos $59: These canvas shoes are one of Tom’s bestselling styles. Guys will love the comfort and color range. Similar to Warby Parker, the company has a One for One policy of donating a pair of shoes for every pair purchased.  In addition to shoes, they also have the same efforts for eyewear. Their coffee roasting company contributes to providing clean water to communities that lack it.

Anthony Perfect Shave Kit $65: Pamper your guy with a posh shave kit that includes the brand’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Shave Cream, Pre-Shave Oil, and After Shave Balm. A portion of every sale is also donated to support prostate cancer research.

Giving gifts that give back guarantee a smile on more than one face in the world. Isn’t that what the season is all about?