You've got to pick up a gift for your son's teacher, one for your most faithful client, and another for the father who has everything. Mall parking lots are packed. Impatience is in the air. As the holidays get closer, "Peace on Earth" seems further away.
This year, make your gift-buying less stressful and deeply meaningful. With a few clicks, you can get Aunt Wilma a lavender-scented candle that also helps a young woman provide for her children. Even those on your list who feel like more of an obligation--the coworker who takes credit for your ideas, your spoiled niece who has everything but a thankful attitude--you can make their presents impact the future of strangers for years to come.
Shop for quality gifts from companies that use profits to clothe the homeless, support children in poverty, or invest in animal welfare. Leave the stress of store shopping behind. Fix yourself a warm cup of tea, open your browser, and make this season one that makes a difference.
Wouldn't this carved Acacia Wood Heart Bowl make a great gift for a young married couple or a child who has just left the nest? It's perfect for displaying or to keep keys and jewelry handy. Each time the receiver looks at it, the message is clear.
Started by Lauren Conrad of The Hills on MTV fame, The Little Market sells baby booties to iPad cases. All are made by artisans from around the world to help "empower women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families."
2. Bombas
Socks. Who doesn't need socks? And with an eye for solid construction, these aren't just any socks.
When Randy Goldberg and David Heath heard socks were the number one item people living on the streets requested, they launched a company to provide quality socks to customers and the homeless. For every pair purchased, a pair is donated. With a ten-year goal to give away a million pairs of socks, Bombas reached that goal in only two and a half years.
Whether you need a gift for your child's teacher or your best friend, Trades of Hope is known for its beautiful and original jewelry. However, they also sell tote bags and home décor. (Pssst. Remember, it's okay to tell Santa what you'd like for yourself.)
More than a shopping website, Trades of Hope brings the stories of women who are single-handedly raising disabled children, have been infected with AIDS or HIV, or have escaped the sex trade. Through their home parties, friends can purchase the products while hearing the stories of these strong, struggling women. What better way to battle the dark, cold days winter than to host a party that affects impoverished people all across the globe.
Don't overlook the men. There are plenty of charitable companies that cater to the men in your life, and most companies have offerings your man will love.
A top-10 finalist for CNN's Hero of 2016, founder Becca Stevens launched a soap and lotion company that is also a "sanctuary for healing for women survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking and prostitution." Thistle Farms is not just the company name, it is a physical place for women to live and regain their lives. They are taught skills to make a living wage. Their motto "Love Heals" is just what this Christmas season needs.
5. Lush
Yes, the same store that sucks passersby inside when catching a whiff of their fresh, handmade bath and cosmetic products. Yes, the same company that inspired the bath bomb craze (a quick search on YouTube for Lush colorful bath bombs being dropped into water results in 198,000 videos!).
One of many cosmetic companies that support the communities and environments that produce the ingredients for their products, Lush will make any teen girl crack a smile on Christmas morning. With 100% of profits from the sale of Charity Pot cream going to grassroots charity organizations supporting communities and animals, your skin isn't the only thing that will be feeling great.
6. Cause Box
With subscription boxes being a huge trend, give someone a box where they can discover products and companies that give back.
Delivered 4 times a year, the subscription box is for women who want to explore the "best in socially conscious living." The boxes include anything from skincare, jewelry, food, or handmade thank you cards. Launched in December of 2014, Cause Box's proceeds have already been able to provide over 20,000 meals to people in all corners of the world.
7. The Gift of Nothing
The fastest growing Christmas gift request in the last decade seems to be the request for no gifts. Whether people are trying to declutter, live with less, or want to avoid the commercialism of the holiday, give them exactly what they've asked for while still making the world a little brighter.
Five years from now, you and the those on your list might not remember what gifts changed hands this holiday, but there will be people you'll never meet who will always remember.
Here's to a little more Peace of mind this season.