amazing gifts that give back

Adjustable Cord Bracelets

Available in three colours, these dainty cord bracelets come with an adjustable strap and a peace sign charm. Stack them or gift them separately. With each bracelet sold, 20% of the proceeds will go to support Unicef's mission to help children.

$26, alexandani.com.

HBC Bear

Meet John Rae, the charity bear from HBC. For over 10 years, this limited-edition bear has been brightening a child's Christmas morning, along with other well-deserving Canadians. Proceeds from this collector's item goes directly to the HBC Foundation's Strength in Stripes program. To date, the charity bear has raised more than $1.6 million to help improve the lives of Canadians.

$21.99, TheBay.com.

Help Some-Body Soap

If you're on the hunt for a hostess gift or stocking stuffer that goes the extra mile, then Consonant's Help Some-Body Soap fits the bill. Every cent from the certified organic bar goes directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund to help those suffering with this disease deal with the additional financial burden.

$12, Consonantskincare.com.

The Shop for GEN1 collection

We've got your holiday party and hostess gifts covered. The theme is modern metallic, and the supplies range from monogrammed bar napkins, to decorative fans, gold polka-dot party hats, plates and horns. A long-time supporter of the Canadian Women's Foundation, the Shop for GEN1 collection is working towards promoting the first generation that is devoid of violence against women.

The Shop for GEN1 collection will be available in stores across Canada starting mid-November. Prices start at $3.99

TOMS slippers

Known for their shoe-giving program (which gives a pair of shoes with each shoe purchased), this holiday season TOMS is introducing slippers to its line-up. Do you always draw the hardest-to-buy-for-relative during Secret Santa? Whether it's a distant cousin or a brand-new baby, you'll find a slipper that fits. And, what could be more Christmas-y than red, plaid cozy slippers? 

$55, ​TOMS.ca.

IKEA Play for Change Collection

As part of IKEA’s Play for Change program, $1 from the sale of every toy, play furniture or children’s book will go towards helping the poorest communities to support children’s learning and development, and of course, play. This limited-edition collection will be available until December 24.

$5–6, ikea.ca.

Limited-Edition Saje Diffuser

Following the success of last year's holiday art initiative, Saje is once again teaming up with Vancouver artist, Dana Mooney to create a limited-edition diffuser that gives back to the arts. In 2015, Saje donated $20,000 to a Vancouver arts organization, and this year its committing $50,000. The funds will support free arts education for Toronto's most under-resourced communities. 

$84.95, ​saje.com.

Manitobah Mukluks Boots

In partnership with non-profit TreadRight Foundation, which promotes heritage arts, Manitobah Mukluks has an extensive range of handmade pieces, including their coved boots. Every item in the collection is hand made by indigenous artisans from across Canada. Bonus: 100% of the proceeds go to the artist. 

Items start at $50, manitobah.ca.

Kat Von D's Rusty Red Lipstick

Kat Von D, the tattoo-artist-turned-makeup-mogul is known for her beauty line that doesn't test on animals. For the upcoming holiday season, Kat has gone one step further, launching a limited edition, rusty red lipstick called “project chimps.” For every lipstick sold, 20% will benefit Project Chimps, a non-profit organization that helps these animals get to a sanctuary and provides hundreds of chimps with lifetime care.

$24, sephora.ca.

The Body Shop

This holiday season, The Body Shop is endeavouring to protect endangered creatures while restoring one square metre of the rainforest. With specially marked products, their Bio-Bridge program will protect endangered species in Vietnam, as well as Indonesia and Malaysia. There’s even a monkey bath sponge for the littles. Bonus: Most of their boxed gift sets come in ready-to-gift packages that post-holiday can be upcycled or repurposed. 

The Body Shop, prices start at $6.
 

David’s Tea + Me to We

David’s Tea has teamed up with Me to We to create a tea that gives back to a developing community in Kenya. Each purchase of the all-natural, fruity blend (pineapple, hibiscus and cranberries) provides a child in need with clean water for one month. How steep!

David's Tea x Me to We, price: $8.98 (50g)
 

Obakki scarf

Do-gooders Jessica Alba and Ryan Reynolds have already wrapped themselves up in these stylish and super-soft lightweight scarves. 100% of proceeds from each piece goes directly to the Scarves for Water program, to provide clean water to over 25,000 people across Africa. 

Obakki scarf, $29, obakki.com.​