Ahh Christmas. Mince pie munching, mulled wine drinking, present opening and above all, smiling faces… can December stay forever? The trees are going up and the skirting is filling with colourfully wrapped presents and metallic ribbons. But in all the buzz and excitement that surrounds the festive season, occasionally the true sentiment behind gift giving can get a little lost amongst it all! As much as we love Christmas, if you’re hoping to spread a little love and good cheer this year, why not choose a gift that gives back and supports the local community? We’ve chosen a couple of awesome initiatives that’ll have you ticking off that list, and make you feel all merry and bright…
What do you give the girl who has everything? If you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate an occasion, forgo the last-minute rush to high street stores and instead give someone the opportunity to give back to the community. Gift givers can choose their donation amount in the form of a Charity Gift Card and your friends and family can choose a charity close their heart to be the beneficiary! Can you feel the love tonight…
Available here from Charitable Choice
We’ve been in love with decking out teeny homes with seasonal trends recently, and with cooler climes on the horizon, we can’t get enough of cosy blankets and colourful throws! Sourced from the Himalayas, Elephant Rose sell a huge selection of vibrant throws and shawls guaranteed to make your flat pop this festive season and beyond. From yak throws to large cashmere blankets, 15% of your purchase will go directly towards supporting WONDERWorks!
Skip the commercial stores this year and know that your gift is set to support a series of life changing projects, including their most recent initiative, Project Dignity. The cost of just one Cashmere Poncho will raise enough funds to provide a rural school girl with a free, washable sanitary kit – and at the same time, provide a dignified income for the WONDERWorks ladies in Kathmandu.
Available here from Elephant Rose
Read more: Sassy Supports: WONDERWorks
Add a touch of the 852 to any gift with The Lion Rock Press‘ Christmas wrapping paper and tags! We’re obsessed with their Hong Kong-themed hanging decorations, so naturally to wrap them in paper which gives back to the community is a huge bonus! And with 100% of all profits from paper and tag bundles going directly towards supporting Mother’s Choice, presents under the tree have never been so special.
Available from Bookazine stores or online here.
Read more: 10 Secret Santa Presents Under $100
With winter upon us, we’re fishing out our favourite cable knit jumpers and stocking up on autumn accessories! And with the weather known for being more than a little unpredictable here in Honkers, what better gift is there than the gift of warmth? Warm the heart of the ones you love most and show your support towards The Deepgreen Project.
Based in China’s Yunnan Province, Deepgreen produces hand-crafted winter accessories made entirely from yak down yarn and hand-knitted by at-risk women. Providing both work and support for victims of abuse, the initiative offers a safe working environment alongside holistic healing and opportunity to those in need. Each product includes a tag with the name of the woman who knit the item, making for a unique gift that enables you to read the crafter’s story on their website! We love their selection of soft, colourful scarves and cowls.
Available here from Deepgreen.
You buy a watch, and they plant a tree! We’re a little in love with WeWood‘s collection of gorgeous, 100% natural Indian Rosewood watches. A classic Christmas gift that’s timeless (get it?) and fashionable, purchasing one of their watches will also ensure that a tree is planted in a deforested environment – breathing new life into both your wardrobe and our eco system!
Available here from B’IN Select.
Featured image sourced via Pexels