What’s better than giving a special gift this season? Giving one that gives back.
Shoppers now have a way to help those in their community, both local and global, through presents that benefit more than just those receiving them.
From stocking stuffers to pets to office parties – here are ten feel-good presents that help you make a difference from Whole Foods Market:
* Whole Planet Foundation 2014 Calendar– This calendar features striking photos and $45 worth of coupons for natural and organic products. 100 percent of sales fund microloans for women worldwide to help them lift themselves out of poverty. ($4)
* Whole Trade® Holiday Bouquet – These flowers were grown with a commitment to ethical trade, the environment and the highest quality, so you’ll be giving a gift that lasts longer than its bloom. Plus, a percentage of every sale goes to Whole Planet Foundation to fund poverty alleviation. (less than $10)
* Miracle Foundation wrapping paper – Wrap once, give twice: this wrapping paper was designed using original hand-drawn artwork created by the children supported by The Miracle Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering orphans by focusing on the whole child and providing education, emotional support, health care and life skills. Whole Foods Market is donating $2 from the purchase of each specially marked package of gift wrap to The Miracle Foundation. ($9.99)
* World Finds ornaments – So sweet on the tree, these holiday ornaments are handmade with sustainable or recycled materials. They make thoughtful gifts and brighten up packages too. And it warms the heart knowing that a portion of the proceeds helps provide jobs for women artisans of low income from around the world. ($9.99)
* Castor and Pollux Good Buddy Dog Bones and Rawhide – These tasty dog treats make the perfect stocking stuffer for your furry friend. Best of all, Castor and Pollux will donate 50¢ per Good Buddy item purchased to PetConnect, a nonprofit animal rescue organization dedicated to helping dogs and cats in need. Choose Meaty Center Bone, Rawhide Bone, Rawhide Pretzel, Rawhide Stick, Rawhide Braided Stick or Mini Roll. ($2.49-$5.99)
* Rising Tide infinity scarves – These carefree infinity scarves come in a variety of pretty colors and patterns, and they’re from Rising Tide, a company to feel good about. They have been providing skilled artisans in the developing world with fair wages for the past 20 years, helping to reduce poverty. ($19.99-$27.99)
* Big Dipper Wax Works candles – Give the gift of candlelight without toxins and soot. Big Dipper handcrafts high quality long burning candles, made with only 100% clean-burning beeswax and 100% cotton wicks. And 10% of the sale price goes toward sustainable beekeeping initiatives. ($2.49-$31.99)
* Chavez for Charity bracelets – Polished stone bracelets by Chavez are fun to give and wear—and now even more so. Chavez has matched up bracelets of various colors with 10 charities and will donate 25% of the sales. Mix and match; stack your favorites! Choose a purple bracelet for Partners in Health, brown for Friends Animal Society, green for the Whole Planet Foundation. ($9.99)
* Made in the USA green toys – Kids love playing with these sturdy, colorful toys—cars and trucks, dish sets and faux foods—made with the cleanest, safest recycled plastics around. And as an extra bonus, these toys not only inspire creative play, they give a whole new meaning to those plastic milk jugs you’re recycling. ($4.99-$44.99)
* PACT organic cotton socks – Perfect for everyone on your list, PACT socks are made in a fair-trade facility, using only the finest single-sourced organic, non-GMO cotton without pesticides, fertilizers and bleaches. And this year’s sales support Whole Planet Foundation®. ($19.99-$29.99, 3 pack gift box)
