By Jessica Festa & Brittnay Bailey
Looking for unique gifts that give back to charity?
Then you’re in the right place!
Shopping for the perfect present can be stressful.
Of course, you want it to be something meaningful; however, it’s tough finding the perfect gifts that give back — that are also something your loved ones will adore.
Good news: Epicure and Culture has made things easier by rounding up special gifts that give back to communities around the world and fit a variety of budgets, styles, and tastes.
🎁 Short on time? Our top gift picks include:
🧥 Cotopaxi Outdoor Gear. Thoughtfully designed outdoor apparel and packs made with recycled materials, with every purchase helping fund poverty-alleviation and environmental nonprofits.
🌍 NOVICA Artisan-Made Gifts. Unique, hand-crafted gifts from global artisans, where your purchase supports fair wages, traditional craftsmanship, and important causes.
🧦 Conscious Step Socks. Organic cotton socks that support a specific cause with each pair—from women’s empowerment to wildlife protection—all made in fair-trade factories.
Unique Gifts That Give Back
Here are some of our favorite gifts that give back. From housewares to clothing to jewelry and beyond, there is truly something for everyone.
1. Cotopaxi Outdoor Gear
Cotopaxi is more than an outdoor gear brand—it’s a company with a mission to make the world a better place.
As a certified B Corporation, Cotopaxi allocates at least 1% of its annual revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which funds nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty through health, education, and livelihood programs in underserved communities.
Additionally, Cotopaxi is a member of 1% for the Planet, supporting environmental nonprofits that protect and preserve the planet. This is on top of its sustainable manufacturing practices, like using recycled and responsibly sourced materials.
A standout product is their Del Día Collection, featuring one-of-a-kind backpacks, totes, and other gear crafted from repurposed fabric scraps. Each item is sustainably made, reducing waste and celebrating the creativity of the artisans who make them.
The Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket is another highlight. This lightweight, insulated jacket regulates body temperature, allows for movement, and is perfect for layering. It’s made with recycled PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E. insulation in a Fair Trade Certified factory.
2. Full & Half Glass Sets from Material
Material sells high-quality kitchen essentials that are not only functional but look great too. Each piece is stylishly designed with beautiful details, from BPA-free cutting boards crafted from upcycled plastic and renewable sugarcane in bold colors to a straight-walled pitcher with a wavy handle made for the perfect pour.
The brand is also passionate about giving back and has donated over $184,772 to organizations that work at the intersection of food and underserved groups across the United States.
One way they do this is through their annual Kinder Kitchens campaign, where for a certain period, the entire site goes on sale and shoppers can direct a portion of their savings to charity.
But, you don’t have to wait until their next campaign for your purchase to make an impact. If you purchase either a Full Glass Set or Half Glass Set in Lilac, 100% of the profits go to Apex for Youth, which empowers low-income Asian and immigrant youth in NYC to unlock their potential and explore new possibilities.
3. Upcycled Accessories from 277Designs
If you love handmade gifts that tell a story, 277Designs is a meaningful pick. The idea for the small business began during the pandemic, when the founder’s retired firefighter husband began sewing masks for the community.
Today, the duo turns retired firefighter turnout gear into bags, wallets, baby clothing, home decor, and accessories, keeping the reflective striping and rugged fabric that show where the gear has been. Many of the items can be customized too (shown above).
I have their Custom Fanny Pack and love how sturdy it feels, with high-quality zippers, a spacious main pocket, a separate front pouch, a secure back pocket, and an adjustable strap that makes it great for errands or travel.
Each piece takes around 6–8 hours to make by hand, meaning you’re gifting something truly unique.
Bonus: Your purchase helps repurpose gear that would’ve been discarded and supports their donations of custom bags and blankets to the Tucson Fire Foundation.
4. Hawk + Handsaw Jewelry
For a gift that’s equal parts playful and purposeful, check out Hawk + Handsaw Jewelry, a Seattle-based brand creating quirky, laser-cut wooden earrings and necklaces.
Made from sustainable plywood in natural maple, cherry, and walnut tones, each piece blends eco-conscious craftsmanship with a sense of humor—think statement-making designs like their best-selling Side-Eye Cat Earrings or our personal favorite, the Swirl Earrings (pictured above).
Most items are under $30 with U.S. shipping included, making them an affordable, feel-good find.
Even better, the company donates a portion of profits to support BIPOC trans youth and directs proceeds from select designs, like their Watermelon Earrings, toward Palestinian relief.
This gift is perfect for anyone who loves jewelry with personality and purpose.
5. NOVICA Artisan-Made Gifts
If you’re looking for unique gifts that give back then you’ll love NOVICA, a platform that connects you with talented artisans around the world.
You can shop art, clothing, jewelry, housewares, beauty, and much more—or even shop by cause, whether you’d like to support conservation, enable education, empower artists with disabilities, or something else.
By partnering directly with these artisans, NOVICA ensures fair wages and helps sustain traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, NOVICA collaborates with nonprofits like Kiva to provide microloans to artisans and create economic opportunities.
6. Conscious Step Socks
Conscious Step makes giving back as easy as pulling on a pair of socks. For every product sold, they donate to nonprofit organizations supporting a variety of causes.
In fact, you can even shop by the causes you’re most passionate about, whether that is empowering women, equality, protecting endangered animals, saving LGBTQ+ lives, or something else.
Made from organic cotton in fair-trade-certified factories, these socks are as ethical as they are comfortable.
7. Wolven Threads Activewear
Is your giftee a yogi, beach lover, or active traveler who is passionate about the planet?
Then you’ll want to check out Wolven Threads.
Made up of a team of artists and activists, this activewear and swimwear brand is all about making high-quality garments featuring bold and beautiful prints that are also sustainable.
Not only are their products climate neutral, but they’re made with recycled PET plastics and feature minimal packaging.
Additionally, Wolven Threads is a member of 1% For The Planet, meaning that they donate at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental causes.
Love discounts? Get 20% off with code “EPICUREANDCULTURE” (cannot be combined with another sale or discount).
8. Pela Phone Case
Pela Case creates stylish, eco-friendly phone cases that help reduce plastic waste while giving back to the planet.
Made from compostable materials, these cases are durable, lightweight, and 100% plastic-free, making them a perfect gift for the environmentally conscious.
Plus, a portion of every sale supports environmental nonprofits, including initiatives focused on ocean cleanup and conservation.
By choosing Pela, you’re not only gifting a high-quality product but also contributing to a healthier planet.
9. Creative Creations from The Budding Canvas
For an ethical gift that’s both meaningful and uplifting, The Budding Canvas is a standout pick.
The shop features artwork by 11-year-old Paige, whose colorful designs appear on mugs, notebooks, candles, and more. Each one celebrates creativity, confidence, and kindness—while also giving back to charity.
In fact, 10% of profits from the Stars and Stripes collection support Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled U.S. service members. All other items give back to Blue Line Arts, which offers programs and opportunities for young and emerging artists.
Every purchase helps nurture creativity and support veteran families, making these gifts a thoughtful choice for anyone who wants their shopping to make a positive impact.
10. Charm Bracelets from Alex And Ani
If you know travelers who want their jewelry to reflect their wanderlust side even when they switch from hiking boots to heels, consider Alex and Ani bangles.
Their Take The Wheel Charm Bangle is designed for gypsy souls who want their jewelry to reflect their free spirit.
Alex and Ani donate 20% of the proceeds from each bangle sold to The Herren Project, an organization assisting those taking the first steps toward a life of sobriety, and funds preventative educational programs on the signs of addiction.
11. Sustainable Sea Bags
For a meaningful and eco-minded gift, Sea Bags is a standout choice. Each bag is handmade in Portland, Maine using recycled sailcloth, keeping durable materials out of landfills and giving them a second life as nautical-inspired accessories.
The company collects 8,000–10,000 sails each year, and since 1999 has reclaimed enough sailcloth to cover the equivalent of 70 football fields.
Their process is Green Circle Certified, their materials are locally sourced, and their mission centers on sustainability, community support, and creating jobs on Maine’s working waterfront.
Bonus: Sea Bags also partners with organizations that support causes like breast cancer research, public radio, LGBTQ rights, and more, so every purchase makes a real impact.
12. Fire Department Coffee
There are loads of great gifts to choose from on the Fire Department Coffee website.
Along with their java — including a number of coffees infused with tequila, bourbon, rum, and other booze options — they sell mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, neck gaiters, stickers, and more.
If you’re shopping for a traveler, the Coffee Of The Month Club is a great way to explore the world through coffee.
Personally, we love the Bourbon-Infused Coffee, specifically topped with a bit of frothed chocolate almond milk and served with some biscotti for a caffeinated treat.
The best part? 10% of all proceeds go to help injured and ill firefighters and first responders.
13. Circle of Hope Wraparound Ring from World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian humanitarian organization passionate about ending poverty and injustice, with 87% of its operating costs going toward programs that help people and communities in need.
One way you can support World Vision’s work is by shopping for handcrafted gifts on their website.
Here the organization sells a variety of artisan-made gifts that give back, from Indonesian windchimes to African soapstone boxes to a “Circle of Hope” wraparound ring (pictured above).
The ring was designed by TV personality Sadie Robinson and made by local artisans in Jaipur, India.
Not only is it a stunning piece that will glimmer on your giftee’s finger, but profits from the ring go toward providing food and education to the female artisans who make them. Talk about gifts that empower women!
14. 1 Tree Mission Bracelets
1 Tree Mission is on a, well, mission to plant as many trees as possible—and you can support their efforts and get a beautiful gift in the process. For every bracelet purchased a new tree is planted.
The bracelets feature semi-precious stone beads and are each made by hand using recycled cord.
You can choose from 10 distinct styles, each inspired by a different tree. In fact, you’ll learn more about each tree by reading the text printed on the 100% recycled biodegradable packaging the bracelets come on.
For instance, a bracelet inspired by the Cherry Blossom shares that the tree originated in Japan, where it’s known as “Sakura,” and the edible blooms signify hope, renewal, and the spring season.
This particular bracelet is made with Matte Tiger Eye (symbolizing wildlife and willpower), Red Carnelian (symbolizing earth and creativity), Howlite (symbolizing knowledge, patience, and balance), and Emporer Jasper (symbolizing ecological awareness).
These budget-friendly pieces are unisex and budget-friendly, meaning you can get one as a stocking stuffer for everyone on your list and make a huge impact on the planet.
15. Packed With Purpose Gift Boxes
Packed with Purpose is a corporate gifting company with a social mission to give back to individual communities around the U.S.
Each Packed with Purpose gift box contains handcrafted products curated from non-profits and social enterprises that employ people with disabilities and other barriers to the traditional workforce.
For example, A Sweet Thanks, Deluxe includes:
- Greyston Bakery’s chocolate fudge brownie and brown sugar blondie. Greyston’s Bakery offers employment to those with histories of incarceration, homelessness or drug use and provides housing, health services, childcare, workforce development training and more for bakery workers.
- Katherine Anne Confections’ rosemary + sea salt caramels. Committed to using ingredients from local farmers and fair trade cacao, Katherine Anne Confections creates decadent treats in recyclable and compostable packaging.
- Lambs Farm’s buttery English toffees and chocolate covered pretzels. With more than 56 years of service to people with developmental disabilities, Lambs Farm has grown from a small pet shop in Chicago to a 72-acre campus where opportunity flourishes for nearly 250 men and women.
- Together We Bake’s cinnamon-pecan granola. Together We Bake provides second chances to women with histories of trauma, abuse, or addiction.
- Women’s Bean Project’s chocolate covered espresso beans. Women’s Bean Project gives impoverished and chronically unemployed women the chance to gain vital workplace skills through the production of gourmet food and handmade jewelry.
- Cooper Street Cookies’ cinnamon chocolate chip biscotti. Cooper Street Cookies Cooper Street Cookies partners with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) to employ adults with special needs or disabilities.
- The Floured Apron’s half a dozen vanilla/chocolate harmony cookies. The Floured Apron provides women from underserved communities with an opportunity to forge a more secure career path within the culinary industry.
Have any gifts that give back to add to this list?
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