This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop Well-Received, our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides, here.
As the countdown to the holidays begins, so has the annual challenge of hunting down gifts that feel personal and actually meaningful. And, for the folks on your list who are notoriously hard to shop for, we have a foolproof strategy that manages to hit every single time: useful gifts that don’t just look good, but also do good, too. Brands that give back make holiday shopping feel like a win-win, helping you score products that will actually enrich your giftee’s life, while supporting important causes — ranging from wildlife conservation to community empowerment — at the same time.
To help you round out your holiday shopping, we’ve curated a lineup of editor-approved picks from brands making a positive impact. From cozy season essentials funding cancer research to beauty buys benefitting impact funds, these are the special treats that truly go the extra mile in spreading joy. Read ahead for feel-good gifts that will make everyone (including yourself) a little merrier this season.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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“I’ve been obsessed with this piece from East Fork for aesthetic reasons ever since I was gifted it a few years ago. But, beyond it now being my favorite coffee mug, the North Carolina-based pottery company that makes it is donating 5% from the sales of all its products — that also include plates, bowls, and so much more — to relief efforts supporting their community following the devastation from Hurricane Helene.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director
Shop East Fork
East Fork The Mug, $, available at East Fork
“This brand combines two of the things I love most in this world: Rescue pups and a good bottle of wine. California-based Rescue Dog Wines not only has lots of bottles (each labeled with a different dog breed) to choose from, but 50% off all profits benefit a nationwide network of animal rescues, nonprofit organizations, and fostering efforts. Pinot noir is my go-to, but Rescue Dog has something for everyone: whites, sparkling, rosé, as well as other red varietals. Prices range from $22.99 for a Sauvignon Blanc to $37.99 for a Blanc des Blancs, making them relatively affordable to give as gifts to a fellow animal-loving oenophile on your gift list this year.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer
Shop Rescue Dog Wines
Rescue Dog Wines 2021 Pinot Noir, $, available at Rescue Dog Wines
“Not only did e.l.f. donate $100,000 to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation last year, but 100% of the proceeds from its limited-edition Big Mood Pride Mascara go to the It Gets Better Project, which supports LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. The brand has also helped champion women (with Her Campus), the Latinx community (with the Voto Latino Foundation), and the Black community (with Pull Up For Change). This holiday kit, then, spreads cheer in more ways than one — not least because it includes everything one might need for deliciously glowy skin and lips throughout the winter.” — Humeara Mohamed, contributing writer
Shop e.l.f. Cosmetics
e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow For The Holiday Kit, $, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics
“I invested in these chic matching PJs for myself and my maids of honor last year, and have been wearing them on repeat even after the wedding. As someone who sleeps hot, I can’t get enough of how cooling the satin feels on my skin, and this set is the perfect lightweight, space-saving sleepwear option to pack for vacation. The brand also donates gently used bridesmaid dresses to a network of charities that provide underprivileged teens with their dream outfit for prom night.” — Venus Wong, senior writer
Shop Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey Jonny Satin Floral Pajama Set, $, available at Birdy Grey
“I absolutely love my green Acorn Trainers — they are so comfortable and I always get compliments on them. But more than the shoes themselves, I love telling people about Seavees as a brand. All of its shoes are made, in part, from recycled materials, and it follows responsible practices during the whole supply chain process, from sourcing materials to production. For every pair of shoes sold, Seavees donates $1 to SeaTrees, a non-profit that works to restore coral reefs, mangrove forests, and various ocean ecosystems around the world.” — Becca Sax, affiliate coordinator
Shop Seavees
SeaVees Acorn Trainers, $, available at SeaVees
“Hopefully my sister doesn’t read this, as I’ve already brought it for her! I was looking for a jewelry brand that gives back and stumbled upon Nominal. Every month since February 2019, they have run their ‘Deed of the Month’ campaign, donating a portion of every order to a different cause no matter what you buy. So far this has ranged from sourcing jackets and blankets for those in Yemen to funding housing and clean water in Syria, supporting Black creatives, providing uniforms and school supplies to girls in Africa with CAMFED, and sponsoring a water well in a village in Mali. Right now, they are working with Pious Projects and LaunchGood / Global Ehsan Relief to donate meals to the people of Gaza.” — Esther Newman, affiliate writer
Shop Nominal
Nominal Palestine Olive Leaf Ring, $, available at Nominal
“On Wednesdays, we wear pink…” is the motto behind Sézane’s Pink Creations collection. One hundred percent of net sale profits of the Parisian brand’s Pink Creations are donated to Demain, Sézane’s philanthropic program helping the Women’s Cancer Research Fund in the U.S., including sales of this Pink Creation Conrad T-shirt. I already own the Conrad T-shirt and it strikes the perfect balance of feeling super soft and looking polished — ideal for adding color to any work outfit or dressed down for errands around the city.” — Lisa Dionisio, newsletter director
Shop Sézane
Sézane Pink Creation Conrad T-Shirt, $, available at Sézane
“Inevitably, my dad will ask for a new pair of socks this holiday season, like he has done every other year. Usually, I ignore that request so I can get him something more exciting. But not this time — this time I’m shopping from Conscious Step, which partners with so many causes, from protecting endangered species to supporting mental health.” — Esther Newman, affiliate writer
Shop Conscious Step
Conscious Step Socks That Protect Turtles, $, available at Conscious Step
“My first ever luxe makeup item was a red MAC Viva Glam lipstick, back when I was 15. It was a gift from my mom for prom. I’ve since gone on to buy other shades and receive them as gifts. What I love about these lipsticks — aside from the formula that has stood the test of time — is that the profits are donated to charities that support members of the LGBTQ+ community. I had the pleasure of meeting some people involved with the charity efforts a couple of years ago, and there were people fleeing persecution from abroad due to their sexuality, workers supporting those living with HIV, and changemakers advocating for inclusivity in the industry. For this reason, I’ll always have one of these lippies in my makeup bag.” — Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer
Shop MAC Cosmetics
MAC Cosmetics Viva Glam Matte Lipstick, $, available at MAC Cosmetics
“For one month every year, Benefit Cosmetics gives proceeds earned from its global brow wax appointments to a handful of charities that support women. The project — Bold is Beautiful — assists with everything from health and education to financial freedom. Those obsessed with all things brows will love the So Eggstra Brows kit, which boasts full-size and miniature brow products worth $56. It’s a small slice of the brand’s Benemart gifting collection, which serves up bestsellers in the most adorable, grocery store-inspired packaging. This, as well as the two mascaras housed in a seriously cute sardine tin, is my favorite from the collection.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, UK beauty director
Shop Benefit
Benefit Cosmetics So Eggstra Brow Kit, $, available at Benefit Cosmetics
“I love buying cute little accessories and outfits for my dog, and I’m particularly excited to treat her with this gorgeous bow collar. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s created with allergy-free plush velvet, and Chicken Nugget (that’s the name of my pup) will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. The Foggy Dog implements responsible and sustainable practices, such as using family-owned manufacturing businesses that pay fair wages and filling dog beds and toys with recycled fibers. With every order, it also donates one pound of dog food to shelters and non-profit rescue organizations across the country.” — Becca Sax, affiliate coordinator
Shop The Foggy Dog
The Foggy Dog Burgundy Velvet Lady Bow Collar, $, available at The Foggy Dog
“I love every pair of Bombas socks and slippers that I own, and I especially love that for every pair purchased, Bombas donates another pair to one of its 3,500 “giving partners,” which includes homeless shelters. I’ve personally gifted these cozy slippers to my mother in the past and have already carted up a men’s pair to give to my dad this Christmas. These slippers are the ultimate cozy-season gift that make your giftee’s feet warm and happy, and that will make you feel good about where you’re spending your dollars.” — Victoria Montalti, associate fashion writer
Shop Bombas
Bombas Sunday Slipper, $, available at Bombas
“I maintain that there are just three things in life that make you feel like you have everything figured out: quality matching underwear, trash bags that don’t rip, and a matching soap and cream duo for your bathroom sink. Enter: the Youth To The People Hand + Body Care Duo, which smells woodsy and clean with sensational textures to boot. The best bit? YTTP donate via three impact funds, so you can rest assured that you’re supporting human rights, gender and racial equality, or the climate with each splurge.” — Humeara Mohamed, contributing writer
Shop Youth To The People
Youth To The People Hand + Body Care Duo, $, available at Youth To The People
“Every year, Williams Sonoma partners with a few celebrities to design spatulas to support the No Kid Hungry campaign, which is working to end childhood hunger in the U.S. Thirty percent of the sale of each spatula can help provide 50 meals to kids. This year, celebs like Tan France, Andy Cohen, and Kris Jenner contributed designs for the worthy cause. My pick is this fun lemon design by Cameron Diaz, which I’m sending to my sister (she loves to bake) as the perfect remembrance of our summer trip to Positano.” — Lisa Dionisio, newsletter director
Shop Williams-Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma x No Kid Hungry Tools for Change Spatula, $, available at Williams-Sonoma
“I recently received a selection of Lush bath bombs, bubble bars, and glittering shower gels, but this soap bar is for sure my favorite. For those who don’t like overly fragranced products, this luscious watermelon scent is subtle and fresh and includes rose and bergamot oil for added relaxation. Most importantly though, 100% of the profits of this soap goes to providing mental health support and trauma counseling for children in Gaza and the West Bank — a vital and much needed service.” — Alicia Lansom, associate editor
Shop Lush
Lush Watermelon Slice Soap, $, available at Lush
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This article was originally published on refinery29.com.
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