Gifts that keep giving

Welcome once again to the holiday season! It becomes so hard this time of year to separate the true spirit of Christmas from the rampant consumerism and materialism. In my life, no matter what I request, my family will still spend money on me. I've conceded that the best I can do is thoughtfully create a wishlist. I try to pick gifts that will give back, and support others. I have a few organizations that I simply adore, for both their products and their missions! If you find yourself in the same situation, and are looking for an altruistic way to participate in Christmas, here are a few ideas for you!

Slim from the SUUBI collection at Light Gives Heat
http://www.lightgivesheat.org/collections/all-products/products/slim

I just adore this collection of jewelry! I have three necklaces and a set of earrings from these folks already. All of their jewelry is made with paper beads. The paper beads and the necklaces themselves are made by women in Uganda as a way to support themselves and their families. I have two Slim style necklaces, the Mustard one and the Wildberry one. I wear them all the time, and they between the two, they have colors in them that match every outfit! I love the dark glass bead detail in this necklace in particular.


Multi-Knit Women's Classic TOMS
http://www.toms.com/womens/classics/multi-knit-women-s-classics

You have to know this about me - I am a huge TOMS fan. I currently have five pairs, but there's always room for more ;-) These shoes are cute and cozy for winter, adding a little extra warmth that regular TOMS lack. And the mission of TOMS (if you are unfamiliar) is that for every one pair of shoes bought, they give a pair of shoes to a child in need so that they can go to school and avoid getting worms and other parasites. Perfect justification for buying one more pair of shoes!


Hold Your Own Messenger Bag
https://thehungersite.greatergood.com/store/ths/item/43436/hold-your-own-messenger;jsessionid=981C6D896525409B003B8BAB3353775E.xs-c?source=4-3001-9

This bag is so cute and very functional! I can just imagine carrying my books around school in it. These bags are made by women in Nepal who support themselves through this project, but also receive education and some health services from the Women's Skills Development Project, sold on the Hunger Site. Comes in two colors too! Black and brown


Hello Somebody Watch
http://hellosomebody.bigcartel.com/product/watches

These are the watches that started it all! Hello Somebody started originally selling these watches as a way to fundraise for their organization which provides care for children, focusing on four areas: food, education, hydration, and freedom. The extra plus is that every time you look down, you'll see this watch and you can remember the child that you're helping, and maybe say a quick little prayer for him/her.

Project 7 Goodies
http://www.project7.com/

These are great stocking stuffers, or even just little gifts for friends. All of their products benefit one of the seven "project" areas: heal, save, house, feed, quench, teach, hope. They sell a variety of small products like coffee, gum, bottled water, cell phone cases, etc. The best part is that these products are even for sale at most Wal-marts and Targets, and they are affordable! Couldn't be easier to change the world! (-:

Cotton Modern Eco Handbag
http://www.earthdivas.com/acb-010-cotton-modern-eco--handbag.aspx

This is my favorite bag right now! I really want it for school; I just love the print and colors! It is fairtrade certified, and also eco- friendly. You can rest assured that everyone was fairly paid for their contribution to this product, and that it helps, not harms the earth. What more reason do you need to buy it?!