Special to the Philanthropy Journal

By Vanessa Donohue

This article is part of an ongoing series with FleishmanHillard, a full-service global public relations agency. The firm specializes in multiple channels and industries including nonprofit, consumer, healthcare and technology. The group is driven by a mission to go beyond for clients and to consistently develop bold work that creates value and changes conversations. In line with this mission, members of the FleishmanHillard team will continue to share their expertise and insights on topics that touch both the professional and personal lives of those in the workforce.  

When working in the nonprofit sector, there’s no clocking out on what you care about after 5 p.m. The compassion that drove you to your field is part of the fabric of who you are, rippling into many other facets of your personal life and activities —perhaps even more during the holiday season when choosing where to spend your hard earned dollars.

To be true to yourself, and maybe even spark similar interest among your family and friends, below are a few “gifts that give back” to help wrap your holiday shopping in the spirit of helping others!

Subscription Boxes

Continuing to rise in popularity, there’s a box for everyone for anything—including causes you care about.

MissionCute is a subscription box aiming to make the world a better place. Each month the company partners with a nonprofit to donate 50 percent of the proceeds from that box. This gift is perfect for your stylish friend, filled with everything from candles and jewelry, to other trendy trinkets.

Globein is similar to MissionCute but adds an extra layer of giving back by including products from artists from around the globe, offering a platform for them to share the challenges unique to their area, pairing inspirational stories with beautiful products. For example, their box called Memory provided 3,300 hours of business training for women in Rwanda, rescued elephants, created jobs, protected trees AND employed 16 woodworkers while funding a new workshop! Visit the impact page and find the gift that matches your loved ones interests.  

For more ideas and selections, Createjoy has a variety of samplings to find a gift box that will resonate and inspirethe person on your list.

Products with a purpose

These cozy, chic and tasty items will do more than just fill a stocking!

Socks that save lives – these cozy socks will warm your feet and your heart! Abby Furco is a 10 year-old miracle. After surviving cancer, Abby struggled with complications from her treatment and was given 48 hours to live. Defying the odds, Abby survived those 48 hours and then the next, and the next, and the next, living her life to the fullest each day and vowing to change the world along the way. As an ambassador for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Abby most recently married her passion for cooking and raising funds for childhood cancer research by designing socks featuring her beloved stuffed animal, Chef Carrot, who t was with her every step of the way during her treatment. A portion of proceeds from each pair purchased goes back to the TEAM ABBY Gives Fund.*

Curated collections that support causes – Heifer International’s online marketplace is a one stop shop with everything from hand-made ornaments, sea salted caramel treats and fashionable scarves. Each purchase supports food security, nutrition, women empowerment and strengthens small businesses across the world.

Bottles that give back – Since a young age, I’ve been a firm believer anything can be improved with a little glitter. One Hope’s glitter collection does just that by serving up your “pour of choice “with some sparkling spirit. Proceeds from each bottle go to global efforts such as healthcare and shelter for animals, to meals for kids and lifesaving vaccines. If your loved one isn’t a fan of wine, check out their coffee selection or dipping sets that also support charitable causes around the world!

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, take a peek at some of your favorite vendors. As more companies partner with nonprofits as part of corporate social responsibility efforts, chances are you can find a tie to a cause you can get behind. Forbes gave a nod to millennials as the force behind the movement and if they continue to vote with their dollars, driving companies to be socially responsible, we can expect more companies offering kick-backs to more charities over time.

Happy Holidays!

*The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a long-standing client of FleishmanHillard and where the team first learned about Abby’s incredible story.

With deep roots in media relations, Vanessa Donohue serves as a media strategist at FH’s North Carolina office. Her multifaceted background of tech, health, consumer and nonprofit lend to vast knowledge of media outlets and creative ways for her clients to break into new audiences