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| Photo by: Ayaka Sano (2019) |
Today is Giving Tuesday, one of my favorite days of the year! Generosity is a quality that my parents nurtured in me, and for that, I am so grateful.
*WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD*
As my sister and I grew old enough to know Santa doesn't exist, our parents told us that we wouldn't be receiving gifts from them anymore. Instead, we could use the money they would've spent on our gifts in a way that would benefit others. The very first cause I donated to was sponsoring a child through World Vision. And over the years, I've given to other organizations with missions near and dear to my heart.
But I do love giving gifts. And my favorite gifts are those that are not only beautiful & thoughtful, but also make a difference and positive impact globally and locally! So I thought I'd put together a quick gift guide to share some ideas for gifts that give back! I've ordered the brands alphabetically to make it easy to sort through.
If you've been following me for a while, you would know that I have been a fan of 31 Bits for years. They hire talented artisans in Bali who create beautiful jewelry out of metal and pay them fair wages. I always know I'm going to be receiving quality pieces whenever I order from them. Most of the necklaces and rings I wear on repeat for years are from this company. They recently released a new Winter collection and I want every piece! But here are a few of my favorites:
One cause very dear to me is ending human trafficking. I can't imagine my own friends, sisters, or daughter being sold into sex trafficking. But it is a very real reality for so many people globally and in our own backyards. It is estimated that 20-40 MILLION people are enslaved today. A21 is fighting to seek justice by not only rescuing those enslaved, but also convicting traffickers and providing holistic aftercare to survivors.
You can donate to A21 or shop their products to contribute to freedom for another life! Here are some of my favorite products:
Now you may know that I love products that are not only stylish, but also ethically sourced. My friend, Abby, has a huge heart for artisans in Kenya and ethical sourcing & practices. So not only are her products fashionable, they are also socially responsible. She sells minimalist jewelry and luxurious bags that are all of high quality and so beautiful! Here are some of my favorites:
Another company you may already have heard about if you have been following me for a while is Elegantees. I am so in love with this company and their big, beautiful heart for bringing an end to human trafficking, but also bringing hope to survivors through employment with fair wages making beautiful clothing. You may remember that I have designed an entire collection with them and a dress last Winter. It was a dream come true and I love that I got to design for a company I truly believe in! Here are some of my favorite pieces that are currently available. And yes, there are tees for men too!
As I mentioned before, ending human trafficking is a cause I will always support. As I live my life in freedom, it's heartbreaking to know that millions of people don't have that freedom. International Justice Mission, or IJM, is an organization I have been supporting for years through monthly support as a Freedom Partner. They have been hard at work by partnering with local law enforcement and justice systems in areas riddled with human trafficking to end it for good. You can make a one-time donation, become a Freedom Partner, or donate to specific causes on behalf of your friends or family. Here are some causes that are important to me:
The Little Market is an amazing gift shop for homemakers, kids, and accessories. I love their heart and vision for a world where all women have the opportunity to earn a fair and dignified income. And every item is ethically made and sourced. Here are some of my favorite items:
Preemptive Love has been a necessary light in this world in the places that are the darkest and hurting the most. They are often the first to respond in war-torn countries, such as Iraq, Iran and Syria. They bring relief to displaced families. They bring hope by creating jobs for vulnerable families and coach them to help them become self sustaining. They are working to unmake violence and be the peacemakers in this world. Here are some gifts from their shop:
I've continued to support World Vision. I love their mission to go to the hard to reach places and to help communities tackle issues like poverty and injustices. They value people and respond to life threatening disasters and emergencies around the world. They have equipped millions of kids through their child sponsorship program and provided clean water for millions of people in developing countries, just to name a few things they have accomplished with the help of donors. As a gift, you can make a donation to specific causes in the name of a loved one. Some causes are: U.S. Coronavirus Family Emergency Kits, Hunger Relief Fund, and giving a struggling family a goat and 2 chickens.
I always love learning about other amazing organizations doing good and other companies/brands with products that give back. If you know of more, please let me know in the comments below!
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