GIFT GIVING GUIDE 2020

This year, more than ever before, we need random acts of kindness. Therefore, it seems apropos to dedicate the holiday gift idea guide to companies who pay it forward with the purchases you make. In any given year there are so many charities to choose from that need our help. But this year, the pandemic has created a whole new level of need with people out of jobs, businesses closing, and families of those who fell victim to this evil virus facing catastrophic hospital bills. It is hard to find someone whose inner circle didn't suffer in some way from Corona virus.

One company that impressed me during my research for a holiday gift guide is Etsy. This company is a global marketplace where people are encouraged to sell unique items they have made. This company strives to make human connections through imagination, sustainability, responsibility, empowering sellers, and helping buyers find unique items they fall in love with. They are also environmentally conscious keeping carbon emissions to a minimum in the selling and buying of their products. Their mission humanizes commerce and contributes to the global economy as the sellers come from all over the world.

A company called Freedom Fighters hires women, turns them into artisans, and pays them a living wage to prevent them from being vulnerable to sex trafficking. These women have come from poverty where sex trafficking looked like their only way out. Freedom Fighters enables women to find a craft they could hone into a living, thereby pulling themselves from the depths of despair that is poverty and the belief that they do not deserve anything better than selling their bodies. They have a plethora of gift ideas such as jewelry and handbags.

Better Way Designs is a similar such company in that it targets sex trafficking victims. However, they rescue women who are already victims of sex trafficking working in unspeakable situations. Better Way Designs provides them with the tools to find, make, and sell a craft. Just like with previous companies I have mentioned, the gifts they make are unique. They are made with loving hands by abused women who have been given a second chance at a life they are worthy of.

Packed With A Purpose is a company that provides pre-packaged gifts to buyers taking the middle man out of shipping, handling, and wrapping. Their profits go to worthy causes such as health and cancer education, animal cruelty prevention, professional and personal development for women needing a second chance after an abusive situation, aid for youth communities who are under sourced, and, finally, life, artistic, and literacy education for the under privileged. As with the other aforementioned companies, they 0ffer one of a kind gifts.

Finally, if you dislike shopping as much as I do, or are too stressed out or busy to do the legwork, here are some specific gifts to your rescue that still give back.

1. "it's okay to not be okay" enamel rainbow pin helps those struggling with mental health. Also, 10% of the proceeds go to suicide prevention. It also comes in a magnet.

2. Super cute, nickel free celestial star earings by Joey Five Cents via Etsy gives back to youth literacy. 100% of the proceeds goes to Tree House Books, a literacy center in Philadelphia.

3. A great stocking stuffer idea is the dark chocolate snack bar from This Saves Lives. Each purchase sends food to children in need.

4. Earthlove offers a subscription to help you live a more eco-friendly life. It is a box packed with sustainable products that give back to our environment. A portion of the proceeds go to a non-profit group that is committed to the environment's well being.

5. A fleece jacket made for the outdoor adventurer on your list is made by Parks Project. Purchases go to the National Parks Conservation Association.

6. This one is my personal favorite! A gentle 45 minute class provided by Sing For Hope is designed for the mobility challenged. Participants get to stay seated while doing exercises to improve mobility. Purchases give back to working artists and communities in need.

7. A cozy cable knit scarf made by the St. Jude Gift Shop keeps your loved ones warm while supporting children with cancer at St. Jude's Research Hospital.

8. With more families than ever staying home this year, a 1,000 piece puzzle all things sushi is the perfect gift for your seafood lovers. You can find it at Piece Work Puzzles where proceeds go to the National Women's Law Center.

9. A juniper hoodie or golden spruce hoodie made by Tentree gives back to the environment by planting a tree for every purchase. Plus, it is another great way to keep your loved ones warm.

10. Lastly, a good intention necklace inspires and uplifts the girlie girls on your gift list. They are made by Ban.do with word affirmations. A portion of the proceeds go to the non-profit Girls Inc. which teaches girls to value themselves and find their inner strengths.

I sincerely hope this list meets or exceeds your gift giving needs. Hopefully, an added bonus will be the peace of mind it gives you knowing each purchase gives back to society in one way or another. Obviously, I wasn't able to address every need, charity, or passion, but I did try to provide a rich array of needs based on current times. Happy holiday shopping to you and yours!