What could be better than a gift that brings a smile to someone’s face? We know! A gift that pulls double duty by supporting a charity or organization that serves the needy and thus, touches another’s life. We found many great gifts that give twice available both locally and online. Here are our top picks:
Caren Lotion at The Cook Store
Lightly scented in Citrus Sun, Green Bamboo or Blue Linen (our favorite!), Caren Original hand treatment is aloe vera-based, loaded with vitamins, contains no mineral oil and is not tested on animals. A portion of each sale is donated to breast cancer research. Available in a 12-ounce pump bottle for $20 at The Cook Store.
Caren lotion smells divine and leaves skin silky soft! $20 each at The Cook Store
Chavez for Charity bracelets at Marguerite’s Conceits
The Chavez for Charity collection launched in early 2013 with a signature line, as well as a line for kids of colorful, fun bracelets that are adorable and easy to wear. Each bracelet color represents a different charitable organization, such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. For each one sold, the company donates 25 percent of the gross profit to these 20 inspiring organizations. Each bracelet is $12.50 at Marguerite’s Conceits.
Chavez For Charity bracelets support various charities and are $12.50 each at Marguerite’s Conceits.
Exceptional Foundation gift wrap and greeting cards
The folks at the Exceptional Foundation have created unique, one-of-a-kind artwork that is available as packaged greeting cards or gift wrap for that extra special touch. Two-sided gift wrap is $15 and can be purchased at A’mano, Lamb’s Ears and Wallace-Burke, as well as at the EF. Make a donation in someone’s name and receive honorarium cards to deliver the message that says “A donation has been made in your honor to the Exceptional Foundation by (your name)” for $10 each. Or purchase blank cards at $15 for five cards with envelopes. All cards feature the artist’s photo along with the EF mission statement printed on the back. To purchase visit the Exceptional Foundation or media.wix.com.
The participants in the art program at the Exceptional Foundation have created some beautiful gift wrap and card designs. $10 to $15
Exceptional Foundation Caroling Cookiegrams
Want to surprise someone with a holiday gram? The Exceptional Foundation choir, The Foundation Sensations, will sing Christmas carols and deliver a dozen cookies from Icing on the Cookies for a minimum $100 donation. To schedule, call Alexa Dreher at (205) 870-0776 or email [email protected]
I would love to receive this, so just let me know if you need my address!
Holiday cards from Studio by the Tracks
Purchase a set of 12 blank cards with matching envelopes for $20 ($26 if you want them shipped) at Studio by the Tracks. Choose from four different designs created by the participants in the studio’s art classes. Studio by the Tracks provides free art classes to at-risk children and adults with autism and mental illness.
Choose from four different designs at Studio by the Tracks. Twelve cards are $20, or $26 if shipped.
Greater Birmingham Humane Society pet accessories
The gift shop at the GBHS is brimming with toys, treats, accessories and more for the pet lover on your list or a certain furry friend you want to share in the holiday cheer. Prices are typically below retail, and all proceeds go to benefit the Humane Society and all of the wonderful work they do in our community.
The GBHS gift shop has everything a pet could need! Image credit: gbhs.org
PBS Kids toys at Whole Foods Market
PBS and Whole Foods have teamed up this year to provide some great toys for the younger set: plush animals, wooden trucks, race cars and more. Proceeds benefit PBS Kids and Whole Kids Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Whole Foods Market that works to improve kids’ nutrition in order to fight childhood obesity. Prices vary; available at Whole Foods Market
Find an assortment of children’s gifts at Whole Foods that support PBS and the Whole Kids Foundation. Image credit: wholefoodsmarket.com
Ex Voto Vintage jewelry
Ex Voto offers unique vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces created by owner Elizabeth Adams from antique elements. Ex Voto combines vintage lockets and pendants with diamonds, semiprecious stones, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, premium leather and chain heavily plated in 18K gold. Visit the showroom on Canterbury Road in MB Village, or shop online and a portion of each sale goes to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research.
Ex Voto Vintage offers beautiful jewelry sure to be treasured by any lady on your list. Image credit: exvotovintage.com
Prodigal Pottery at the King’s Home
The residents of the King’s Home, a facility serving at-risk women, children and youth, have been busy making beautiful pottery perfect for gifting. The line of pottery, called Prodigal Pottery, is made by women fleeing domestic abuse at King’s Home. Shop the online store at squareup.com/market/kings-home-pottery, and proceeds go back to funding the program. Prices vary.
Prodigal Pottery is handmade by women fleeing domestic abuse at The King’s Home. Image credit: squareup.com
AmazonSmile
If you plan to do some online shopping, check out AmazonSmile. Designate a local nonprofit as your beneficiary, and Amazon donates .5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to that charitable organization. To sign up, you will be prompted on your first visit to select a charity, and Amazon will remember your choice and begin donating with each purchase you make. It’s a no-brainer!
You shop. Amazon gives. Image credit: createaction.org
So to all those who made it onto your nice list, consider giving a gift that’s twice as nice! And for more great holiday gift-giving ideas check out our 50 Under $50 list!
