10 Holiday Gifts that Give Back

Watch Hunger Stop Collection

For every Watch Hunger Stop timepiece sold, Michael Kors will donate $25 (US) to the World Food Programme (WFP). In turn, the WFP is able to provide 100 meals for hungry children in need. Watch Hunger Stop Oversized Bradshaw 100 Gold-Tone Watch, $355; Michael Kors and michaelkors.ca

SUGA(RED) Lip Treatment

This holiday hero is your favourite balm from Fresh in a fancy, limited edition package. The SUGA(RED) Lip Treatment is a first for both Fresh and (RED), the charitable organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to battle AIDS in Africa. It’s the first give-back beauty item from Fresh and it’s the first time (RED) has partnered with a beauty brand (they’ve usually partnered with fashion labels).

For each Fresh SUGA(RED) Lip Treatment sold, 25 percent of the retail price will go to toward providing HIV/AIDS medication in sub-Saharan Africa. Fresh SUGA(RED) Lip Treatment, $26; Sephora and sephora.com

Aromachology x Natasha Koifman Twentysix

Spritz yourself with a meaningful fragrance in support of Haiti. Natasha Koifman, president of PR firm, NKPR, and board chair for Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) partnered with the scent experts at Aromachology on this philanthropic fragrance. All profits benefit APJ – an organization that supports communities in Haiti through programs in healthcare, education and dignity.

Twentysix is a combination of 26 ingredients, including Haitian vetiver, a fragrant grass that grows on the coast of Haiti, as well as notes of rose, peony, patchouli, sandalwood and bergamont. The good from this collaboration will last long after the scent fades from your skin – and considering the staying power of Twentysix, that’s saying something! Aromachology x Natasha Koifman Twentysix, $75 (50 mL); The Bay and myaromachology.com

Caitlin Power Miami Dress

We’re calling this getting dressed with a purpose. Toronto-based clothing line Caitlin Power has collaborated with ebay to offer two Caitlin Power bestsellers at a great price. All proceeds from the Holiday Collective will benefit eBay’s Giving Works December charity – Kids Help Phone. eBay Caitlin Power Miami Dress, $99; ebay.ca

Studio1098 Handmade Sterling Silver Pendant

These beautifully simple pieces are handmade at Studio1098 in Toronto, with a significant portion of the proceeds going to CANFAR from the sale of every piece in the collection, indefinitely. All pendants come on a 16″, 18″ or 20″ chain. Studio1098 Handmade Sterling Silver Pendant (with ruby or other coloured gemstone), $298; studio1098customjewellery.com

Limited Edition Collectible Starlight Bear

Meet “Quinn”: designed by seven-year-old Desiray, a survivor of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Your purchase of this collectible bear will help Starlight continue to brighten the lives of seriously ill Canadian children through their in and out-of-hospital programs that provide entertainment and distraction to kids just like Desiray, all across Canada.

Toys “R”Us Canada has raised over $15 million dollars for Starlight in the last 16 years. Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s Limited Edition Collectible Starlight Bear, Quinn, $20; toysrus.ca

Toms Black and White Pattern Weave Traveler Weekender

When you purchase a Toms bag, the Toms One for One program helps provide a safe birth to a mother and child. This is done by delivery of a safe birth kit (which includes sanitary essentials needed for delivery), as well as training for skilled birth attendants. According to a 2014 report, 40 million women across the world give birth each year without the help of a skilled birth attendant. Toms Black and White Pattern Weave Traveler Weekender, $164; toms.ca

Olympic Collection 2016 Canada Red Mittens

The Hudson’s Bay Red Mitten initiative has raised over $27 million since it launched in 2009. For every pair of $12 mittens sold, 30 percent of the sale is donated to the Canadian Olympic Foundation. Olympic Collection 2016 Canada Red Mittens, $12; Hudson’s Bay, thebay.com

Me to We Impact Rafiki Set

Each rafiki is made with colourful glass beads and helps support a Free The Children community overseas by helping a child or family break the cycle of poverty. Each chain helps support one of the following: school supplies, access to clean water, healthy meals, financial tools and health care. Me to We Impact Rafiki Set of Six, $60; shop.metowe.com

Birks Bee Chic Silver Pendant for Bees

This stunning hexagonal pendant evokes the honey bee’s distinctive honeycomb. Chain length is 18 inches with a citrine-coloured gemstone. Each purchase helps the health of our honey bees with 10 percent of the sale price going to the Honey Bee Research Centre and the University of Guelph in Ontario. Birks Bee Chic Silver Pendant for Bees, $195; maisonbirks.com

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