Give the Gift of Giving

Every holiday season I find myself deep in traffic and swimming through seas of people to find the perfect gifts for the special people in my life. Shopping this time of year can be more of a pain in the neck than the usual fun-filled spending spree. So, I decided that this year I was going to make it count by finding fabulous gifts that give back to nature, cancer research, community, etc. I searched the web for some ideas and I found that there is much more to choose from than I expected. Here is some of what I found...

For you fashionistas Stella McCartney has just launched Eco Collections made from 100% organic cotton and recycled materials. It's high end fashion so prices range from $435-$1535. It defines the term sustainable. You will be wearing these pieces for years. www.StellaMcCartney.com

Also, Jonano has introduced their Bloom Collection for the fall holiday. Made from viscose from bamboo and ecoKashmere and a motto of "From Seed to Sewn" the clothing from this line is 100% ethical and beautiful. Prices from $32 and up. www.jonano.com

For a less expensive alternative visit www.alternativeapparel.com and grab a T-shirt for $10. All proceeds go to Global Green to eliminate climate change.

From organic to giving...
Try giving Helping Handbags Tabitha Bag. For every bag that is sold 60 hours of care is provided to an orphan in Bulgaria. $245 www.tbact.org
Sunglass Hut Artist Series by Maya Hayuk hand-painted sunglasses gives 50% of proceeds to OneSight. They provide free vision care and eye wear to people in need. $139 www.sunglasshut.com
Even Jimmy Choo is is jumping on the giving back bandwagon. You can visit www.jimmychoo.com to purchase Jimmy Choo Project PEP flip-flops ($95) with 25% of the proceeds going to the Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
For all you yoga buffs visit www.ameandlulu.com through December 31st and purchase a Kimono yoga bag, $60. 10% goes to Grateful Nation to fund cancer care and research for women.
The ocean has been a love and inspiration to me since I was a young child. So, when I saw the Lilly Pulitzer necklace at www.lillypulitzer.com I figured I'd give myself a gift this Christmas. 10% of the proceeds from this necklace goes to Sea Web's coral conservation campaign.

All in all these are just some of the fantastic giving gifts that I found. If you purchase any of these items you're not just giving to that special person in your life, you're contributing to a world of change and helping hands. So remember, this holiday season give a gift that counts!

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