Some of the season’s hottest gifts get a philopatric edge. Sure, the latest tech toys sound enticing but in the season of giving, nothing quite says receiving like unwrapping a quality gift that takes on some of the world’s biggest initiatives. For 5 children’s gifts that pay it forward, read on.
Cuddle+kind Dolls
They’re cute. They’re cuddly. They’re kind. Available in a variety of characters including Zoe the unicorn, Wyatt the fox, Benedict the bear, Sebastian the lamb and Chelsea the cat, to name a few, each doll is ethically produced and hand knit in Peru by talented artisans with premium cotton.
Even better, for every cuddle+kind doll sold, 10 meals are given to children in need, through their partnership with World Food Program USA.
According to WFP, “when children are given meals in school, attendance increases, more girls receive an education and performance greatly improves.”
Their goal? To provide one million meals a year. Now, who doesn’t want to get behind that?
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STATE’s Mini Kane Backpacks
Created to “address the immediate needs of American children living with challenging, and in some cases critical circumstances.” For every STATE bag purchased, STATE hand-delivers a backpack filled with essential tools for success to a child in need.
But, it doesn’t stop there. The company goes beyond material giving with its #WHATDOWETELLTHEKIDS initiative created to “shed light and share stories around social injustices and marginalized populations across the US.” To date, the video series has tackled topics such as violence in Chicago, the “R” word, LGBTQ, and Black Lives Matter.
Check out the popular Mini Kane here.
Puravida Bracelets
For the girly girl on your Christmas list. Puravida accessories aren’t just your ordinary friendship bracelet. Since launching in 2010, the company has partnered with over 190 different charities around the world and donated more than $1,500,000 to causes providing sustainable jobs to artisans worldwide. They’re pocket-friendly, no matter your budget.
My B.Toys
From Fun ‘o Tunnels to floor puzzles, soft books, plush toys, pretend and play instruments and so much more, My B. Toys has a little something for every tot on Santa’s nice list.
Furthermore, every B. Toys purchase gives a portion of sales to Free The Children. Since opening its doors in 1995, Free The Children has built over 650 schools around the world, providing education to 50,000 children each day. Their end game? To develop socially conscious global citizens who will rise to become agents of change for their peers across the globe.
For more information on pricing and where to buy, click here.
Toms
Made for school and play, this oldie but goodie comes in all shapes and sizes and supports a long list of causes including improving health, access to education, and confidence building. To date, the kicks company has given more than 75 million pairs of new shoes to children in dire need, with the hope of transforming communities in need. In fact, their motto is “one for one.” Get your little tike booted, here.