Gifts That Give: Holiday Presents That Help Charity

Nov. 30, 2010 — -- There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by giving gifts that give back. Fortunately there's no shortage of great stuff to extend the cheer beyond the recipient.

As a champion of small businesses, my favorite site to shop is Etsy.com. Several creative sellers are fairly new here, having lost their jobs in the recession. Now handmade is paying off -- and I'm proud to support their success.

A few online shops to check out: www.soulyyours.etsy.com for beautiful silver jewelry; www.StephieMc.etsy.com for sensational personalized pieces that are sure to please; www.Earmark.etsy.com for foodie fun; www.crackeddesigns.etsy.com for a bit of whimsy including travel journals that allow the user to fantasize about visiting far-away places; www.NestaHome.etsy.com for seasonal stuff; and www.glowgirl16.etsy.com for reusable storage pieces for everyday.

Other options to consider:

Greyston Brownies. Not only are they delicious, but it's their motto that hits the spot: "We don't hire people to bake brownies. We bake brownies to hire people." Proceeds go to job training programs -- and even Ben & Jerry's ice cream features their treats. www.greystonbakery.com

Chocomize Chocolate Bars. Customize a sweet treat for the holidays by selecting from more than 100 toppings and then select one of three charities to benefit from your purchase. www.chocomize.com

Philosophy Bath Products. Smile and smell great with Philosophy's charitable selections this season: Heart of the Season, Shower for the Cure, Joyful Heart and She Colors My Day. www.philosophy.com

Joan Hornig Jewelry. Her motto is "Philanthropy is Beautiful" and that's something to celebrate. The "Working Together" necklace from the "Tools for Giving Collection" is a unique favorite in sterling. Best of all, 100 percent of the proceeds from every purchase are donated to the charity of the buyer's choice. www.joanhornig.com

Footzyrolls Ballet Slippers. Created by another small business, these are great for around the office or on a long flight. Every pair supports the United Way. www.footzyrolls.com

Object Mythology Gloves. Gloves can often be a "blah" gift, but fingerless, text-friendly "i-heart" gloves will warm hands and hearts, as they benefit One Is Greater Than None, providing medical care to uninsured Americans in rural areas. www.objectmythology.com

PBTeen Giving Pillows. My daughter wants the whole collection of these beautiful pillows with powerful messages -- all benefitting a variety of causes. www.pbteen.com