Tough Gift Getter? Give The Gift That Gives Back!

We call it the Season of Giving. And who doesn’t love giving a great gift or trendy present that you know you’re loved one will love?

At SLH, we understand there are some of your favorite folks out there, who are, shall we say, a little tricky to shop for. Never fear, we’ve combed through our favorite sites and created a list of awesome items that are unique and fun, but even more – these are Presents with a Purpose. Each piece carries a story with it, and in purchasing it, impacts a life. Here’s our editor’s picks which we hope you will consider:

FOR  THE PRACTICAL FASHIONISTA

Third Love, 24/7™ Classic T-Shirt Bra $68

Why A Great Present?: Got a friend who loves how fashion looks, but laments how bad it feels? You’ve probably heard of ThirdLove and wondered why is this brand so popular? Well, let’s look at their 24/7 Classic T-shirt bra for starters. It comes in sizes from A to I (that’s roughly a DDD DDD, give or take) and half cup sizes. It comes in eight color options to match a variety of skin tones (and some just for fun). Soft micro-jersey and memory foam cups make it comfy as a second skin while it’s pleated, no-slip straps and nickel-free underwiring keeps the ladies well supported. This bra earned a 4.5 star rating by over Forty-Thousand reviewers.

What It Gives Back?: Launched in 2013 by Heidi Zak and Ra’el Cohen, ThirdLove isn’t just women-owned, it’s women-empowered. This company makes it their mission that “Every Woman Deserves to feel comfortable and confident”. To date, they’ve donated over $20 Million in bras to organizations such as Support the Girls, Soles4Souls, Good360, and St Anthony’s.

So…What’s the Deal?: Give a little, share a little, right? Right now ThirdLove is running their Bundle & Save + Free Shipping offer. Buy 2 Bras, save $15; Buy 3, save $25; Buy 4, save $40. Did we mention the Free Shipping? I believe we did.

FOR THE INSTA-FRIEND

JVN + DIFF, Tosca Clear Rainbow Sunglasses $42.50 (reg. $85)

Why A Great Present?: This collab collection between Jonathan Van Hess and DIFF eyewear has been flying off the shelves faster than you can say “YASSS HENNY!” There are 8 styles to choose from, but our favorite (as well as JVH, ‘natch) is the Tosca style in Clear Rainbow. Designer handcut acetate frames featuring 3-barrel hinges, with premium scratch resistant nylon lenses giving 100% UVA/UVB Protection. DIFF glasses have received 5-star reviews from over 25,000 very happy (and fashionable!) customers.

What It Gives Back?: DIFF eyewear works on a 1:1 match. For every pair of glasses sold, they donate a pair to someone in need. Since 2015, that’s added up to 1.4 Million pairs of reading glasses to individuals in need around the world! Most recently, DIFF has announced in 2020 they are partnering with SightSavers, an international organization that is “leading the charge in providing vision to billions of people around the world”. So going forward any purchase of DIFF glasses sold will help to provide the gift of sight to someone in need through eye exams, surgeries, glasses, medicine, and more.

So…What’s the Deal?: As noted in the price listed above, DIFF is running their CyberSale for CyberWeek with 50% OFF nearly everything on site (including the JVN collection). This starts NOW and runs till 12/7, so time is of the essence here! Additionally, DIFF partners with Student Beans to give all individuals of verified student status a 15% discount

FOR THE POWER PROGRESSIVE

VIDA Artists Collective, Ruth Bader Ginsberg Leather Purse $75

Why A Great Present?: For the outspoken friend who always speaks her mind, and loves art as much as freedom. Original image created by artist Tony Rubino, sold on VIDA. Handmade by artisans in Turkey working in Living Wage Factories. Large enough to carry cell, cash & cards, the wristlet wrap lets you keep your items close while going hands free.

What It Gives Back?: VIDA is a global partnership of co-creators that work directly with artists, helping them develop, produce and sell their artwork to consumers everywhere. The artists work with the VIDA designers to conceptualize their work into products which are then produced in living wage factories across the globe. Because they use direct-to-fabric digital printing, these factories are zero waste. So not only are you supporting artists, VIDA also provides literacy and education programs to all the workers in their factories, enabling them to earn higher education degrees they could not afford.

So…What’s the Deal?: TODAY ONLY, you can get 35% Off using the Code GIVE

FOR THE WARRIOR WOMAN

Golden Thread, Delicate Strength Crystal Necklace $89.98 (reg. $135)

Why A Great Present?: Gorgeous 18″ Gold chain with 4K Gold plate and pave crystals adorn this necklace designed by Golden Thread and sold directly by the non-profit Stand Up To Cancer. Golden Thread is handmade in Houston, TX and has been featured in Vogue, Redbook, People Style Watch, etc as well as been seen on the TODAY show. Celebrity fans include Taylor Swift, Pippa Middleton, Brooke Burke and Lupita Nyong’o.

What It Gives Back?: It’s currently estimated that 1 in 3 people in the United States will be diagnosed with Cancer. And while cancer survival rates have been on the rise, the numbers of individuals perishing from this disease is still staggering…over 600,000 in the United States in 2018 alone. For any loved one who has been affected directly or indirectly by this horrible disease, 100% of all sales goes to Stand Up To Cancer to fund research for prevention, faster diagnosis, and treatment of all forms of Cancer.

So…What’s the Deal?: As noted above, this item and many others on the site, are Holiday discounted. The Delicate Strength necklace is currently 33% off.

FOR THE PICKY PRESCRIPTIVE

Warby Parker Gift Card Set $95 – $295 (prescription dependent)

Why A Great Present?: Everyone sees things a little differently. Warby Parker gets that, and lets your loved one have the gift of clear vision in classically chic frames. That’s probably why Warbys are worn by celebs from Chloe Sevigny, to Iman, to Gloria Steinmen! The gift card allows for several different types of prescriptions, ranging from $95 for non-prescription up to $295 which will cover your nearest and dearest progressive wearers. E-Gift card options are available, but frankly we really love the 5 business day giftable package, which comes decorated by Brooklyn-based artist Abbey Lossing.

What It Gives Back?: Since launch, Warby Parker has embraced working with organizations including VisionSpring, a non-profit working in over 50+ countries to give the gift of sight. Over 5 Million pairs of glasses have been distributed as a direct result of Warby Parker’s Buy A Pair, Give A Pair program. In 2015, Warby Parker created the Pupils Project Program, which works with a number of organizations and local government agencies, like the Department of Education in New York City and the Department of Health in Baltimore, that provides free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to schoolchildren.

So…What’s the Deal?: Because we’re talking prescriptions here, you want to make sure your loved one feels confident in their purchase. We highly recommend having them use the Warby Parker’s Free Home-Try-On Program (sign up via the given link). Warby Parker allows you to pick out five frames from their collection and Warby Parker will ship their selection to you for free so that you can try them on in the comfort of your home. That way when they go to use their Gift certificate, they’ll get exactly what they want.

FOR THE EXPECTING, WHO LIKES UNEXPECTED

The Belly Art Project, Book by Sara Blakely $29.99 (reg. $75)

Why A Great Present?: Got a friend who’s expecting, who’s the type who longs for an unexpected present? This is a super fun outside-the-box idea that’s both adorable and silly and it is giving. Created by Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx and the Sara Blakely Foundation, The Belly Art Project was inspired by Sara as she was pregnant with her first son. In her words, “Creating this book was wild—kind of like motherhood itself. It inspired us immensely to hear the stories of our mom-models and share a day celebrating their baby bumps. But more than anything, we hope it inspires you to pick up a paintbrush, adorn a belly and help a mom. We already know moms change the world; this is just one more way.” The book includes proud belly pics from over 100 moms-to-be, including entertainers like Kate Winslet, fashion gurus like Zanna Roberts Rossi, business leaders like Stacey Bendet (founder and CEO of Alice & Olivia) and regular moms everywhere. It may even inspire your mom-to-be to paint a portrait of their belly as a memento of years to come.

What It Gives Back?: 100% of the authors proceeds goes directly to Every Mother Counts, an organization working to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for women everywhere.

So…What’s the Deal?: Normally the larger coffee table book size is $75, but there is a smaller version now in 8″x 10.4″ for under $30

FOR THE PET-LOVING OENOPHILIA

Chateau La Paws, Available Wine Selections $14 (per bottle)

Why A Great Present?: Got a gal pal who turns into a giddy kid around animals? Skip the squeaky toys this season and get her something the adult in her will appreciate as well.  With 4 varietals to choose from, from white & light Sauvignon Blanc to bold & complex Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s sure to be a bottle with her name on it here. Give the gift of Yappy Hour while helping support a great cause.

What It Gives Back?: Founded by retired veterinarian and celebrated California winery owner, Dr. Kent Rosenblum, the Chateau La Paws wine brand was launched back in 2015 with a mission to help thousands of rescue dogs across the country find their ‘forever’ homes and stay out of potential kill shelters. Through an official national partnership, Chateau La Paws™ Wines proudly supports North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. CLP has raised several hundred thousand dollars to ensure rescue dogs find their loving homes.

So…What’s the Deal?: If you purchase the wine directly via the link supplied in our article you won’t pay any additional mark up that would normally occur when going through an online grocer or other third party.

 

 

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