Who doesn’t love a gift that keeps on giving? It’s always fun to give a thoughtful gift, but a gift that does good in the world? That’s even better! I love that there are so many companies out there that are not only making a profit with their success, but also giving back and creating positive changes in the world. Here are some of my most favorite give-back companies that I know you and the travelers in your life with appreciate, too!
Marie Mae Company: Fighting Human Trafficking
If you’ve been following me for more than a minute, you already know I LOVE Marie Mae Company and their purpose. For every gift box sold, the founder, Jillian Ryan, donates an hour of her time to give business training to survivors of human trafficking. Her trainees go on to get incredible, livable jobs—Jillian has even hired several of her former students to work at Marie Mae!
Marie Mae’s gift boxes in their “Quick Ship” collection are always thoughtfully curated, and they always include ethically made gifts, many of which are made in America. Complimentary gold foil monogramming is available, and a hand-written message of your choice is always on the house!
I love sending their gift boxes any time of year, but especially their special boxes at Christmas! Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram @mariemaecompany. And use code GTGB2022 for a FREE gift with your purchase!
Use code GTGB2022 for a FREE gift, and order no later than December 12!
Lanai Cat Sanctuary: Adopt “In Place”
Cat lovers, rejoice! There is an amazing place on the Hawai’ian Island of Lana’i that is not only a home for cats, it’s an actual sanctuary! Home to over 600 cats since 2004, this sanctuary gives the cats a great life with healthcare, food, and plenty of affection.
You can adopt one of these cats if you want to (although it’s not cheap!), but a more practical option is their “Adopt in Place” program. You can “adopt” a cat and pay for their care (food, medical needs, etc.) on a month-to-month basis, or even for a full year! If you have a traveling cat lover in your life, this is the gift for them! They’ll receive a certificate of adoption and updates of their cat throughout their adoption. Just be sure to click on “Honor” in the drop-down menu on the “Honor or Remember” section of the donation page.
If you want them to have “something to open,” you can also order something from their online shop! Choose from t-shirts, hats, phone cases, bags, mugs, stickers, and more. Your cat-loving loved one will think of you and their adopted kitty cat every time they use it. If you have questions, send an e-mail to info@lanaicatsanctuary.org.
Get all the details (and more photos!): The Ultimate Guide to the Lana’i Cat Sanctuary in Hawai’i
Fahlo Animal Tracking
Know an animal lover who’s not necessarily crazy about cats? How about a sea turtle, penguin, lion, polar bear, elephant, or shark!? My Fahlo partners with animal conservation organizations around the world to support their efforts and make it a little fun for you, too.
When you order a bracelet of your choice from My Fahlo, you’ll also receive tracking information for the animal you choose. You can follow their journey on the My Fahlo App, and a portion of your purchase goes to the animal conservation organization you picked!
Don’t forget to use my code QUICKWHIT20 for 20% off your order!
Coral Gardeners: Restoring Coral in French Polynesia
What’s the most unexplored place on Earth? Did you guess “under the sea”? It’s true! There is so much we still don’t know about what’s going on under the sea, but one of the things we do know is that coral reefs are essential, and they are dying and being damaged faster than you’d ever think.
Coral Gardeners is working on that, however, and you can adopt a coral to help! If you have a beach-loving or sustainably-focused traveler in your life, they will absolutely love this gift. Based on Mo’orea in French Polynesia, the Coral Gardeners are cultivating new coral in underwater nurseries, which are then planted elsewhere to grow and keep the ocean healthy.
You (or your loved one) can choose to adopt from 10 types of “Super Coral,” or even sponsor a part of a nursery or restoration site. If you want them to have something to open, you can also order a tee or sweatshirt! You recipient will also receive an adoption card, updates about the adopted coral, and be invited to join a community of other coral supporters! For the traveler who doesn’t have room for “stuff” and wants to make a difference, this is about as thoughtful a gift as you can give.
Read next: The Best Gifts for Travelers from All Over the World
Kristen Baird Jewelry (SD Gunner Fund)
This one is really special to me. It’s truly the ultimate surprise! Not only does she make the most gorgeous, nature-inspired jewelry, she is also committed to helping service dogs! Her company makes a quarterly donation to the SD Gunner Fund, which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide assistance to veterans, first responders, and special needs children through the training and adoption of service animals.
Kristen’s limited-time Sparkle Surprise makes such a fun gift (for a loved one or yourself!), and it’s even more special knowing that your purchase also helps train a service animal. Just follow this link to choose the type of jewelry, note your three favorite colors, and then Kristen does the hard part of picking out the piece for you!
This exclusive offer is only available between November 18-20 this year, so set a reminder and bookmark this post! Click here to order!
*Missed the November 18-20 deadline? Get FREE SHIPPING on the entire site through November 30 with code QUICKWHIT2022!
Life Straw
At one point or another, every traveler will visit a place where you can’t drink the water! That’s where Life Straw comes in. Sipping straight through this straw removes over 99% of bacteria and parasites from contaminated water, making it safe to drink.
Even better? For every straw purchased, Life Straw provides a child a full school year’s worth of safe drinking water. Talk about a one-for-one, life-changing impact! Gets yours here on Amazon.
Read next: The Best Gifts for Travelers on Amazon
Need more? Check out my Shop Page for all my best gifting guides!
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