22 Cool Gift Ideas That Also Give Back
Image: The Vault Stock
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22 Cool Gift Ideas That Also Give Back

Christmas is the time to treat your closest friends and family members – but what if your choice of gift could benefit an organisation supporting those in need? Here, we’ve rounded up some of the ways to ensure your presents give back this festive season…
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Image: The Vault Stock

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FOR FASHION FANS…

Since launching its Positive Impact Pledge, SL-favourite TBCo. has committed 2% of annual revenue to charities both environmental and humanitarian. That means when you gift one of its knitted pieces this Christmas, you’re not only wrapping someone up in cosiness – you’re helping fund rainforest preservation, community support and meaningful charitable work across the globe. 

For clothes that make you look good and do good, meet Ninety Percent. This London-born brand isn’t just about minimalist, timeless wardrobe staples, every year it pledges to share 90% of its distributable profits between the people who make its clothes and a handful of important charitable causes like the Big Life Foundation, WildAid, War Child UK, BRAC  and Children's Hope.

If you prefer something with a slightly more fashion-meets-female-empowerment slant, the Tory Burch Foundation continues to be one of the most impressive in the industry. Created to champion women entrepreneurs, it funds small businesses, grants, mentorship programmes and education for women building companies around the world. While the Foundation doesn’t sell products in the traditional sense, many Tory Burch purchases include a donation component and the Foundation’s initiatives are also supported through limited-edition pieces and seasonal activations. 

Similarly, at the luxe end of the spectrum, Louis Vuitton’s long-standing partnership with UNICEF is worth noting. A portion of proceeds from its Silver Lockit jewellery collection goes directly towards supporting vulnerable children worldwide – making a classic LV gift feel that little bit more meaningful. Meanwhile, Gucci continues to put purpose behind its iconic style. Through its Gucci Changemakers programme – designed to empower marginalised communities, which recently expanded to London – the brand supports a range of social-impact initiatives. 

FOR MAGPIES…

We all have that friend who lights up at the sight of a jewellery pouch or beautifully wrapped accessory but this year, but some of the most stylish options also support meaningful initiatives. Mejuri offers more than just everyday sparkle – it’s jewellery with a purpose. Through its Empowerment Fund (and broader philanthropy efforts) Mejuri supports women and non-binary people’s access to education, skills training and creative opportunities – from bursaries and scholarships to design-school grants, with more than $1m donated to date.

If you’re after something symbolic, Dinny Hall’s Suffragette collection is a thoughtful go-to. The pavé-set locket – in the suffragette colours of violet, green and white – makes a great gift. What makes it even more special is a portion of the proceeds from the suffragette collection is donated to Women’s Aid, the UK charity committed to ending domestic abuse against women and children. 

Alternatively, Catbird NYC is known for its delicate jewellery and Brooklyn-cool aesthetic but what many don’t realise is that the brand is quietly philanthropic. Its ‘Full Heart’ charm – a tiny yellow-gold puffed heart that looks as good on a chain as it does on a charm bracelet – is part of its Giving Fund, with proceeds supporting charities from women’s rights organisations to food-justice programmes. 

Chantecaille; Catbird NYC

FOR MEN…

For the fashion-forward friend who wants something a little left-of-centre, Cubitts’ collaboration with Jonathan Bailey is the sort of celebrity collab that still manages to have heart. Jonathan Bailey – of Bridgerton and Wicked fame – has curated an eyewear edit with the British brand, with proceeds supporting The Shameless Fund, a charity founded by the A-list actor and dedicated to forging a world where every LGBTQ+ person can live safely and authentically. 

If your budget is a little more modest but you still want to do some good, Gandys is always a reliable choice. Created by two brothers who lost their parents in the 2004 tsunami, the brand was built with charitable giving at its core. Every purchase helps fund educational projects and community hubs in underprivileged areas around the world. Its gifting edit – including cosy socks, beanies, travel gear and affordable stocking fillers – is designed to look great and feel special while also directly supporting their ‘Orphans for Orphans’ initiative. 

From stylish winter boots to the iconic espadrilles, men are bound to appreciate a pair of TOMS. The best part is, for every pair of shoes you purchase, they donate one to a child in need. They also offer employment to local communities by producing their shoes in the countries where they’re donated.

FOR BEAUTY LOVERS…

A well-curated box of beauty product always goes down well but the category also happens to be one of the most charitable. First up is the John Lewis x Look Good Feel Better Charity Box, a limited-edition curation benefiting the organisation that supports people undergoing cancer treatment. Look Good Feel Better provides workshops, skincare education and confidence-boosting sessions for those experiencing the physical side effects of cancer therapies. The box itself is full of both full-size and travel-size products across skincare, bodycare and make-up.

Chantecaille’s Cheek Shades are already cult favourites but what elevates them is the brand’s long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation. Each blush shade is embossed with an endangered animal, with a portion of proceeds supporting organisations protecting that species. Whether you choose the pink featuring a butterfly or the warm rose with a horse motif, this is the kind of luxury beauty that quietly gives back. 

If you’re after skincare gifts that deliver visible results and do a little good, Medik8 deserves a place on your list. The brand doesn’t just talk the talk – its ethos is built around serious social and environmental commitments. Every time you click “buy”, a portion of your order goes toward meaningful causes – whether that’s boosting access to mental health services, supporting ocean conservation or helping underrepresented young people into STEAM careers. 

Another beauty brand putting purpose first is Nursem, created by a paediatric nurse and her husband to help key workers struggling with dermatitis from constant hand-washing. The brand’s ‘Nursem Promise’ ensures that for every product purchased, a month’s supply of hand cream is donated to an NHS nurse or midwife. The formulations are naturally derived, gentle but hardworking, and ideal as a stocking filler or small gift for anyone whose hands need extra care during the colder months. 

If you know someone who swears by ingredient-led formulas, The Ordinary is always a safe bet – but what makes the brand even better is the impact happening behind the scenes. Through the DECIEM Community Fund, the company supports charitable organisations around the world, particularly those rooted in the communities where its stores and labs are based. A significant portion of this funding goes towards groups tackling systemic racism, inequality and social injustice.

Finally, 100 Acres is the small British brand making luxurious botanical bath and body products with a genuine commitment to giving back. Whether it’s through environmental initiatives (like its current partnership with Rewilding Britain) or local community support, the brand is focused on sustainable production and slow, thoughtful gifting. Its bath oils, body lotions and hand washes are all scented to evoke a chic, country spa – think lavender fields, citrus groves and herb gardens.

100 Acres; Crisis x London Borough Of Jam

FOR FOODIES…

Foodie gifts are satisfying, indulgent and universally popular – but certain picks also have some impressive charitable credentials. One of the most meaningful is The Clink: a hospitality training programme that operates restaurants and kitchens within prisons, offering vocational experience and qualifications to support rehabilitation. Its festive hampers and dining events directly fund these programmes, helping individuals build skills and secure employment after release. 

Meanwhile, the ever-iconic Big Mamma Group – the team behind Circolo Popolare and Ave Mario – has partnered with Everpress  to produce limited-edition festive merch. The proceeds go to  The Felix Project, giving fans of the restaurants a fun and colourful way to support a good cause, and ensure no child goes hungry this Christmas.

For something more gourmet, it’s worth checking out the Shop From Crisis. The homelessness charity partners with various brands to sell products that help fund its frontline services. Poons’ sauces, for example, range from rich chilli oils to classic soy-based blends and are perfect for anyone who loves to experiment at home.

FOR EVERYONE ELSE…

If you’re shopping for little ones, Yoto’s latest release is a genuinely meaningful choice. The award-winning, screen-free audio player brand has just launched a brand-new Yoto Classics: Peter Pan card – a magical, full-cast retelling of J.M. Barrie’s story, narrated by Nick Mohammed and brought to life with music and sound effects. But it’s the charitable element that makes this extra special. Created in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, 6% of the retail price of every card goes directly to GOSH, contributing to Yoto’s pledge to raise a minimum of £100,000 for the charity by February 2027.

You know those people who seem impossible to buy for – the ones who already have everything, yet you still want something standout? That’s where A Noble Gift comes in. The platform reinvents luxury gifting with a conscience, operating as a year-round, female-founded auction site where every single penny of the winning bid goes straight to charity. One standout this season is the Dr. Barbara Sturm Bespoke Skin Consultation & Winter Skincare Kit. This isn’t just a gift set – it’s an exclusive one-to-one virtual consultation with Dr. Barbara Sturm herself, followed by a personalised skincare routine curated for the recipient’s skin needs, plus at least £500 in products. What makes it truly special is that all proceeds from the winning bid go directly to supporting Issy's Silver Linings  in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 

Finally, Wellboxes remains one of the most versatile charitable gifting platforms. Each box supports local communities, from funding meals for those experiencing homelessness to donating care packages to NHS workers. You can choose from wellness boxes, snack hampers, activity kits or personalised bundles – ideal for corporate gifting, extended family members or anyone who loves a surprise selection of treats. 

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