Blessing While Giving {Part 2}

I decided back in September that I really wanted to do something different this Christmas. 

It sounds so silly that I was already thinking about Christmas in September, but I LOVE the holidays and pretty much start thinking about them as soon as we can officially say it's boot season here in San Diego.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that has had this idea, but this was my thought... every gift I give would be helping another person in need. You can read that original blog post here.

Someone selling something for a great cause. 

Supporting someone in their own journey to raise funds whatever it may be. 

Or a company that gives back a percentage, or gives another item when one is purchased.

Well, I've been doing some serious research and wanted to share some of my ideas. Some of these things I have already purchased, some I have not. I won't go into detail in case someone that I happen to be buying for stumbles across my blog. hehe.

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Here are 10 different ideas I have found so far.

1. Toms

Of course, most people already know about Toms, but for those that may not, Toms gives a pair of shoes for every pair you buy. Awesome. I own a pair of the wedge heels and can't wait to get my hands, or should I say feet, on a pair of the original ones.

How awesome are these for hubby, dad, brother, etc?

2. 31 Bits

This is a group of friends were determined to make a difference in Uganda.

They have committed to buying jewelry monthly from what started as 6 women in Uganda to now 99 women. They have helped these women that were in times of suffering feel joy and experience liberation. They even have a wedding line of jewelry!

3. An Awesome Book

This one I don't have to hide, because I don't think my 3 & 1 year old will be snooping around my blog anytime soon. I bought them each one of these books. They are awesome. For every book bought, the Awesome World Foundation gives a book. Books are delivered directly and distributed to schools, hospitals, libraries, camps and shelters both domestically and worldwide. You can even read the book on the website to see how awesome it is before you have the option to purchase the awesome book. Awesome. And there is An Awesome Book Of Thanks. Can't get much more awesome.

4. UNICEF {U.S. Fund}

Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF is a global humanitarian relief organization providing children with health care and immunizations, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's humanitarian relief work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States.

All kinds of stuff, even soft toys from IKEA help this cause. From November 1 to December 24, for every IKEA soft toy and accompanying children's book sold, the IKEA Foundation will donate one euro (approximately $1.35) to support UNICEF and Save the Children Education programs.Awesome.




5. Ethical Ocean

This site doesn't give back monetarily, but it only provides items that are the best for people, the environment, and animals. So that is giving back in my book!

Each of the product pages includes a story: explaining what the product does, where it comes from, and what the seller is doing to positively impact the globe. Sellers are thoroughly screened before being allowed to sell on the site.

I found this amazing mustache reusable coffee cup and was hooked. Pretty sweet.






6. Children's Art Project

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center  started this Children's Art Project to generate revenue to enhance patient services through the sale of products created with children's art. They have all kinds of items and even these pretty awesome iPhone 4/4s covers. I just love that all the items are made with the art of children. Makes me want to cry! Everything from jewelry to clothing, to stationary. 








7. Invisible Children 

This one I have known about for some time and have always had them close to my heart. The 3 young men that started this organization are from Southern California. I remember going to a church service in SD and seeing these guys and they were just starting to speak out about the horror they found on their trip to Uganda. It was Invisible Children in the making. 

They created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda's night commuters and child soldiers.

All the proceeds go to their mission to rescue and provide a future for these children and their country.

"All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability."



8. Throwing Our Arms Open Wide - An Adoption Place







This blog has a designated page solely to help families on their way to the adoption process and also for those raising money for orphans.

I fell in love with it as soon as I found it. Incredibly creative things and they are being sold for an amazing purpose. Not too much wordage needed for this one... check them out. She is even willing to add  your shop if you are also selling for this cause! 






9. 147 Million Orphans

This is all I needed to read when I stumbled on this website. Amazing cause.

"We are two moms who love orphans! We met six years ago as we were both going through our first adoptions (one domestic and one international) … Thirteen kids and seven adoptions later, we are bound together through faith and mission. We love “doing life together” and accepting the call to speak up for orphans everywhere. We want to help as many people as possible to see the 147 million orphans as scripture calls them, “…those who have no voice.”   We want you to see YOUR PART in helping change the life of an orphan. Could it be adoption, sponsoring a child, volunteering for orphan care ministry, rocking babies at an orphanage, financially supporting someone adopting, or buying these products?"
 

10. iGive

Connected with 944 stores, iGive is determined to make a change. The stores have teamed up with iGive to give a percentage to the cause of your choice when you shop with the iGive button.

The free iGive Button doesn't change your shopping habits. This tiny addition to your browser automatically tells participating stores that you want your shopping to support your favorite cause or charity.

If your charity or cause of choice isn't an option, you can add it! Love this. It may be a small percentage given, but every bit counts.

I'm in the process of adding the A21 Campaign, if you read my recent post on sex-trafficking, you know the cause I'm passionate about.

I'm thrilled that so many awesome stores are on board with this. Amazing.

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I hope this list may help you a tad as the Christmas craziness begins! 

I know there are SO many more amazing sites out there and it's so encouraging to know that we have a lot of options when we want to buy for a cause.

Feel free to post a link to a shop or site you know of in the comments! 

Love it.

Happy shopping!

{Linking up here, here, here}