It’s always been important to give a gift that the recepient will love, or at least, like. But with more and more people understanding the true power of their dollar, it’s very simple to buy locally-made gifts that give back to their local economy. Why not even take it a step further, and buy gifts that are local AND manufactured by companies that give back to their communities and planet? I know, that’s a lot ot take in, and might seem overwhelming. However, this gift guide will make finding a gift with the perfect combination of giving back easy.
Some of Jess’ picks of stylish gifts that give back:

Cranberry Island Kitchen of Cumberland, Maine

Baked goods always make great gifts (who doesn’t love something decadent and fattening?), but they can be time consuming to make. And let’s be honest, many times the professionals’ goodies come out better. Whoopie pies are a New England tradition, and as you can imagine, the best ones use local, New Englad ingredients. That’s why you should get the sweets lover in your life whoopie pies from Cranberry Island Kitchen.  The 20-something year old Kitchen uses ingredients from the area, including sea salts from the the Maine coast, and gives back to the coast as well. At least 10% of CIK’s sales go back to charities, including The Island Institute, an organization dedicated to preserving the ecology and communities of Maine’s islands.

Jordann Jewelry of West Palm Beach, Florida

If you know anyone thats a sucker for jewelry (cough, cough, right here, yooohooo), then be sure it’s domestically-made and it gives back. Jordann Jewelry makes fantastic pieces that can be personalized with the initials of your recipient. Along with her personalized charm necklaces, Jordann makes a line of necklaces and bracelets that benefit the charity Locks of Love, which takes donors’ hair (10 inches or more) and makes it into wigs for financially disadvantaged children in the US & Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Make this gift that much more personal by accompanying it with a donation of your hair to Locks of Love in the name of your recipient.

Barley & Birch Kids Clothing of San Diego

Another great feature of the perfect gift will be that it will give you peace of mind. You can have that with Barley & Birch clothing. The line of kids tees and onesies is made with every facet being carbon neutral. That’s kind of a big deal. Barley & Birch’s fun designs also benefit various organizations around the world, including those that help rural farmers learn sustainable practices and those that provide shelter to abuse victims. And another great feature? The designs are wicked cute.

GAIA Linens of Dallas, Texas

While many companies give back by donating a portion of their sales to charity, GAIA takes women in the Dallas community that would normally be considered “charity cases”, and empowers them with living wage employment. GAIA’s linen napkins are made by marginalized women in Dallas, with the goal of empowering them to realize their own financial independence and self-sufficiency. Not only are these napkins gorgeous and their production is helpful to women, it helps the environment, too: they’re all made from vintage, repurposed or sustainable fabrics.

These are just a handful of the wonderful companies dedicated to producing fabulous products and helping others at the same time. It’s not to hard to find other like-minded companies when purchasing your holiday gifts. Just check out the Locallectual directory!
Happy Holidays and Local Love,
The Locallectuals