For many underfunded non-profits, merchandise sales provide a crucial lifeline, boosting both visibility and vital funds. This holiday season, choosing a gift with purpose can support everything from animal conservation and civil liberties to public media and cultural institutions.
Gifts That Give Back to People and Planet
The trend towards conscious consumerism is growing, with many shoppers seeking presents that align with their values. A personal anecdote illustrates this shift: one parent's initial scepticism about another stuffed animal was overturned upon learning it was from the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), a charity that directs 85% of proceeds to conservation work and holds a four-star rating on Charity Navigator.
While buying a product is no substitute for direct action like donating or volunteering, ethically sourced merchandise offers a tangible way to support a cause. Organisations like the NAACP also promote economic empowerment through initiatives like their extensive 'Buy Black' gift guide.
Conservation and Environmental Support
For the nature lover, several organisations offer products that fund critical environmental work. The WWF provides more than just individual plush toys; their gift buckets, priced at $75, allow you to select three or four 8-inch stuffed animals like the three-toed sloth or emperor penguin chick.
The Rainforest Alliance offers a subtle jungle art print for $30, with all proceeds funding their programme. For those wanting to make a statement, Greenpeace USA has partnered with artist Shepard Fairey on a 'We Believe' t-shirt. Priced at $30, 100% of the proceeds (minus shipping) support their Warrior Defense Fund and campaign against SLAPP lawsuits.
Advocacy, Health and Human Rights
Gifts can also champion social justice and public health. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) runs one of the most expansive non-profit gift shops. Their 'Support Your Local Drag Queens' tote bag, costing $18, funds the Drag Defense Fund. Their 'Banned Bookworm' Tee ($28) supports efforts to push back against book bans in schools and libraries.
In the realm of health, UNICEF Market sells items like a set of six embroidered wool ornaments from India for $29.95. The organisation states this purchase can provide enough polio vaccine for 36 children. Meanwhile, International Medical Corps offers a 100% cotton hammock, handmade by Mayan artisans, for $189.99, with 25% of the price supporting healthcare in crisis zones.
Every Mother Counts, founded by Christy Turlington, collaborates with brands like Clare V. on stylish apparel. A Clare V. oversized sweatshirt costs $165, with 30% of proceeds donated to the maternal health charity.
Supporting Culture, Media and Community
Public broadcasters and cultural institutions also benefit from thoughtful shopping. With federal funding cuts, supporting public media is crucial. NPR's Tiny Desk tote bag is a practical choice at $17. For a higher-end option, the Guardian has partnered with Lingua Franca on a 100% cashmere, hand-stitched crewneck sweater for $380, with 20% of profits supporting its journalism.
Museums face ongoing financial uncertainty. The Science Museum of Minnesota sells a dinosaur-bone inspired Cretaceous cardigan for $69.99. New York's Studio Museum in Harlem offers a Limited Edition Love Birds scarf for $54, with all proceeds going back into the institution. The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in Los Angeles sells whimsical items like Origami Cranes gift wrap ($13.99) through its online shop while its building is under renovation.
From chef José Andrés's World Central Kitchen cookbook (from $19.35) to the Human Rights Campaign's 'Love is Love' embroidered sweatshirt ($65), the options for meaningful giving are vast and varied. Each purchase represents a small but significant step towards supporting the causes that shape a better world.
