‘Tis the season for shopping like mad, friends! While it always feels good to search for and choose the perfect present, wrap it up, and watch the joy on the recipient’s face as they open it, there are so many ways that we can go above and beyond, for a greater cause, when gifting to our loved ones these days.
Black Friday has long been a favorite for some, but in more recent years, at least where I’m from, a great deal of excitement starts brewing around Thanksgiving for Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday – days dedicated to the kind of shopping that supports community and charity – and it always has me feeling so inspired to do my part!
Here are five ways you can give back to bigger causes as you purchase your holiday surprises this year.
Shop Local
Shopping locally not only helps a city’s economy thrive, but small, independently owned shops are likely giving back to the community in more meaningful ways than any mass retailer. Sure, larger companies may be able to donate bigger dollars, but many small business owners tend to be incredibly charitable and invest their time, expertise, products and services, and passion into the communities in which they operate. They often unite to host events that raise money and awareness for important causes and may occasionally (or always) donate a portion of their proceeds back to charity. By shopping small, we’re supporting something bigger.
AmazonSmile
Did you know that a small portion (0.5%) of each Amazon purchase you make could be going back to a cause you believe in through AmazonSmile? While it may not sound like much, it can add up over time – especially if multiple people are signed up to support the same cause! | Lean more.
Cards + Memberships That Give Back
Several companies – like Kroger – give a portion of each purchase back into their communities, or a specific cause, each time shoppers swipe their membership card (or the retailers credit card.) If you’re considering signing up for one of these options, don’t hesitate to ask if there’s a “giving back” component. Additionally, several companies, including Kohl’s, offer gift card options that aid in charitable donations or fundraising.
Companies Committed to Community
Before you spend your dollars at just any store, do your research to find out about more about their philosophy on paying it forward, and their stance on community involvement and corporate responsibility. In most cases, a quick online search will help you get an idea about the causes they support and how they – and their employees – give back, so you can feel extra good about spending your dollars there. | Learn more.
Products for a Cause
You may be familiar with TOMS shoes – the company that donates one pair of shoes, for every one pair purchased, to someone in need. However, several companies now offer programs like this, and some shops are based entirely around this philosophy of giving back, donating a portion of their proceeds on every product, or a particular product, sold to a cause. Warby Parker, Lush, Better World Books, The Shine Project, The Giving Keys, and more offer products that give back. | See more companies that pay it forward here and here.
Are there any businesses you frequent, or products you love, because they support a greater cause? Share them with our readers in the comments below!
xo, Aly
Image via Unsplash.
[…] While we think this is totally acceptable in some cases, we really want to crack down on our spending and the stress of gift buying this year. And more importantly, we want whatever it is we do decide to purchase to be meaningful and, when possible, to give back in some way (I shared some thoughts on this over the holidays here.) […]