Last month, guest blogger Megan Nelson challenged us to evaluate our holiday priorities and look for opportunities to make a difference. This month we asked our membership to share their ideas on how they make a difference during the holiday season. The response was nothing short of impressive and inspirational. When holiday shopping, consider these gifts that give back.

Gift a Goat
“My family has a neat tradition that my mom started several years ago. She would gift us a donation to World Vision. It started with the gift of a goat. This goat was given to a family in a third world country so they could provide food for their family and sell their goats milk for income. Once I entered the business world, my mom gifted me the donation of a micro loan. This micro loan was given to a women for the purpose of starting her own business and the opportunity she needed to rise above her circumstances. Each year, I look forward to this gift and it makes me happy to know that someone else will get a gift as well. This unique gift idea is something that keeps on giving to others and can be customized to fit your loved one’s personality. With over 100 ways to donate, you can give goats and other animals, clean water, education, clothing, medical care, micro loans and more! Visit the World Vision Gift Catalog to find a gift for all of the special people in your life.”
-Submitted by Lakelyn Hogan

All Across Africa Makeup Bags
“All Across Africa currently works with more than 3,000 artisans in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, paying them for their creations at local market price. The sustainable income helps them send their children to school, feed their families and even set up savings accounts. Among their holiday collection (which also includes jewelry, baskets and kitchen items) are these eye-catching makeup bags.”
-Submitted by Meredith Duling

 

ONEHOPE
“This winery donates a portion of their wine and coffee sales to a number of causes, i.e. helping children with autism, donating products to premature babies, and providing clean water.”
-Submitted by Alexandra Stone

Stone and Cloth
“Each purchase from Stone and Cloth provides 25 hours of classroom learning through the Knock Foundation. Great for career women, mamas, travelers – they sell cool totes, back-packs, cross-body bags. You can place pre-orders for Christmas right now – some items sold out, but others still available. Recently, they did a great collection at Target, which goes to the same cause!”
-Submitted by Alexandra Stone

Little Market
“Started by Lauren Conrad, Little Market, empowers women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families. They practice fair trade principles and the proceeds help fund the artisans communities through literacy workshops, business training and health programs. Plus the products are fun and functional and some would make great stocking stuffers. So far I’ve only seen and heard great things.”
-Submitted by Megan Thomsen

MAC Viva Glam Lipstick
“Mac was just rated as one of the best lipsticks on the market today by consumers. One hundred percent of their Viva Glam Lipsticks proceeds goes to the MAC AIDS fund. Great idea for girlfriends or sisters.”
-Submitted by Megan Thomsen

Amazon Smile
“I love using AmazonSmile, it has the same products/prices as Amazon, but a portion of every purchase will be donated by the AmazonSmile Foundation to a charity of your choosing that has registered with the program. It’s an easy way to support the Junior League.”
-Submitted by Lindsey Bray

TAGG – Together A Greater Good
“When you download the TAGG app, you can help schools and other non-profits of choice. Download the free smartphone app, use the app when holiday shopping at local participating businesses, and they’ll make a 5% donation back to your organization of choice!”
-Submitted by Veronica Wortman