For many, the holiday season is a time to share gifts, gather for a meal, and spend time with those we care about. From stocking stuffers to creative Kuumba-inspired creations, there are so many options. This year, look for gifts from producers that give back. We’ve rounded up some wonderful vendors that keep sustainability, care for community, and the environment top of mind.

Give the gift of warmth this winter! Maggie’s Wool snuggle socks are soft, comfortable, and functional. They are made with organically grown cotton and wool from small-scale farms in the U.S., Argentina, Peru, Tanzania, and India. The skilled workers who make these socks are treated with dignity and respect, earn fair wages, and work in co-ops that Maggie’s helped establish, as well as family-owned and operated shops.

Many have come to know this time of year as the season of light. Join in reflection and radiance with handcrafted natural beeswax candles. Big Dipper Waxworks supports a vibrant community of customers, beekeepers, and bees. To that end, 10% of net profits from all candle sales is donated to organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable beekeeping.

For more candle ideas, check out Homebody, a local, proudly trans-owned candle company. When you buy their lead-free, clean-burning soy candles, you help support their mission of giving back. Committed to being a source of good, Homebody donates 5% of their profits and partners with organizations to run fundraisers.

Alaffia body and hair products make perfect gifts. Their soap, lotions, and hair products are known to nourish skin and are made with high-quality, fair trade ingredients. Alaffia also works to nourish the communities where their products are made through the Alaffia Foundation. This nonprofit’s mission is to empower African communities through the advancement of fair trade, education, sustainable living, and gender equality. It also funds maternal care, builds schools and hosts school supply drives, repairs bicycles for independent transportation, and repurposes donated eyeglasses for those in need. Many of Alaffia’s products contain indigenous ingredients such as unrefined “raw” shea butter, African black soap, and coconut oil.

Pacha makes delightfully scented soaps that are perfect to share with those who enjoy a little bit of bath time luxury. Balsam, Peppermint, Starry Night, and Sugar and Spice scented froth bombs, whipped soap scrubs, and bar soaps make delightful holiday-themed presents. Every Pacha Soap Co. purchase supports radically transparent and ethical sourcing, clean water initiatives, hygiene education, and small business opportunities worldwide.

Keep your loved ones cozy with ethically-made alpaca knitwear by Andes Gifts! Adults and children alike can enjoy the comfort of winter knit hats, gloves, and scarves made with yarn spun with respect for the animals, land, and local community. Andes’ production empowers Indigenous communities and creates long-term partnerships with knitting cooperatives in rural communities throughout Peru and Bolivia. Their products showcase traditional knitting techniques passed down through generations of Indigenous Andean women. By purchasing from Andes Gifts, you not only keep yourself (or someone you love) warm, you also support rural communities in the Andes Mountains.

More Gifts that Give Back

In addition to these gifts that give back, there are even more options to share or enjoy yourself!

• Roots Essential (Small scale, Local, BIPOC, Woman Owned) bath soaks, aroma mists, bar soaps
• Pranarom diffusion blends
• Fair Anita (Small scale, Fair Trade) jewelry that creates streams of income for women, especially those who’ve survived domestic abuse
• Stasher (Small scale, Woman Owned) silicone sandwich bags & stand up pouches
• Bee’s Wrap (Small scale) bee’s wax and vegan wax food wraps, seasonal prints at Franklin only
• Flipside Hats (Small scale) hats & face masks
• Simply Straws (Small scale) glass straws—at Franklin only
• Terra Naturals (Small scale) jewelry, scarves, coin pouches
• Badger Balm (Small scale, Family Owned) lip balm multipacks
• Evolution Salt Co. (Fair trade) salt lamps