50 Holiday Gifts Under $50 That Give Back

2021 may not have been the comeback year we were all expecting but let's finish the year off better than it started. Round out the second weirdest year of the decade with a holiday season to remember. Every gift on this list gives back to the community and makes the world a better place through charitable contributions and community support. **No partnerships or proceeds are made from this list. All products are independently sourced and have no financial benefits to the writer.**

1. TRUFF Hotter Sauce | The Global Fund

Black truffles are so delicious but add those to a jalapeño and red chili pepper infused hot sauce; you've got an incredibly delicious hot sauce for any meal. This vegan and gluten free sauce is the hotter version of the classic Truff sauce you've definitely seen on Instagram.

TRUFF has committed to contributing $50,000 to the Global Fund to support critical health programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The contribution is helping to provide life-saving services and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on those living with HIV.

$14.99

2. Wine | Proud Pour

How often do you think about saving the planet while having a relaxing night at home with a glass of wine? Proud Pour lets you do just that with bottles that focus on several different causes, all linked by one mission - protecting our planet. You can save the bees, protect wildlife habitats, and restore coral in the ocean - all by simply purchasing wine.

Each bottle has a unique mission (and flavor) and all bottles are under $20!

$15-$20 per bottle

3. Lovie Journals | Child Abuse & Domestic Violence Shelters

Author of Spilled Milk and child abuse advocate, K.L. Randis, has created the only children's journal that gives their proceeds directly to nonprofit shelters, crisis centers, and child advocacy centers. If you've read Spilled Milk, you know that her journal was her outlet for her trauma and held her secrets of child abuse for years.

With a Lovie journal you are the writer, illustrator, and main character! Use it to keep up with life's memories, taking notes, jotting down ideas, or writing creative stories. Journals come in multiple colors and styles.

$14.99

4. Biodegradable iPhone Case | The Happy Givers

Let your phone make a statement. With several different collections, including this one sporting "People Over Profit," your phone can start sending messages beyond the screen. Available for many iPhone models and sizes, as well as Samsung models.

100% of the profit supports their community kitchen in Puerto Rico, children's home in Peru, and work with migrants in Tijuana.

$29

5. Beanie | National Park Foundation

Nothing says "I want to go camping" like a National Parks beanie.

Shelter is a lifestyle brand whose sole mission is to use the great outdoors and all the inspiration it provides to help give back to those most in need by donating to rotating charities as well as year-round support of the National Park Foundation.

$23

6. CC Drips Climate Change T-Shirt | American Forests

A fun play on a classic symbol, this shirt does more than provide a bit of style to your wardrobe.

A portion of the proceeds go towards stopping deforestation and preventing climate change all while creating clothing supporting fair labor & wages, and using sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

$34.99

7. Hugge Gift Set | Prosperity Candle

Make Friendsgiving more fun. The Hygge Game has over 300 entertaining and thoughtful questions designed to spark cozy conversation and the sharing of stories.

Choose a candle scent that matches a fond place or memory... from the salty freshness of the seaside to a favorite island retreat to notes of pine carried by a mountain breeze. Every hygge evening begins with relaxing candlelight.

Prosperity candle helps lift refugees and families out of poverty. As a company that supports refugees, most of the candles are handmade in the U.S. by women artisans who lived for many years as refugees, and are now earning a living wage as candlemakers.

$48

8. Forest Candle Holder | Ten Thousand Villages

Nothing says it's the holiday season like the flicker of candle light. This candle holder reflects the image of a tree, creating a dazzling effect against a wall.

Ten Thousand Villages is a more than a global marketplace, it's a movement that breaks the cycle of generational poverty and ignites social change.

$22.49

9. Grill It, Braise It, Broil It Cookbook | American Heart Association

Time to get cozy with some home cooking this winter. What's better than comfort food that's good for your heart and your soul?

Proceeds from this cookbook go directly to the American Heart Association.

$17.95

10. Socks That Build Homes | Habitat For Humanity

Your feet have never worn anything more comfortable. These socks state their mission right on the box. Each pair helps build homes through Conscious Step's contribution to Habitat For Humanity.

$34.95

11. Talavera Style Ceramic Tequila Decanter | UNICEF

This beautiful ceramic tequila decanter handcrafted by Mexican artisan Armando Sobreyra in the Talavera style will add color and character to any dinner table. Not a tequila fan? No problem. This oval-shaped decanter can hold any liquid you want - wine, whiskey, or even take the cork out and turn it into a vase.

This purchase can provide 74 sachets of oral rehydration salts, which can help children combat dehydration and diarrhea via UNICEF.

$26.99

12. Rosé of Pinot Noir | Camrose Wine Co.

The Camrose Rosé of Pinot Noir presents itself with lively fruit flavors and a hint of bubble gum, enhanced by its focused acidity, leading to a refreshingly dry and rounded finish. This wine’s versatility makes it perfect for a picnic on a warm sunny day, a home cooked meal, or curled up on the couch with a good book or movie.

One dollar of each bottle sold is donated to the pediatric brain tumor and cancer community.

$20

13. One Dog At A Time Book | Nowzak Charity

Royal Marine Sergeant 'Pen' Farthing was serving in Afghanistan when he realized the need for animal rescues in the country. Nowzad manages a dog shelter currently looking after over 140 dogs and 40 cats (most available for adoption!!) supported by a modern veterinary clinic staffed by a team of 24 Afghan nationals (including Afghanistan’s first female veterinarians) delivering care and attention to animals in distress. After a year or turmoil in the country, the charity has helped their staff and volunteers get to safety, funded largely through the charity.

The 'tail' of the rescue of Nowzad and his other canine buddies from the remote desert outpost of Now Zad, was published as a best-selling book ‘One Dog at a Time’, which to this day helps to promote and fund the work they do in Afghanistan.

$16.99

14. Get A Warrant Shopping Bag | American Civil Liberties Union

The government should get a warrant before searching your property. Period. This 90s style will remind them.

The ACLU defends the most pressing civil liberties issues facing Americans today, including LGBTQ rights, womens rights, criminal justice reform, and immigration.

$25

15. T-Shirt | Afghan Rescue Crew

Practice your courage every day, but if you need a reminder, this shirt has your back.

Afghan Rescue Crew (ARC) helps those trapped in Afghanistan flee to safety, a mission that is very vital over the next few months.

$30

16. Unapologetically Dope Mug | The B&T Crew

This mug gets you... but just in case others don't, let the mug say it for you. Lightweight and durable, this mug is perfect for hot and cold beverages on a road trip or camping adventure.

Every purchase made will donate a minimum of 10% of profits to not-for-profit mental health organizations & initiatives.

$17.50

17. Recycled Glass Tumbler | Raven + Lily

Different than any glass in your cabinet, and handcrafted in small batches from recycled glass by artisans in Kenya, every Recycled Glass Tumbler is slightly different in color and pattern.

Raven + Lily works with female artisans, while giving back to a micro-loan program supporting female entrepreneurs in East Africa.

$15

18. Produce Bag Trio | FEED

No more fumbling around with produce plastic bags that spin off the roll and take forever to open in the produce aisle. Bring your own with a set of three organic cotton crochet bags for safely carrying farm-fresh fruits and veggies.

Hunger is a daily reality for approximately 795 million people, and one of the most effective solution to combat this crisis is school feeding. This purchase provides 10 meals to hungry children.

$28

19. The Mandalorian Waffle Maker | BoxLunch

Cute waffles are better than regular waffles. Baby Yoda waffles are the cutest of them all. Even better, it's super easy to clean.

Every $10 spent provides a meal to a child in need through Feeding America.

$39.90

20. Botanical Bath Salts | Survival International

Soothing, cleansing, and organic bath salts could relax anyone on a cold winter night.

Survival International is a movement of people from over 100 countries, helping tribal peoples to protect their lives and land.

£8.99

21. Jigsaw Puzzle | Save The Children

A beautiful Scandi design woodland pattern 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle that'll interest any puzzle lover (who undoubtedly exhausted their puzzle collection during quarantine).

Save The Children improves the lives of children through emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts. In 2020, STC helped 45 million children across the world get the medicine, good food and education they needed.

£10.00

22. Unisex Hoodie | SameYou

A powerful message for a hoodie. "Woke feeling nothing and I still felt love."

Brain injury is a leading cause of death & disability. In many countries support is hard to find and even in the best health care services, immediate rehabilitation is often insufficient. SameYou is working to change healthcare policies, improve the pathways to recovery and increase provisions.

£40

23. Pronouns Pins | Human Rights Campaign

Choose between six options, including "Ask Me". A great way to gently remind people of your pronouns.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ advocacy group and LGBTQ political lobbying organization in the United States.

$5

24. Never Been Prouder Fanny Pack | The Trevor Project

Fanny packs are back! This one is designed by artist Zipeng Zhu, who signature colorful designs make the NYC-based artist's work easily recognizable.

100% of profits donated to The Trevor Project, helping LGBTQ youth in crisis.

$25

25. Alpaca Fingerless Mittens | Greater Good

Short mittens in soft alpaca to keep you warm and ready for winter, while keeping your fingertips free for important tasks.

Greater Good is an organization that works to improve the health and well-being of people, pets, and the planet. These mittens go directly towards rescuing animals and you feed at least 35 shelter animals with each purchase.

$16.99

26. Whale Platter Ornament | St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

Sure, it doesn't have to go on a platter but imagine how cute this would be at your next dinner party. This can add some decoration to any platter, table or even desk.

Beyond providing life-saving care to children, St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes.

$19

27. Everything Will Be Ok Shirt | Save Myanmar Campaign

The shirt that has become synonymous with Myanmar 19-year-old protester Kyal Sin (Angel) who fought for democracy in the war-torn nation, before losing her life in early 2021. The message is universal.

All profits will be donated to Save Myanmar. The seller even sends you donation details by personal notification. The #SaveMyanmarCampaign fights for democracy and assists refugees in the country.

$26

28. Tie-Dye Crop Top | RAINN

Before we obsess over how amazing this shirt is, just know the ENTIRE SHOP benefits RAINN so if you're not loving this crop top, check out all their other amazing tops, pants and dresses. Now back to the top - it comes in SIX shades and tons of sizes; not to mention this shirt is super soft.

10% of profit goes to supporting survivors of sexual violence via RAINN and other groups advocating for sexual assault survivors.

$38

29. Handmade Kenyan Maasai Sandal | Glad Kids Foundation

Even in the colder months, we can dream of summer days. Get prepared for your next beach adventure with sandals that are durably hand-made with rubber soles, use high quality leather, and are hand-tooled & hand-beaded.

This sandals provides 115 new work books for the students at the Glad Kids Foundation in Nairobi Kenya.

$19

30. Crossfit O.U.R. Racerback Tank Top | Operation Underground Railroad

Grab the gear to help you accomplish those New Years goals. This tank supports Operation Underground Railroad, an organization focused on ending child trafficking.

Operation Underground Railroad works with law enforcement to free victims of human trafficking, currently supporting operations and aftercare efforts in 22 countries and 34 U.S. States.

$20

31. Custom Ceramic Coffee Mug | Second Chance Initiative

This shop has fully customizable mugs - ones for parents (you can even customize the children for number of kids, appearance and name), best friends, sisters, and so much more. Female-focused, there is a mug for every woman in your life.

Second Chance Initiative is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women in recovery work toward self-sufficiency and build a brighter future.

$16.14

32. Bodum Bistro Programmable Coffee Maker | Grounds & Hounds Co.

The ultimate, easy, straight-forward brewing selection for those who desire simplicity with their coffee gear.

20% of all Grounds & Hounds profits help fund rescue initiatives for animals, supporting animal rescues across the U.S.

$44.99

33. Draw-String Shoulder Bag | Tent Schools International

The coolest bag we've seen in a while, and handmade so you know you'll have something unique. Soft, durable, woven with a traditional Bedouin pattern in red and black with white and green accents.

Tent Schools Shop products are handmade with love by Iraqis who have been displaced by violence and are now living in Jordan as refugees. Your purchase helps artisans support their families and fund a school for their children.

$24.95

34. Love Wins Necklace | It Gets Better

A sterling silver necklace with a loving message for someone special about the world's most powerful force.

$1 from each purchase goes to the LGBTQ+ charity It Gets Better.

$49

35. Book & Coffee Bundle | Out of Print

So many books, so many coffee packs; not enough time. Choose from several book and coffee bundles in a section called "Reads & Roasts" from Out Of Print. The perfect gift for someone who loves to read a good book while sipping on a delicious cup of coffee.

Out of Print’s mission has been to spread the joy of reading by transforming literary classics into bookish apparel and accessories. With every purchase, you help us to donate books and support literacy programs around the world.

$28

36. Never Shirt | The Exodus Road

Unisex tee that fits everyone. The Exodus Road is dedicated to ending #humantrafficking by helping find and free modern day slaves, having rescued over 1500 survivors to date.

In addition to search and rescue missions, The Exodus Road also sponsors the TraffickWatch Academy program which educates law enforcement, NGO practitioners, students, and communities with engaging, quality content from diverse leaders in the counter-trafficking community.

$22.33

37. Moisturizing Calendula Infused Soap | Domestic Abuse Intervention Services

Scented with mahogany and shea, this soap feels like a soothing spa experience. Soap may seem like an unconventional gift but really you're giving the gift of relaxation.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services works to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic violence survivors and their families, and to change societal attitudes that perpetuate violence and the abuse of power.

$9.95

38. Poncho Liner Woobie | Team Rubicon

Talk about a versatile product. The “woobie” poncho liner is designed to combine with your poncho to create a warm, comfortable, and waterproof sleeping bag. It can also be used as an outdoor blanket, or just a rugged piece of comfort to take on your next outdoor adventure.

Team Rubicon utilizes the skills and experiences of military veterans to rapidly deploy emergency response teams across the United States and around the world to provide immediate relief to those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises.

$49

39. Laptop Sleeve | Trace Labs

Water resistant - check! Heat resistant - check! Protect your laptop while protecting victims of human trafficking and creating "virtual search parties" for missing people.

Trace Labs is a nonprofit organization focused on stopping human trafficking and reunifying missing persons with their families while training members in the tradecraft of open source intelligence (OSINT).

$28

40. The Rifle Paper Co. Canteen or Tumbler | charity:water

With over half a dozen different designs and several different styles, you can bring your favorite drink anywhere without wondering if it will stay warm or cold.

Every product helps bring clean water to people the 785 million people without clean drinking water through charity:water.

$34.95

41. Strength Package | Homeboy Industries

So many goodies here. Enjoy the famous Homegirl Cafe Orange Peel and Cinnamon coffee together with a Homeboy Industries coffee mug along with an assortment of Homeboy Bakery's delicious cookies.

Homeboy Industries helps provide hope, training and support to formerly gang-involved and recently incarcerated men and women, by allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of the community. 100% of proceeds benefits Homeboy's comprehensive wraparound programs.

$39.95

42. Face Mask | Black Lives Matter

Make a statement without ever saying a word. Since it seems like face masks are here to stay, at least for the time being, then add to your mask collection with a BLM soft, breathable, 100% cotton mask.

50% of proceeds are donated directly to Black Lives Matter, an organization aiming to correct racial injustice and reform the criminal justice system.

$12

43. White Silk Sleep Mask | Ivory Ella

Light filtering and super soft, this mask lets you rest in peace. Whether it's while traveling or in the comfort of your own home, this mask will quickly become part of your sleep routine.

50% of net profits are donated to Save The Elephants.

$7.99

44. Manta Ray Necklace | Blue Sphere Foundation

Protect these cute animals while wearing this cute necklace. Quality matters and this necklace delivers on quality with 100% sterling silver.

15% of profits from every Manta Ray Ring are donated directly to Sea Legacy to support their efforts in protecting threatened marine species and habitats.

$39.99

45. Luxe Studs | ABLE

Sleek and elegant gold earrings that can go from casual to dressy seamlessly.

Able trains women coming out of the commercial sex industry with trade skills, including making jewelry and handbags. Able also publishes their wages and is committed to creating equality in the workplace for women globally.

$40

46. Daybreak Crop Sweatshirt | To Write Love On Her Arms

A soft sweatshirt reminding you the sunshine is not the only thing making your life brighter. Show the ones you love that you appreciate them with a sweater that says it all.

To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit organization that helps people struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and thoughts of suicide, while also investing in treatment and recovery.

$42

47. Braille NO LIMITS Dad Hat | American Foundation for the Blind

We've got dad jokes, dad bods, and now... dad hats. You don't have to be a dad (or blind) to wear this cool hat all year round. It comes in nine different colors, so you're bound to find the right one for anyone on your gift list.

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a leader in expanding possibilities for the millions of Americans living with vision loss.

$27

48. Organic Short Sleeve Baby Bodysuit | Harlow Bean

Snuggle your little one in an organic cotton bodysuit. They may be "chillin' like a villain," but even if they're squirming like a worm, this bodysuit is easy to snap on and off.

Harlow Bean raises funds and awareness to support animal welfare organizations. 100% of proceeds go to animal rescues and shelters across the US.

$17.49

49. Tea or French Press | National Public Radio

Complete your morning routine with a coffee french press or tea press showing your support of public radio. This wonderful coffee and tea making tool pairs perfectly with your morning news listening, and has the familiar pop of NPR's red, blue and black.

While this is unlike the traditional charities on the list, it is important to support free press and public news outlets.

$30

50. Donate

Still not sure what to get someone? Make a donation in their name to charity of their choice. There are plenty of wonderful organizations who could use your help, so please consider making a donation. It may not be a tangible gift but it really will be the thought that counts.

If you are still not finding something you love, perhaps check out some of the gift guides from the past few years.

2020 Holiday Gift List

2020 Quarantine Gift List

2019 Holiday Gift List

2018 Gift List