Shopping: Gifts That Give Back

It’s December and you know what that means: Decorations are hung on every house, festive lights are twinkling and the hunt for the perfect gift for everyone on your list! As we’re in the midst of the holiday season, many retailers embrace the giving spirit by partnering with non-profits and charities across the globe. This results in a bounty of gifts that give back–allowing shoppers to not only find a one of a kind present for every member of the family, but also providing a unique way to spread joy to those in need.

The Little Market Baby Bear Knits Gift Box - Gray
The Little Market's--which was co-founded by Lauren Conrad--Baby Bear Knit Gift Box is the perfect gift for any expectant or new parent and will keep any tiny tot warm during those windy days! The set includes a beanie, mittens, and baby booties that are made from Peruvian alpaca wool. With each purchase made from the Little Market, meaningful income through fair trade principles are generated for the artisans and their families around the world. $80, thelittlemarket.com
Dwell Studio Deer Ornaments in Silver Glitter (Set of 3)
Dwell Studio’s three piece Deer Ornaments in Silver Glitter are perfect for those who love festive décor around the holidays. With each purchase, half of the proceeds will directly benefit Dwell Studio’s programs and partner Every Mother Counts, which is helmed by celeb mom Christy Turlington Burns and dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for mothers around the world. $49, dwellstudio.com
TOMS Pink Felt Tribal Youth Slippers
With a colorful pattern and soft faux shearling lining, these Pink Felt Tribal Youth Slippers will make your little one’s indoor occasions feel warm and cozy. With each pair of slippers purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need. $38, toms.com
FEED Kenya Messenger
The FEED Project, was founded in 2007 by now-new mom Lauren Bush Lauren with a mission to fight hunger! With a purchase of a FEED Kenya Messenger, not only will the recipient of this gift look fashion-forwardt, but the purchase allows for meals or micronutrients packets to be provided to two children in Kenya for one year. Plus, the purchase supports the talented artisans who hand-bead and make each bag. $200, feedprojects.com
State Bags Henry Micro Backpack
State Bags sets itself apart with its commitment to making a difference in children’s lives. Purchasing this Henry Micro Backpack will help fund the supplies that are stuffed into the donated bags at their motivational bag drop rallies. $20, statebags.com
Philosophy Christmas Cookbook Gift Set
Spice up that special mom in your life's next lather, with Philosophy’s Christmas Cookbook Collection of Shower Gels. With savory scents such as vanilla bean, pumpkin icing, cinnamon stick and fresh cream, the recipient can carry the delicious holiday with them throughout the entire year. For every product sold, Philosophy will contribute 1 percent of sales to the Hope and Grace Fund, an initiative to support community-based mental health efforts. $28, philosophy.com
Rockin' Baby PLAYIN’ Circus Print Romper
Since starting the “Mother to Mother” mission in 2011, Rockin’ Baby’s has been committed to helping mothers living in terrible conditions, by matching an identical quantity of what consumers buy from their site and donating it to nonprofit organizations. With the purchase of a soft, unisex, all over snap closure Circus Print Romper, a difference can be made in the world. $32, rockinbaby.com
Ann Taylor Elephant Charm Bracelet
Bring good luck, strength and the iconic symbol for family (elephants) to not only loved ones, but to the children tended to by the St. Jude Research Hospital. With every purchase of Ann Taylor’s limited edition Elephant Charm Bracelet--a perfect gift for the stylish mama in your life--from November 13, 2015 through January 30, 2016, 50 percent of the purchase price will be donated. $49.50, anntaylor.com
lemlem Sun Lion Hooded Gabi
This hand-embroidered, cotton baby blanket by lemlem (which was founded by supermodel and mom Liya Kebede) was hand-crafted in Ethiopia, and it not only contributes to empowering Ethiopian artisans, but also continues to preserve the art of weaving while breaking the cycle of poverty by providing job opportunities. $195, lemlem.com
Absolut Elyx Gift Set
For the mom or dad in your life who's been extra-good this year, the Absolut Elyx Gift Set is the ultimate luxe libation! The set includes a bottle of Absolut Elyx (which is copper-distilled and crafted from single estate winter wheat) and a copper Elyx Pineapple of Hospitality. The best part about this festive treat is that every Elyx Pineapple sold helps provide one month’s supply of safe water (560 liters) to someone in need through Absolut Elyx's partnership with Water for People. $120, absolutelyx.com
Dsenyo African Flower Hair Clip
Not only can you treat your little girl (or yourself!) to one of Dsenyo vibrant African Flower Hair Clips, but with each purchase, Dsenyo's partnership with artisan communities in Malawi, Zambia, and Brazil enables women to further their efforts in becoming economically empowered through the sale of fair trade and ethical fashion. $4.80, dsenyo.com
No Kid Hungry Chef Series Silicone Spatula
In conjunction with Williams-Sonoma, a slew of famous chefs, including award-wining chef David Chang, designed these BPA-free silicone head spatulas that areheat resistant for up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only do the spatulas have oversized heads that are perfect for scooping large quantities, but each purchase benefits No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help provide kids with nutritious meals. $12.95, williams-sonoma.com
Gap x Bombas Calf Four Pack
Built for athletic performance and engineered for extreme comfort, Bombass Boy’s Gap X Bombass Calf Four Pack is the only sock ideal for gift-giving. With each pair purchased, Bombass donates a pair to someone in need. Each sock donated is engineered to prevent the growth of fungus, show less visible wear, and has a longer lifespan. $36, bombass.com
The Body Shop Frosted Cranberry Festive Cracker Gift Set
Indulge the moms and tween and teen girls on your list by adding the delectable scent of the Body Shop’s special-edition Frosted Cranberry Festive Cracker Gift Set to their present pile. The gift set features a mini body lotion and heart shaped soap. By purchasing this set, one day's worth of safe drinking water will be provided to a family in Ethiopia, thanks to the Body Shop’s partnership with WaterAid. $7, thebodyshop-usa.com

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!

Instituto Cervantes

Children and teenagers learn to understand and express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills through a dynamic immersion program taught by NATIVE TEACHERS that combines CLASSES, ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS and FUN ACTIVITIES! All of our high-qualified teachers are native Spanish speakers who adapt the structure of the class to the needs and levels of each group while conducting the classes entirely in Spanish. We offer both Spanish Summer Camps and Regular Courses for children along the year to foster language learning and multicultural understanding.

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!