This year, holiday sales are expected to increase by 3.6 percent over last year, with online sales growing between 7-10 percent.
Shoppers are searching stores and online sites looking for the best gifts.
With so many different options to choose from when searching for a gift, customers often compare quality and price to come to a purchasing decision. Choosing a product that gives back to the world is another important factor to consider, especially during the holiday giving season. Finding a company that is committed to helping the planet can seem like a daunting task, so Teak has created a holiday gift guide to help get you started.
Puravida
Pura Vida Bracelets began as a partnership between two college students from Southern California and two bracelet peddlers in Costa Rica. Six years later, more than 100 local artisans make the bracelets by hand while spreading the notion of pura vida (“good life”). Expanding beyond bracelets, the company also offers other accessories and clothing.
The brand’s charity collection donates proceeds to more than 190 charities. The company has raised more than $1 million to date. As a member of 1% for the Planet, Pura Vida also donates 1 percent of its net revenue to environmental causes.
Love Your Melon
Love Your Melon was founded in 2012 with the goal of donating a hat to every child in the U.S. battling cancer. After surpassing that goal, today the company now gives 50 percent of its net proceeds to pediatric cancer research. So far, 80,000 hats and $1.5 million have been donated. They also take young patients on “superhero adventures” to help take their minds off the treatment they’re receiving.
It’s easy to find a gift for anyone on your list – Love Your Melon carries a wide variety of hats, apparel, accessories, and kitchen accessories.
tentree
Deforestation is destroying fragile forests across the globe. tentree is a Canadian clothing company that plants ten trees for every item purchased in communities hard hit by deforestation. They have planted nearly 10 million trees in countries such as Madagascar, Senegal, and Nepal.
The brand is also committed to social and environmental causes throughout their manufacturing process. The factories they choose to partner with are required to be committed to these causes and use locally sourced products.
tentree sells clothing, hats, and bags for men and women, often with nature-inspired designs.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker is known for making stylish glasses and sunglasses that are worn by everyone from a college student to celebrities. What is less known about the brand is that for every pair sold, it donates to nonprofit partners to cover the cost of sourcing their glasses to those in need.
Instead of simply donating the glasses, the partners then train locals in developing countries to give basic eye exams and equip them to then sell the glasses at affordable prices. Since it began, the program has distributed more than two million pairs of glasses to people in need.
The holiday season is about showing appreciation for everyone in your life and helping those in need. So, as you head to the mall or scour the web for the perfect gift for your loved ones, consider choosing one of these brands.
