Get into the holiday spirit by shopping for a good cause with these meaningful gifts.
By Erica Tropp
Ann Taylor limited edition elephant jewelry collection (Photo courtesy of Ann Taylor)
Ann Taylor Limited Edition Elephant Jewelry Collection
In many cultures, the elephant is a symbol of strength, something the children at St. Jude muster every day. In the spirit of giving, Ann Taylor will donate 50 percent of the purchase price of any of the items in this collection to the children’s research hospital, supporting the facility’s mission of finding cures to life-threatening pediatric diseases. The collection includes a bracelet, a ring and two pendant necklaces, all in gold or white with gold accents. Take a peek at the collection in person at various Ann Taylor locations around D.C., including Dupont Circle, Downtown, Union Station, Gallery Place, Penn Quarter, Georgetown, Arlington, Silver Spring and Alexandria. You have until January 30, 2016 to make a difference while adding a new stylish piece, or three, to your wardrobe!
The Body Shop’s Moringa Festive Picks Gift Set (Photo courtesy of The Body Shop)
The Body Shop’s Moringa Festive Picks Gift Set
Give the gift of cleanliness this season, with the Body Shop’s gift box full of delicate floral scents. The included shower gel, body butter, body scrub and soap contain moringa seed oil from India, known for its remarkable medicinal properties. This thoughtful gift is sure to keep the receivers skin healthy and smooth through the harsh winter weather. Thanks to Wateraid, your purchase of this gift box provides a family in Ethiopia with one day of safe drinking water, without which children suffer from water-related fatal diseases and traps families in poverty. The set is only $26, the perfect price for your office’s annual Secret Santa gift exchange, and can be tested and purchased at the Body Shop location in Union Station.
Alex and Ani Stand-Up Charm Bangle Bracelet (Photo courtesy of Alex and Ani)
Stand Up, Stand Out Alex and Ani Bangle Set
Alex and Ani has teamed up with Stand Up to Cancer this season with the production of its signature charm bangle, made of recycled brass and featuring the SU2C trademark arrow. Together, the partnership is working to make charitable trendy. The set comes with three expandable bangles finished in either Russian gold or silver, perfect for that fashionable layered look. For each purchase, 20 percent of proceeds will be donated directly to SU2C’s research and fight to end cancer. You can find the bangle set for $78 on Stand Up for Cancer’s website, or as singles for $28 each in the Alex and Ani location in Georgetown or online.
Sydney Page backpacks (Photo courtesy of Sydney Paige)
Backpacks by Sydney Paige
Teach your children the gift of giving this holiday season with colorful Sydney Paige backpacks and other fun books and school accessories like pencil cases and lunch bags. For each present bought, Sydney Paige will gift an identical product filled with school supplies, clothing, food, hygiene items and other daily necessities to children in need nationwide. And you get to choose the non-profit your gift supports! Backpacks range from -80 and are appropriate for children of all ages, even young adults.
Check them out on Sydney Paige’s website and help your children learn to change the world, one backpack at a time!
Sseko duffle bag in caramel (Photo courtesy of Sseko Designs)
Sseko Weekender Duffle Bag
Even Sophia Bush has tagged along on this trend; these bags were so popular they are sold out. But don’t get too discouraged… if you’re willing to wait, they are available for preorder and are definitely worth the delay.
These bags, hand-crafted in Uganda, sell for 9.
99 and are made of oil-tanned cow leather from Ethiopia. With a full lining, two inside pockets, drop handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, this attractive duffle is sure to be the fad travel bag this year. The best part is that by buying Sseko, you are helping provide employment and scholarship to Ugandan women stuck in poverty. To date, Sseko Designs has helped 60 of its female employees reach their dreams of going to universities, and you can help the next team of 50 do the same. Visit Sseko’s website to learn how you can make a difference.
