Gift Guide: For the Friend with a Cause

TOMS Women's Vegan Wrap-Boot $98 - tomsshoes.com

Maybe she’s on a mission to stop world hunger, or to save cuddly creatures from becoming fur coats, or to prevent the destruction of rainforests. Whatever the cause is, I have some philanthropic gift ideas for her that are people-, animal- or earth-friendly. And who says you can’t look good while you’re doing good? 

Check ‘em out, after the jump.

For the earth-conscious, try one of these yummy smelling handmade soy wax candles by Tatine, selling at Anthroplogie for $30. According to Apartment Therapy, where I first read about these candles, Tatine uses earth friendly ingredients, essential oils, cotton wicks and recycled packaging with vegetable-based inks. No petroleum-based waxes, soy wax only, which is cleaner burning, longer lasting, biodegradable and water-soluble. 

I love, love, love this MATT & NAT handbag, available on Shopbop for $165. Its color, hardcore detailing, and ability to go from clutch to handheld strap to cross-body strap – perfection. Here’s the crazy part: it’s vegan (PVC, not leather), with 100% recycled faux suede lining. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out MATT & NAT’s very cool, eco-friendly handbags. 

Dogeared carries a wide assortment of cause-centered products, from recycled organic jewelry rolls to soy candles to breast cancer awareness necklaces. But I chose this gold-dipped heart necklace ($52) because it’s simple, sweet and 100% of its net profits go to One Voice, a nonprofit that helps poverty-stricken families.  

With these TOMS wrap-boots ($98), you’ve got a double whammy. Not only are they vegan friendly – no animals harmed making these velcro, elastic, cotton canvas, rubber soled boots – with every pair of TOMS shoes sold, the company gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. It’s the gift that REALLY keeps on giving! 

Tags: christmas, dogeared, eco-friendly, Gift Guide, gift ideas, green, matt & nat, one voice, philanthropy, present, soy candles, tatine, toms, vegan