During this most challenging year, we want to give gifts that bring joy to our loved ones. Trae Bodge, Smart Shopping Expert at Truetrae.com is here to tell us about some heartfelt gifts that do just that and more. Each one of these gifts also helps a worthy cause, from craftspeople in struggling countries to helping to feed the hungry right here at home.
The gift: This family-owned company sells gorgeous full-size plants that can be grown indoors and harvest fresh fruits every year. They have 200+ varieties of fruit plants, from Cotton Candy Mango’s to Super Hass Avocado. I gave a fig tree to my step-mom last year and it’s doing beautifully! Trees start at $49.99 and up and you can save 10 percent with code GMAPlants10.
The give: PlantOGram works with Trees.org. For every tree purchased, a tree is planted in Africa to help secure a better future and change lives.
The Gifts: This site offers beautiful, personalized gifts for everyone on your list, from address stampers, to memo cubes (which I use every day!) to cutting boards. Because everything is personalized, I would opt for their popular e-gift certificates, which will be received in minutes. Your recipient can choose the perfect gift to suite his/her taste. $25 and up.
The Give: Stationery Studio has committed to giving $1 from every product sold to the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund through the end of the year.
Rafi Nova (RaviNova.com)
The Gift: This family-owned company produces items like practical pouches and bags, often with fabrics sourced from artisans in Southeast Asia. Since they pandemic hit, they’ve been producing stylish face masks and safety-oriented gifs, like their Ready Set Go Bag ($64), which is the perfect on-the-go pouch with face masks, hand sanitizer, anti-microbial gloves and a tool to help you avoid touching surfaces. I also like their Beanie and Holiday Mask 2-Packs ($36), which are great for adults and kids. Save 30% off with code Trae30. Valid through December 23.
The Give: Their current charity partner is Adopt a Classroom, which helps to fund a teacher or school here in the US.
Sapana Dreams (Sapanadreams.com)
The Gifts: I discovered this woman-owned company on Instagram. They sell unique, handcrafted items, likeKimonos ($116) and cosmetic bags ($24) from repurposed saris, hand-marbled and beautiful Dhurrie Totes ($200) & clutches ($75). Items are handcrafted in traditional style in Nepal, India, and Cambodia.
The Give: A portion of profits go to support the endeavors of She Has Hope in India, Nepal, Uganda, Myanmar, and the Philippines. She Has Hope works to rescue and rehabilitate victims of trafficking by providing access to trade schools and entrepreneurial development programs.
