14 amazing holiday gifts that give back

Get the red carpet treatment with this seven-item body bundle from Lush that donates a portion of the proceeds to their Charity Pot fund. Proceeds from the fund go towards supporting small, grassroots organizations globally that focus on animal protection, environmental justice and human rights.

You're A Star, $66, lush.ca.

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Available at MEC, every purchase of a Tentree product results in ten trees being planted across Canada and the world. So, you'll you can feel good about your purchases because they're directly contributing to reforestation. In Canada, the brand has partnered with Red Cross and Parks Canada to make sure that the great outdoors stay green.

Tentree Higballer Crew Neck, $65, mec.ca.

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Bruush has partnered with A Reason to Smile, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving oral health in developing nations. For every brush head refill shipped, a toothbrush, toothpaste and fluoride treatment is donated to those in need. 

Bruush Electric Toothbrush, 99 USD, bruush.com.

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On everyone's wishlist this year should be a more sustainable future—and these reusable straws can help with that. Aside from helping minimize single-use plastic, this brand, United By Blue, also takes a pound of trash out of oceans and waterways for every purchase. So far, they've removed 1.5 million pounds of garbage.

United by Blue Copper Straws, $24, mec.ca.

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The pot at the end of this super-sweet pencil-and-eraser set is that Yoobi donates a school supply to a Canadian child in need.

Yoobi Pencil & Eraser Set - Rainbow Cloud, $8, indigo.ca.

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Diffusing festive aroma of conifers, these incense also embody the holiday spirit of giving: Juniper Ridge donates 10% of their yearly profits to Western Wilderness Defense organizations.

Incense Gift Set, $70, juniperridge.com.

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Donate to this Canadian charity, which supports girls by providing access to education, healthcare and clean water. We like the idea of donating on behalf of the wonderful children in our lives in lieu of gifts.

To make a donation, visit plancanada.ca/becauseiamagirl.

In partnership with Canadian brand Peace Collective, United Way and Pantone have created a series of Unignorable coloured items just in time for the holidays. All proceeds will go to the charity.

United Way #UNIGNORABLE x Peace Collective t-shirt, $30, unignorable.shop.

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Handmade in Kenya, these pendant necklaces come in gold, silver and copper, each paired with an ethically sourced stone (black jasper, rose quartz and purple chalcedony). Promoting the spirit of gratitude for the holidays, sales from these pieces give back to the communities who make them, providing education, health, income and livelihood.

Gratitude Necklace, $35, ca.shop.metowe.com.

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The Body Shop has been working with the bio-bridge initiative for some time, this charity works towards restoring wildlife corridor within damaged landscapes that will help endangered species reconnect, be safe and mate. Proceeds from every purchase made at the Body Shop from November-December will be donated to our partners the Woodland Trust and World Land Trust to help protect and re-wild over 10 million metres of forest.

The Body Shop Peppermint Candy Cane Delights, $28, thebodyshop.com.

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Get a fashionable pair of mules and give back to those in need at the same time. With a large selection of home fragrance, bath & body sets and accessories, 20 per cent of every Olivela purchase goes directly to charities benefiting the education of girls worldwide (i.e. Malala Fund, Too Young To Wed and CARE for Syrian refugees).

Alepel Hand Painted Leopard Leather Mules, $245, olivela.com.

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Gift this lovely paraffin-free scented candle and help a save a dog's life, too. All portion of all proceeds is donated to help Save Our Scruff find loving and forever homes for the many dogs they rescue year round. 

Fig & Honey Scented Soy Candle, $32, murphyandjo.com.

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Pay it forward by gifting this hypoallergenic hat to the little one in your life. Until March 2019, proceeds Sentaler's signature ribbed knit accessories (including this hat) will go directly to the SickKids Foundation.

Kids Ribbed Hat With Fur Pompon in Pink, $150, sentaler.ca.

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This year, help a family in need by purchasing a Family Hygiene Kit through The UN Refugee Agency. Every kit includes a water filter, clean water jugs, buckets and a year's supply of soap for a family of four to help maintain and protect their well-being.

Family Hygiene Kit, $60, shop.unhcr.ca.

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