9 Socially Conscious Holiday Gifts

In our first gift guide, we shared holiday gifts – from bamboo bikes to books — made by folks we’ve featured here on DesignGood. But one gift guide wasn’t enough for us. There are more socially conscious companies out there than ever, which means you have more options than ever for selecting beautiful, meaningful gifts that give back. Now let’s finish up that shopping!

1. Oaxaca Basket by Territory, $85

Your home expresses who you are, your tastes and your beliefs. This basket, hand-woven using traditional methods, would look amazing in your home or the home of a loved one. Bonus: The Oaxaca Basket also helps support the ancient art of weaving in Oaxaca, Mexico.Order by Dec. 15 for Dec. 24 delivery.

2. Black Stripe Mug by Jessica Wertz, $40

Supporting independent makers of all kinds is so important to us at DesignGood. We aim to #ShopSmall as much as we can, especially when it comes to holiday gifts, and this year we’re giving this super-cool striped mug by California designer Jessica Wertz. All of Jessica’s pieces are handmade. She aims to bring people together through meals and make the everyday sacred. Jessica also champions incorporating art into everyday objects.Love.Order by Dec. 12 for Dec. 24 delivery.

3. Letters Necklace by Compliment, $54

Educator-turned-entrepreneur Melissa Camilleri’s jewelry pieces are handmade and come with positive notes to encourage the women who wear them. Five percent of all sales go to the Compliment Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship assistance to college-bound high school students. (Love Melissa’s work? Read our Creative Profile on Compliment to learn how she got her start as a designer.)Order by Dec. 12 for Dec. 24 delivery

4. Sage Candle by LITE + CYCLE, $45

One of the best things about the holiday season is the abundance of delicious smells – from food to trees to candles. We plan to give others (and ourselves) the Sage Candle by LITE + CYCLE. This candle not only smells great, but it’s also made of completely natural components and contains only plant and essential oils.For Dec. 24 delivery, U.S. orders using regular shipping should be placed by Dec. 12; orders using expedited shipping must be placed by Dec. 20.

5. 9 Bar Box by This Bar Saves Lives, $19.99

When you give this gift, your recipient gets to munch on delicious, all-natural snack bars (instead of junk from the office vending machine!), and a pack of life-saving food goes to someone in need. Order by Dec. 19 for Dec. 24 delivery.

6. Manni Clutch by AAKS, $265 (includes cost of shipping)

When we first discovered AAKS, we were blown away by the design of these bright and beautiful bags. Then, when we found out AAKS is dedicated to honoring weaving traditions in Ghana, we were hooked. Learn more about this handbag designer’s mission here. Contact info@aaksonline.com for details on order and delivery dates.

7. Milma Desk Objects by The Citizenry, $35

Whether they’re used to hold pens or succulents, collect doodads or serve as simple art pieces, Milma Desk Objects look good and do good. Each piece is carved in a fair-trade environment by workers in the Nakawa region of Uganda. Oh, and did we mention that trees are replanted to help replenish any resources used? Order by Dec. 21 for Dec. 24 delivery.

8. Wally the Whale by Fait La Force x A.W.T.B., $25

All Fait La Force goods are made using modern and traditional techniques by artisans in the U.S. as well as Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This sweet whale, created in collaboration with A Well Traveled Brand from fabric scraps, would make the perfect feel-good gift for the little one in your life. Order by Dec. 17 for Dec. 24 delivery.

9. Chamfer Steel Wire Diner by GO! PET DESIGN, $60

Forget about the ugly, made-for-the-landfill plastic pet bowls of the past and embrace the new by giving the animal lover in your life a dog bowl worthy of their kitchen floor. All GO! pet products are sourced and made locally with minimal impact to the environment – not to mention that they look good enough to satisfy even the toughest design critic. Order by Dec. 22 via Nordstrom for Dec. 24 delivery.