Last year, when my daughter opened her axolotl stuffed animal from her grandmother, I admit I was slightly peeved. Did we really need yet another stuffy? But this one had a purpose: it came from World Wildlife Foundation, a conservation non-profit that sends 85% of proceeds toward conservation work and has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator.
My daughter loved it, and given the state of our climate, I appreciated a gift that supports animal and land conservation.
Now, I’m not saying buying a stuffed axolotl is going to save any of us from climate catastrophe. And there are lots of other ways to contribute to a cause, such as donating, organizing, volunteering or supporting community-owned small businesses. The NAACP, for example, publishes an extensive “Buy Black” gift guide.
For often-underfunded non-profits, though, merch can help both raise funds and visibility. So for your loved ones who are concerned about the environment, human rights, public health or even their favorite cultural institutions, we’ve rounded up some thoughtful gifts that support some of those causes, in no particular order. All advocacy groups listed have a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
WWF gift buckets
In addition to its individual plush toys, World Wildlife Foundation also offers gift buckets, where you can select three or four 8in stuffed animals. Check out the three-toed sloth, the emperor penguin chick and the cotton-top tamarin. These nesting dolls ($75) too.
Rainforest Alliance jungle art print
This Rainforest Alliance poster is lovely and doesn’t hit you over the head with slogans. Same goes for this baby onesie ($20), which is made with organic cotton and printed in a renewable energy-powered factory. All proceeds go back into the program, according to a representative from the organization.
Greenpeace USA x Shepard Fairey We Believe t-shirt
The artist Shepard Fairey has partnered with Greenpeace on a range of projects. This most recent collaboration, launched after a judge found Greenpeace liable for $660m over Dakota pipeline protests, takes aim at big oil’s efforts to silence free speech and peaceful protest. Greenpeace USA says that 100% of the proceeds (excluding shipping costs) go to its Warrior Defense Fund and its ongoing campaign to put an end to Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (Slapp) lawsuits.
UNICEF’s embroidered wool ornaments
Following the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID, international organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) have picked up some of the slack. Unicef Market – an online store run in partnership with the artisan retailer Novica – helps fund some of its projects. These wool ornaments from India can purchase enough polio vaccine to protect 36 children against polio, according to the organization, and these vibrant handwoven dish towels from Guatemala can provide 178 doses of oral rehydration salts, which can help children combat dehydration and diarrhea.
International Medical Corps’ 100% cotton hammock
With a hammock in your living room, even in the depths of winter you can pretend you’re swaying between two palm trees. This hammock, made by Mayan artisans in the Yucatan (IMC also partners with Novica and receives 25% of the purchase price), supports IMC’s efforts to deliver healthcare and relief in areas affected by conflict, disaster and disease.
World Central Kitchen’s Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope cookbook
Chef José Andrés got everyone from Michelle Obama to Stephen Colbert to contribute to this James-Beard-winning recipe compilation with cuisine from the regions where WCK operates. Think Ukrainian borscht and Arroz Con Pollo a la Manolo, the latter inspired by the organization’s work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. All author proceeds go back into World Central Kitchen, according to the publisher. The organization also partners with Conscious Step, which creates socks, tees, sweatshirts and candles that give back to causes from safe water to fighting childhood cancer. One dollar from each pair of socks supports the cause it represents, according to Conscious Step.
Human Rights Campaign’s Love is Love embroidered sweatshirt
ACLU x BAGGU Support Your Local Drag Queens tote
The American Civil Liberties Union has arguably one of the most expansive non-profit gift shops out there (more from them below), and all proceeds from this practical and nice-looking tote support the organization’s Drag Defense Fund, which fights censorship of drag performers, according to the organization.
CV X Every Mother Counts oversized sweatshirt
It’s no surprise that a non-profit founded by a supermodel has stylish merch. Every Mother Counts, a global maternal health organization founded by Christy Turlington, collaborates with several small(ish) businesses such as Clare V. and Royal Jelly Harlem on tasteful clothing, jewelry and home goods (these upcycled cocktail napkins are real stunners) that support women and children around the world. Clare V. donates 30% of proceeds to EMC and RJH contributes 25%, according to the organizations.
ACLU’S Banned Bookworm Tee
Purchase of this tee (which also comes in adult sizes!) supports the ACLU’s democracy fund which, among other things, pushes back against ongoing bans in schools and libraries on American classics such as Toni Morrison’s Beloved and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Guardian x Lingua Franca ‘for facts’ sake’ crewneck
I may be biased, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Guardian’s own merch! These 100% cashmere, hand-stitched sweaters made by Lingua Franca would make a great gift for the journalists in your life. The “Whole Picture” line comes in three colors with five different expressions – my favorite is the cheeky “for facts’ sake”. Twenty percent of profits benefit theguardian.org, which supports some of our most impactful journalism, such as America’s Dirty Divide and The Fight for Democracy.
Science Museum of Minnesota’s Cretaceous cardigan
New York’s Studio Museum All Very Goods, Limited Edition Love Birds scarf
The Studio Museum in Harlem, which recently reopened after a major renovation, is one of the country’s preeminent institutions exhibiting artists of African descent. Its shop offers prints from Faith Ringgold, a Basquiat onesie and a deck of Lorraine O’Grady postcards. One hundred percent of proceeds go back into the museum, according to a representative, and memberships start at $50.
JANM Origami Cranes gift wrapping papers
The Japanese American National Museum, in Los Angeles, offers a comprehensive (and vital) history of the Japanese American experience. While the museum is currently physically closed for renovations, its online gift shop still celebrates Japanese American culture through whimsical delights such as this sushi dominoes game ($34) and this DIY mochi ice cream kit ($34.99).
