Well, I am a little late (a day or two) to this “Giving Tuesday” party…but isn’t this time of year about giving no matter what day it is? I absolutely love Christmas! A chance to not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but the opportunity to serve, to show others how much we love them, how special they are to us and how grateful we are.
With this time of year, I also know that it can be stressful with the holiday activities, getting the Christmas cards out (Lord have mercy), and then checking off that Christmas list not once but twice to make sure you didn’t forget anyone!
Just remember, as you are making that list and shopping this holiday season, it’s not how much or how little you give, it’s the thought and love that goes into the gift.
So while you are still trying to decide what to get each person on your list, I hope that you will take look at some of my favorite companies below. Every one of these companies’ true mission is giving back and making a positive impact not only locally but globally.
Now, have fun shopping and giving with a purpose and lots of love.
For the Baker and Suzy Homemaker: Last year, I bought these precious aprons for my Aunt and her grandaughters. My Aunt B loves to bake and growing up she would gather all of the cousins in my grandmother’s kitchen to bake Christmas cookies. It was the most fun, especially eating the cookies part.
So thanks to this wonderful company Ziyada, that makes these darling aprons, I was not only able to give my Aunt something she and her grandchildren could enjoy and cherish, but also a gift that creates a better life for another mom or aunt. 
“Ziyada (Zee-yah-duh) means more—more hope, more help, more happiness, more health—for you and for our world. The company, Ziyada, exists to provide meaningful employment in a safe, loving environment for people caught in the devastating cycle of extreme poverty in North India, and in the process, to bring you more quality and beauty through each good we create.”
So with each product you purchase from Ziyada, you are part of the process of bringing more hope, more help, more happiness, and more health to the artisans who make it.
Although, I purchased these handmade aprons for my aunt and her grandchildren, they also have stockings, beautiful pillows and even high-quality yarn for you knitters out there.
For the Skincare Loving Sister or Friend: Whenever I find a product that I not only love but that actually works, I have to tell my friends about it or maybe just wrap it up and send it to them. So thanks to Jamie Ivey’s Happy Hour podcast, I was introduced to this organization called The Adventure Project that makes and sells this incredible charcoal soap. Again, with every purchase you are also helping someone else. So as The Adventure Project says, “Put a lump of coal in someone’s stocking and one woman in Kenya will receive a new charcoal-efficient stove.”
Another company I was just introduced to by yet another favorite Podcast (Big Boo Cast), is Hummingbird Farms. Hummingbird Farms is based out of Hill Country, in Hye, Texas. Lavender was first grown there in 2003 which is where they got their inspiration to develop and create clean, plant-based, aromatherapy body care products. 
I just purchased the lotion, lavender spray, body oil and bubble bath for some lucky ladies. With each purchase, they donate a portion to charity. They have three charities you can pick from once you check out which I loved. The charities are Wendy Pollard Charitable Foundation, Hope Mommies and Hill Country SPCA.
So why not get pampered for a purpose for this season!
For the Accessory Collector: So if you haven’t figured it out already, I am sucker for unique accessories and I also love to gift others with accessories. I love a good statement necklace, earrings or handbag. I also don’t mind scarves this time of year as it can change up any old outfit and make it new again.
So if you want to step out of your usual Kate Spade or Tory Burch box, check out Fashionable and Noonday Collection. They have never disappointed in the quality and design aspect, but most importantly, with each product made, they are giving women jobs and empowering them to be active participants in their own communities. Even if you don’t purchase anything, I would encourage you to read about these companies and some of the stories about these women whose lives have been changed for the better.
Below are some of my favorite things. If you don’t want or need jewelry or handbags, they also carry home decor which is just as gorgeous and unique.
Tigist Clutch-this clutch is on my wish list. I love the rich colors it comes in, I love how simple, yet still very striking the design is. It’s also very versatile where you can wear it all year round.
Mamuye Tote-Another classic every day piece that you can put your laptop in (or kids’ snacks like me) and it’s a great travel bag. It comes in a wide range of colors and there are other tote bags and styles on the site to check out including crossbody bags.
I adore this Aviary Noonday collection necklace. You can wear it with a simple black dress or a white tee and jeans. Either way, it’s a great go-to piece. I could see me wearing this all the time! Maybe I need to send this link to Santa as a little hint. Kidding (not really). The great thing about this is that is under $50. Again, there are more necklaces and other accessories on this site, this just happens to be a fav!
Love a good statement infinity scarf to keep you warm but to also complete your look. This Noonday collection Stargazer infinity scarf is made in Peru and super soft. I could see this with a fun Moto leather jacket and jeans or just a simple winter white dress, using the scarf as you main accessory of course.
Finally….For the Person That Has Everything: Don’t worry. I have some ideas for you that will touch their heart as well as others.
So for some “special people” on our list this year, I just ordered and got in these beautiful ornaments from Prodigal Pottery. The pictures really don’t do them justice! They are absolutely gorgeous!
Prodigal Pottery’s mission is to provide a safe and therapeutic work environment for women in need so by buying their products it helps create more jobs and opportunities for these women to get back on their feet. This organization also creates other products like coffee mugs and ring dishes with your initial. I love how each piece is so unique and even better it goes to a great cause.
So I hope you all will check these organizations while shopping with a purpose this holiday season.
Next week, I will be talking about some of my favorite companies (some local) started and led by women. I promise you will want to check it out even if it’s to learn more about their businesses. So stay tuned!
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