Gifts for a Cause: Level up your gifting game with shops that give back to the community

by Madge Resurreccion / December 9, 2021

Christmas is just around the corner and many Filipinos are rushing to get their Christmas shopping done in the safest way possible, so many are opting to buy gifts online. Not only is it safe but it’s also convenient as people can browse through a variety of shops and pick the best and most affordable gifts for their loved ones.

But let’s not forget that Christmas is not just about giving or receiving gifts. The essence of the holiday season lies in love and compassion. Many online shops are bringing this to life all year round as they give back to the community with every item or gift purchased from their shops. Why not make a difference with your gift shopping this year? Here are some shops that are worth checking out:

1. Crave4Good PH

Crave4Good PH is here to satisfy your loved ones’ cravings through assorted local and imported chocolates, candies, and other sweets. They have a variety of themes for sweets to choose from so you can give your Potterhead friend a Harry Potter-themed box of sweets or make your sibling feel nostalgic with their Eh Kasi, Batang 90s gift set. It comes in small and big boxes so you can choose which one suits your budget best.

Crave4Good PH was established by Dare Merci Foundation, a registered non-profit organization in the Philippines which supports the “Education For All” vision of the Department of Education. With the proceeds from the shop, they hope to give scholarship grants to children from the indigenous communities in the Philippines. Crave4Good PH can be found on Instagram and Shopify.

2. Ningas PH

Scented candles are known for helping people feel good. If you want a gift that will make your loved one feel relaxed, Ningas PH may be a good shop for you. They sell scented soy wax candles that will help them sleep well or lighten their mood. Their products also come in eco-friendly packaging.

Ningas PH is founded by Ghie Talusik, a teacher who hopes to help students amidst the pandemic by donating 10% of the shop’s sales to their student beneficiaries. The shop also raised funds to buy tablets for students and give them allowance for data connection. Explore Ningas PH’s offerings on Instagram and Shopee.

3. Squeaky Clean Kids

Squeaky Clean Kids is a shop that advocates a zero waste lifestyle by selling bath essentials made of organic materials, so it may be the perfect gift for friends and family members. Their products are made by people with mental health issues to help them reintegrate back into the community. In every purchase, a hygiene kit is provided to children from underprivileged communities. You may buy it for yourself or a loved one but every purchase makes a big impact on vulnerable members of the community. Check out Squeaky Clean Kids on Instagram for more information on their products.

4. The Good Store

The Good Store is a marketplace that advocates local community-based or cause-driven enterprises. They promote products from these shops to help them sustain their projects and sell more.

The Good Store aims to bridge the gap between the consumers who are looking for local high-quality products and the marginalized communities that make them. They have a variety of gift bundles from different cause-driven shops. It’s a good pick for people who are still unsure of what gifts to give. Head on over to their website or Instagram and maybe you’ll discover some unexpected finds!

5. Plush and Play

Still got no gifts for the children? Worry no more! Plush and Play’s website and Instagram have a lot of gift ideas that children would surely love. The shop is a social enterprise that supports the livelihood of underprivileged women from the countryside through toy manufacturing. The women from Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm create handcrafted educational tools and toys to inspire all generations of Filipinos.

A guilt-free and sustainable packaging to boot

While buying gifts online is a safer and more convenient option, it undeniably adds to the worsening problem of plastic waste. But don’t worry because there are eco-friendly delivery services that you can use such as Fifth Express which advocates for sustainable packaging.

Fifth Express promises a guilt-free online shopping experience for customers as they utilize e-waybill and compostable packaging that easily breaks down within 6 months and does not leave any toxic residue. Once it breaks down, it becomes nutrients to the soil. Contributing to a good and green environment is arguably one of the most valuable gifts you can give to others, especially the generations to come.

Receiving or giving gifts is a love language. This Christmas, as Filipinos let their families and friends feel loved through gifts, they may extend that love to those who are most in need by supporting shops with a cause. After all, Christmas is best celebrated when you share your blessings with those around you.

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