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5 Holiday Gifts That Give Back

Celebrate the season of giving with these holiday purchases that support charity.

By Alicia Neptune /

Celebrate the season of giving with these holiday purchases that support charity.

Even in the mad rush of last minute holiday shopping, there’s still time to celebrate the season of giving. With a portion of the proceeds going to charity, the purchase of these gifts help fund both local and global efforts. Support causes like inclusive education, environmental work and community meal programs with these thoughtful gifts that give back.

A jar of Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria's hand-milled Campania Tomato Sauce.1. Famoso Campania Tomato Sauce

For the fifth year in a row, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria is partnering with Mealshare to bring meals to those in need. For every jar of Campania Tomato Sauce purchased, one meal will be provided to a Canadian youth in need, in the community where the sauce was sold—and all proceeds will go to Mealshare community charities.The hand-milled tomato sauce, available only once a year, has raised over $80,000 for Mealshare to date. Jars are available at any Famoso location until December 31. $8, famoso.ca

A pair of Bootlegger's holiday slipper socks in the reindeer style. The cream coloured socks have a black stitching to make up the antlers and eyes of the reindeer, and a bright red bobble at the toe of the slipper for the nose.2. Bootlegger Plush Slipper Socks

Bootlegger is bringing back their adorable holiday slipper socks to support Canada’s premiere youth mentoring program. For every pair of limited edition Plush Slipper Socks sold, $1 of the profits will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Available in two festive styles, reindeer and penguin. $10, bootlegger.com

A mug of hot buttered rum with a cinnamon stick in front of four jars of JT's Hot Buttered Rum Mix.3. The Cascade Company Hot Buttered Rum

The Cascade Company’s delicious holiday fundraiser has returned for the second consecutive year. Cascade Company’s establishments will be selling JT’s Hot Buttered Rum Mix to benefit Fawkes Academy, which provides individualized educational programs for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, or different learning needs.Throughout December, partial proceeds of the sale of the rum mix, and $2 from the sale of every Hot Buttered Rum cocktail, will go to support the Fawkes Academy Parental Advisory Committee. $12, thecascade.ca

Aldo's Mx sneakers in three colours: black, red, and grey.4. Aldo Mx Sneakers

The Aldo Mx line of “genderless” sneakers, first launched in August 2017, was designed to send a message of equality and inclusivity. The re-release of the shoes in three new new colours (black, Bordeaux, and medium grey) goes a step further with a philanthropic tie-in to support inclusive education.One hundred percent of the net proceeds will help Global Citizen’s efforts to support the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). This support will help fill critical funding gaps and ensure every child receives quality basic education. $90, aldoshoes.com

Holt Renfrew's two holiday polar bears, one large and one small, sitting in front of and on top of white boxes.5. Holt Renfrew Holiday Bear

Holt Renfrew has partnered with World Wildlife Fund Canada to support WWF Canada’s goal to secure “a vibrant and ecologically sound future for the Arctic.” Purchases of the limited-edition Holiday Bear—this year two polar bears, retailing for $10 and $30 respectively—will support WWF’s environmental work. From $10, holtrenfrew.com