Every purchase has an impact. So why not choose a gift that ripples positive impact for the planet? We have given and received gifts that carry meaning beyond the material. For example, protecting wildlife habitats, funding national park preservation, or supporting local artisans are all great gifts that give back. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, birthdays, or milestones, we hope these ideas will inspire you to give with intention and align your generosity with your values. Here are ideas for impactful gifts that give back:
Gifts That Give Back:
1. Donate to a Nonprofit in Their Name
Donate to a nonprofit that aligns with your family member or friend’s passions. For animal lovers, consider adopting an animal through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or donating to a local shelter. There’s also Defenders of Wildlife, Marine Mammal Center, Gentle Barn, or Farm Sanctuary, which rescue and care for animals in need. For those passionate about the environment and climate, donations to Rainforest Alliance, One Tree Planted. There’s also local organizations, such as, Save the Redwoods League or the California Native Plant Society to help protect forests and native habitats in California. If humanitarian causes resonate, consider donating to Feeding America, World Central Kitchen, Heifer International, or Kiva Microloans to support communities around the world. For those who care about health, there are gifts that support medical research, such as donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for pediatric care or the American Heart Association for cardiac health initiatives.
“I donated to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in honor of my best friend who’s an animal lover.” – Kristin
2. Book a Guided Tour That Supports Conservation
Book a guided tour that offers environmental education and supports local economies. GoWithGuide offers customizable private tours at top destinations around the world. For those based in California, there are many options we recommend: For ocean and kayaking enthusiasts, tours like Channel Islands Adventure Company in Ventura or Sea Trek Kayak Tours in Sausalito offer immersive experiences that teach about marine ecosystems. Wildlife lovers would cherish whale watching with Monterey Bay Whale Watch or a safari at Safari West Wildlife Preserve in Santa Rosa, both supporting conservation efforts. For plant people and foodies, a farm tour at Apricot Lane Farms or visiting the Theodore Payne Foundation Native Plant Nursery deepens connection to regenerative agriculture and native landscapes.
“We planned a white-water rafting tour during our Colorado girls trip. What a wild adventure with memories that will last a lifetime!” – Kristin
3. Adopt a Coral or Tree
Symbolic adoptions are powerful gifts that support global ecosystems. Coral Gardeners allows you to adopt a coral and receive updates on its growth as it helps rebuild vital reef ecosystems. Through One Tree Planted, you can plant trees in your recipient’s name to reforest areas affected by deforestation or wildfires. With Rainforest Trust, adopting an acre of rainforest protects habitats and biodiversity.
4. Gift Plants or Gardening Experiences
For the plant lovers in your life, gifting plants or gardening experiences is a great way to support local ecology. For those based in California, you can purchase plants from California Native Plant Society nurseries or visit the Theodore Payne Foundation to explore their wide selection and educational offerings. Memberships to botanical gardens like the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino or the San Francisco Botanical Garden provide access to beautiful spaces and inspiring events throughout the year.
“Some practical plant gifts that I’ve received have been a seeded birthday card that I planted in my garden as well as handmade garden labels. Loved these practical plant gifts!” Kristin
5. Give Back to Pets & Animal Shelters
Pets deserve gifts that bring them joy while also supporting animal welfare. Brands like GivePet donate treats to shelters for every purchase, while Project Blu creates sustainable pet gear from ocean-bound plastics, reducing waste and supporting cleaner oceans. BarkBox’s Super Chewer subscription provides durable toys and treats for dogs, with proceeds funding adoption initiatives nationwide
6. Cooking & Food Gifts With Impact
For food lovers, gift options that support fair trade, regenerative agriculture, and small farmers are both delicious and impactful. There are cooking classes like Sur La Table’s Sustainable Cooking for a Better Planet class, where proceeds support nonprofit farmer’s market initiatives. For a unique gift, consider meal kits from Imperfect Foods that fight food waste or baking mixes from the Women’s Bean Project, which employ women overcoming barriers to employment. Chocolate brands like Tony’s Chocolonely and Alter Eco fight child labor and promote ethical cocoa sourcing, while Grounds for Change offers fair trade, organic coffee that’s carbon neutral.
“We took our sisters on a weekend girls’ trip to Ojai, CA. Tastings at a local olive oil farm were a highlight!” – Alana & Kristin
7. Sip With Impact
Spice and tea lovers will appreciate blends from Diaspora Co., Burlap & Barrel, or The Chai Box, all supporting small farms and ethical sourcing. For those who enjoy wine or beer, consider gifting a tasting experience that supports local vineyards or breweries committed to sustainable practices.
“Tastings at local wineries and hiking along the wine trail was such an amazing gift – the perfect combination of nature, adventure, and supporting small vineyards during our Midwest Trip to Michigan.” – Alana
8. Shop Sustainable Brands & Marketplaces
Purchasing from brands dedicated to ethical production and environmental stewardship amplifies your gift’s impact. Consider outdoor equipment from REI Co-op, clothing and gear from Patagonia, or fair trade artisan goods from Ten Thousand Villages. Online marketplaces like DoneGood and EarthHero curate a wide selection of eco-friendly products. Brands like Allbirds create shoes from renewable materials, while Tentree plants ten trees for every item purchased.
9. Volunteer or Gift a Volunteer Experience
Sometimes the most memorable gift is time spent together giving back. There are several experiences in California that we’d recommend. For example, consider a beach cleanup with Heal the Bay in Southern California. There’s also a tree planting volunteer day with TreePeople in Los Angeles. You can find other local volunteer opportunities through VolunteerMatch. These experiences build community and create lasting memories rooted in purpose.
“Instead of exchanging holiday gifts, my coworkers and I spent the day volunteering at an Orange County CoastKeepers beach cleanup. The sense of purpose we felt and the memories we created together were far more meaningful than a silly white elephant gift exchange.” – Kristin
10. Gift a Purpose-Driven Stay
Book a weekend getaway that supports conservation, local farms, or regenerative hospitality. Spending the night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, for example, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience while supporting the preservation of this iconic national park. Staying at Hipcamp sites often supports small landowners committed to sustainability and outdoor access. Eco-retreats like Treebones Resort in Big Sur offer glamping experiences powered by renewable energy and featuring onsite organic gardens. Alternatively, book a stay at Farm Stay USA properties to immerse your loved one in farm life, support local agriculture, and connect with the land in meaningful ways.
Summary
A gift that gives back is a way to honor the planet, uplift communities, and deepen connections with the people we love. Whether it’s adopting a coral to help restore reefs, gifting plants that nurture local ecosystems, supporting small farmers through fair trade food gifts, or spending a weekend away immersed in nature, these gifts that give back carry meaning far beyond the material. We hope this guide inspires you to choose gifts that have a positive impact for our planet.
Which gift that gives back will you choose this season? Share your ideas and impact with us in the comments below.
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