Inspirational

Do you have a long gift list this year? Why not buy gifts that will truly make a difference? 

Buy one, give one companies are a great way to make your holiday shopping count. Every time you make a purchase you give to the people on your holiday list and a person in need. It is the hottest new business model that is sweeping the world and giving on a grand scale. This holiday season consider buying a gift for that special someone that will truly have meaning.

365give Top 5 Ways to Buy One & Give One

Tom’s Shoes / Tom’s Eyewear

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz7-iwmNkRA&feature

If you haven’t heard of Tom’s Shoes then you need to check them out. Tom’s Shoes has given over 1,000,000 pairs of shoes (and counting) to children all over the world that have none. You buy one pair of shoes for a gift (or yourself) and they will deliver a pair to someone personally. What a gift! Tom’s Shoes has now expanded to eyewear! Watch the video for the inspiring story and happy shopping! Check out Day 188 of 365 days of giving on how you can support Tom’s Shoes all year round. It’s not just about shopping it’s a movement that is changing the world.

Sevenly

Sevenly is a new company that is creating a huge impact around the world. It is not a traditional buy one give one concept but it is a buy one give a donation worth adding to your list. It gives you a unique item (a specially designed t-shirt) that is only available for 1 week. With every t-shirt purchased $7.00 is donated to the featured weekly charity. 52 charities benefit from Sevenly over the course of a year. The goal each week – sell 1000 shirts and give $7000. It not only gives money but awareness and following to the charities featured.

Smile Squared

Rethink Buying. It’s a tag line we should all consider with every purchase we make. How can our shopping have a global impact? Smile Squared is is making an impact on the next generation by keeping teeth strong, healthy and clean. How many times do you remind your children to brush their teeth every day? What if you didn’t have a toothbrush for your child? It’s a small yet significant item that every child needs. Buy one as a stocking stuffer for your child and educate them on giving at the same time.

Shop With Meaning

If you want shop for ideas in the comfort of your own home, Shop with Meaning is the place to go. I have used this site not only for the holiday season but for occasions all year round. (Day 259 of 365 days of giving) You will find not only buy one give one ideas but an entire site dedicated to shopping for good. You can do all your ethical shopping in one spot and with every purchase 20% of your dollars will be donated to the charity of your choice. Give, give and give some more with Shop With Meaning.

Blanket Statements

“Blanket Statements was founded with this goal in mind: to provide physical warmth, spiritual comfort and love by means of sharing a blanket.” Over the years I have worked with many people that have such great needs and a blanket can bring so much to a person. It shows compassion, kindness and love. With every warm throw blanket you purchase with Blanket Statements one will be donated along with a note of kindness, to a women’s shelter.

These are just a few of the companies giving back all year round just by doing business. Consider making a difference this year as you shop for the holiday season. Giving comes in many shapes and forms. Being a philanthropist can be as easy as shopping. Support these companies that are doing so much good this season and make every dollar you spend count.

Do you have a company you would like to recognize for all the good they do? Leave us a comment, send us a Tweet or Facebook comment. Let’s shine the light on people that have made giving their business.