5 Meaningful Gifts for Planet, People and Pet Lovers
Doesn’t it seem like every morning we wake up to something new? All these world-shaking events make us pause and try to fit them into our daily perspective. Our own personal wants often shrink in comparison, and we find we are viewing the world through an ever-changing lens.
At least the one thing that never seems to change is the love we give to – and get from! – our pets. Our pets help keep us grounded and remind us what truly matters in life—the connection we have with other living beings and our planet.
With the holidays approaching so quickly, now is a great time to think about how you plan to allocate your gift-giving dollars. Of course, we love watching friends and family unwrap gifts that they can wear or use personally, but a lot of people already have so much STUFF! They smile just as happily over presents given in their name that have an impact that reaches beyond their own home or closet. So, I put together a little resource of meaningful presents that spread love far beyond our own lives – and I think the animal lovers on your gift list will smile when they open them, too.
1. Help people climb out of poverty or recover from disasters
Oxfam rallies against the injustice of poverty. They work on projects like clean water, climate change, and disaster relief.
You can gift a monetary donation to support whatever mission speaks to your or the receiver’s heart! It’s a meaningful way to make a lasting impact, especially for that animal-and-community focused friend who says “You don’t need to get me anything.”
2. ‘Adopt’ a wild elephant, panda, tiger, polar bear, or other endangered animal
I know I would be stoked if someone sponsored any endangered animal in my name from the World Wildlife Fund. What a heartwarming gift for animal lovers . Adopt a member of one of these wild species in a friend’s name. You can also opt into bonuses like a cuddly stuffed animal or a video with your ‘adopted’ animal in the background. This makes a great gift for kids, too. Not only do they get a stuffed animal to cuddle, they see how gifts can also help animals or their habitat, globally.
3. A subscription box that helps pets in need
Subscription boxes that give back are f-a-n-tastic. Dog Mom Lifestyles’ subscription box not only provides beautiful and fun self-care items for dog moms and their dogs, but also donates $1 to an animal rescue with each and every monthly box they send!
Know someone who would prefer their subscription box be all about their pet? The Rescue Box will send them a box packed with paw-lickin’ good treats, toys and chews, and you can choose small, medium, or large dogs, or cats! PLUS, each box bought helps feed shelter animals.
Any pet lover can feel good giving or receiving one of these boxes!
4. Cozy sustainable goods for trees
Backpacks, socks and beanies, oh my! Snag some sustainable apparel from tentree and you’ll not only be gifting memorable pieces but you’ll also join the mission to plant a billion trees by 2030.
P.S. Earth-loving friends – especially those who also love to cook – will love a microgreen growing kit from Urban Leaf. This is the perfect indoor garden for the colder months or for anyone with limited outdoor space! It’ll exercise their green thumb and they can also feel great about making sustainable food choices.
5. Buy goods from artisans in emerging countries
Your dollars can stretch even further in some other countries. Supporting international artisans can provide impactful income for their families and also help fight supply chain exploitation. You can find jewelry, home goods and more at Discovered.
These gifts pack a meaningful punch and put your hard-earned dollars to good use. What’s on your holiday gift-buying list? Double your joy by sharing your gratitude for your friends and family with a present that’s not only thoughtful and beautiful, but makes a real difference for the lives of others, as well.
