Gifts That Give Back: Meaningful Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays have a way of turning into a to-do list. There are gifts for family, something for your child's teacher, the office gift exchange, the neighbors, and the host of every party you'll attend. By mid-December, it's easy to find yourself buying things just to check a name off the list.

There's a better way to fill that list: gifts that give back. They feel personal, they do real good, and they carry the spirit of the season further than anything you could wrap.

What makes a gift "give back"?

A gift that gives back supports a cause as well as the person receiving it. It might be a donation made in someone's name, a purchase from an organization with a mission, or time spent helping others together.

Whatever form it takes, the gift does good twice: once for the person you're celebrating, and once for the world around them.

Holiday gift ideas that give back

A donation in their honor

Choose a cause that reflects the person and make a gift in their name. It's personal, it's meaningful, and it's perfect for anyone who insists they don't need anything this year.

Read how to make a donation in someone’s name as a gift for the steps and details to check before sending it.

Gifts from mission-driven shops

Many nonprofits, museums, and social enterprises sell gifts where every purchase supports their work. Look for one connected to something the recipient loves.

A day of giving together

Volunteer side by side at a food bank, animal shelter, or holiday drive. For families especially, it can become the part of the season everyone remembers.

Small gifts for a long list

For teachers, coworkers, neighbors, and clients, a donation gift is an easy way to give each person something thoughtful without buying a pile of candles and coffee mugs.

A new family tradition

Let each person in your family choose a cause to support this year, then share why they picked it over a holiday meal. Kids especially love having a say.

Who they're perfect for

Gifts that give back work for almost anyone, but they're especially good for:

• Teachers and coaches who give so much all year
• Coworkers and clients, when you want something thoughtful but not too personal
• Relatives you only see once a year
• Party hosts, instead of another bottle of wine
• Friends who are trying to own less
• Anyone who's hard to shop for

For a recipient who prefers fewer possessions, compare these gift ideas for someone who has everything.

What to write in your holiday message

A few ideas to make it feel festive:

• Happy holidays! This year, I made a gift to [cause] in your name.
• For the teacher who gives so much all year: a gift in your honor, with thanks.
• Instead of another mug, something warmer: a gift to [cause] in your name.
• Wishing you a joyful season, and sharing a little of that joy with [cause] in your honor.

Plan your digital card delivery

A digital card avoids postal shipping. Send it now or schedule delivery, and double-check the recipient’s contact details and delivery date before paying.

‍

Give back this season with GivingPals

With GivingPals, choose a holiday occasion, select a digital card and add your own message, then choose from more than 2 million nonprofits. At checkout, set your donation amount and send your gift now or schedule it for later.

This year, give something meaningful: a gift that keeps the spirit of the season going long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Explore holiday donation gifts, select and personalize a digital card for someone on your list, then choose a charity and complete your gift.