Culture Trip's Guide To Gifts That Support Global Causes

Rather than picking up another forgettable gift from a big-box chain store this year, treat your loved one to a socially conscious present that’s not only memorable, but also has an amazing backstory.

Whether it’s jewelry made by human trafficking survivors or hot cocoa from a cocoa growing cooperative in Ghana, where a gift comes from should be as important as the gift itself. With so many fantastic companies that both sell stellar products and give back to global causes, here’s how you can impress friends and family this year.

For the activist (and jewelry lover) you know…

Instead of giving your loved one a generic necklace or bracelet this holiday season, consider a gift that packs a socially conscious punch. PURPOSE’s jewelry is crafted by young women who have been rescued from human trafficking and are now being offered a chance at a bright future. PURPOSE provides women with holistic care through their non-profit organization, International Sanctuary, which provides education, health care, and counseling to trafficking victims. Selling everything from rings to bracelets to necklaces, every item sold by PURPOSE is handcrafted, packaged and includes a tag signed by a survivor.

The Stone Bracelets in blush, which pair wonderfully with the Harper Bracelets.

For the friend who loves cozy nights in…

GlobeIn delivers monthly boxes containing artisan crafted goods direct to your door. GlobeIn aims to empower artisans in remote areas of the world by giving them opportunities to promote sustainable business and sell their products to a global market. Each monthly box is centered around a theme, such as being cozy or entertaining guests.

Culture Trip is loving…

The Cozy Box, which features a hand-painted mug from Tunisia, hot cocoa from Ghana and a hand-knit scarf from Thailand for the perfect night in.

For the wine lover in your life…

ONEHOPE Wine sells award-winning wine and gourmet products that all support a myriad of causes, from animal welfare to education. Since its inception, ONEHOPE has provided over 1.5 million meals, planted 83,000+ trees, provided 42,000+ people with access to clean water, aided in the adoption of over 33,000+ animals and helped fund over 1,000 microloans to break poverty cycles.

Culture Trip is loving…

The Pinot for Paws Woof! Gift Box and the Pinot for Paws Meow! Gift Box, with each box helping a dog or cat in a shelter find a forever home.

For the new mom and her baby…

For new moms and their babies, consider a gift that gives back to children and supports kids around the globe. Cuddle + Kind sells ethically produced, hand-knit dolls with each purchase providing 10 meals to hungry children around the world, in partnership with the World Food Programme.

In addition to feeding children, Cuddle + Kind supports fair trade by working with artisans in Peru to provide over 300 job opportunities and aid in the alleviation of poverty in the region.

Culture Trip is loving…

Scout the deer, with each one sold providing 10 meals to children in North America and around the world.

For the animal rights activist in your life…

Both stylish and comfortable, if you have traveled to Southeast Asia recently, you’re bound to have noticed that almost every backpacker—men and women alike—are donning a pair of elephant-print cotton pants. While most can be purchased off the street, your best bet is buying a pair of these pants from Elephant Pants, which donates 10% of its net profits to organizations that help save elephants, making this cozy style both enjoyable and impactful.

Culture Trip is loving…

The John L Sullivan Harem Pants in Navy, which were handcrafted in Thailand and support elephant conservation efforts.

Make sure to check out Culture Trip’s Best Travel Accessories Gift Guide!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.