The holidays have a way of making money stress feel heavier. When every dollar is accounted for, where it goes matters. That instinct is widely shared: according to Ipsos, 69% of Americans prefer to buy from brands that align with their values. Spending with intention is one way to show how we care for each other. With that in mind, we gathered a list of six gifts that give back, plus six that don’t cost a thing.
What it is: Candles, body care, jewelry, and home goods
The story: Every product is handcrafted by women survivors in Nashville and around the world, and each purchase supports jobs and healing for the women who make them.
Gift it to: the friend who deserves a slow Sunday, or anyone whose house always smells amazing.
2. Bookshop.org
What it is: An online bookstore that supports local, independent bookstores.
The story: We pulled together a shelf of our favorite books about connection, community, and belonging. Every purchase through our link supports indie bookstores, and buying from our list gives back to SixDegrees too.
Gift it to: Get a book off one of our lists for your book club’s ringleader, or anyone who’s been “meaning to read more.”
What it is: Wool blankets made for porches, campfires, and couch nights.
The story: Founder Bob Dalton started the company after his mom experienced homelessness. For every blanket you buy, another goes to a shelter near you, matched by your zip code.
Gift it to: The friend who’s always cold, or anyone who claims the good spot on the couch.
What it is: Coffee, baked goods, granola and apparel from a Los Angeles-based social enterprise.
The story: Each purchase supports training for people who were formerly gang-involved or incarcerated. These are real jobs and real second chances.
Gift it to: The coffee snob, the host who has everything, or your favorite cookie lover.
What it is: Cozy handmade beanies and hats in sizes from newborn to adult.
The story: Every product is hand-signed by the person who made it. You’re giving a gift with a real name and a real person behind it.
Gift it to: The whole family, since there’s a size for everyone.
6. Minted
What it is: Holiday cards, art prints, and stationary from independent artists.
The story: Minted sources its designs from more than 20,000 independent artists, who earn income from every purchase of their work. It’s also the easiest way to stay connected with the people you love this season. Use the code FUNDRAISESIX and 10% of your purchase comes back to SixDegrees.
Gift it to: Yourself, for your holiday card list, or the friend who just moved to a new place and needs art on the walls.
Six Gifts That Don’t Cost A Thing
Some of the best gifts don’t need wrapping paper. The gifts on this list cost nothing, take very little time, and still mean a lot.
The Introduction: Think of two people in your life who should know each other, then make it happen with a group text, a coffee, or a “you two would get along.” It’s the most SixDegrees gift there is.
The Voice Memo: Skip the “happy holidays” text and record a two-minute voice note instead. Tell them a favorite memory, something they taught you, or why you’re glad they exist.
The Company: Offer to keep someone company while they tackle the thing they’ve been putting off, like folding laundry, filling out a form, or cleaning out the fridge. Just be there with them.
The Hand-Me-Down Book: Pass along a book you loved, with a few notes in the margins about the parts that stuck with you. It’s a used book that feels brand new.
The Recipe Swap: Teach someone how to make the dish people always ask you to bring, or write it down by hand with all your secret notes.
The Standing Date: Pick a simple ritual and put it on repeat: a monthly walk, a Sunday phone call, a weekly trivia night. It’s the gift of something to look forward to.
However you give this season, whether it’s a gift, a voice memo, or just showing up, it all comes back to connection. And the best recommendations usually come from each other.
Who’s a give-back brand or maker you love? Drop them in the comments so we can expand this list even further.
Some links support SixDegrees through affiliate commissions or partner codes.