Christmas

Gifts that Give Back this Festive Season

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In a season defined by generosity, the most meaningful gifts are often the ones that extend far beyond the wrapping paper. This festive season, a growing number of brands are proving that thoughtful presents can do more than delight loved ones, they can support lifesaving charities, protect the planet and make a real difference to communities around the world. From sweet treats with a charitable twist to toys that champion rescue services and handcrafted keepsakes that help provide meals to children in need, these gifts show that doing good and gifting well can go hand in hand. Here, we round up some of the most heart-warming presents that truly give back, making this Christmas one to feel good about long after the celebrations are over.

Crosstown x Crisis: The Invisible Doughnut

This Christmas, Crosstown is serving up the sweetest treat you’ll never see, or eat. In partnership with Crisis, the national charity working to end homelessness, the cult doughnut brand has launched the world’s first Invisible Doughnut. While it may be imaginary, its impact is very real.

The concept is simple but powerful: customers are invited to “buy” an invisible doughnut by donating £1, £3, £5 or £10 throughout December. Every contribution goes directly to Crisis, helping to fund vital services that support people out of homelessness and towards a safer, more secure future. Donations can be made in Crosstown stores, in Crisis charity shops, or online, with 100% of the donation reaching the charity.

A gift that costs nothing to wrap and leaves no crumbs behind, the Invisible Doughnut is a feel-good festive gesture that proves sometimes the most meaningful presents aren’t the ones you can see, but the ones that truly change lives.

 

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Baby honey bear (ivory floral) gives 5 meals

Soft, timeless and filled with heart, the Cuddle+Kind Baby Honey Bear in ivory is a gift designed to comfort little ones while making a powerful difference far beyond the nursery. Hand-knitted by artisans in Peru, each beautifully crafted bear is made using fair-trade practices, ensuring makers receive sustainable wages and dignified employment.

For every bear purchased, Cuddle+Kind donates five nutritious meals to children in need. These meals do more than satisfy hunger, they help children grow, fight disease, support cognitive development and give them the energy they need to learn. By providing an incentive for families to send children to school, each bear plays a small but meaningful role in helping young lives reach their full potential.

A keepsake toy that’s as thoughtful as it is cuddly, the Baby Honey Bear is a heartfelt reminder that the simplest gifts can have the biggest impact.

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WOW Toys x RNLI Bath Toy Collection

Make a splash at bath time while supporting a lifesaving cause with the WOW Toys RNLI Bath Toy Collection. Designed for little ones aged 10 months and up, this colourful, battery-free range brings the heroic work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) into everyday play, helping children learn about saving lives at sea while having fun.

From Rescue Boat Bob, a wind-up floating lifeboat inspired by real RNLI crews, to Lifeboat Lily and Lifeguard Lucy, these cleverly crafted toys encourage imaginative role play, communication and the development of fine motor skills. There’s even a waterproof Let’s Splash Bath Book for the youngest lifesavers, introducing babies to the brave RNLI crews who rescue hundreds of people each year.

Built to last and made with safety at their core, WOW Toys are BPA-free, PVC-free and free from toxic paints or small parts, making them ideal for worry-free gifting. Even better, every purchase supports the RNLI’s vital work around the UK and Ireland,  meaning these joyful bath-time companions help nurture both young imaginations and real-world heroes.

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Donate a Feed London Box £50.00

A gift that truly nourishes the season of giving, the Donate a Feed London Box is a meaningful way to support people facing food insecurity across the capital. Priced at £50, this thoughtful gift helps provide nutritious meals to Londoners in need, supporting vital community food programmes during the most challenging time of year.

Rather than something to unwrap, this is a gift with lasting impact,  helping families, individuals and vulnerable communities access the food they need to stay well. It’s a simple but powerful way to pay kindness forward, making it an ideal choice for those who want their Christmas gifting to make a tangible difference close to home.

Perfect for anyone who values generosity over excess, the Donate a Feed London Box is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful presents are the ones that help others thrive.

 

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Personalised Rockinghorse Charity Bracelet £52.00

Delicate, meaningful and deeply personal, the Personalised Rockinghorse Charity Bracelet from Posh Totty Designs is a beautiful keepsake that gives back in the most heartfelt way. Created in collaboration with the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, this elegant bracelet offers a discreet yet touching way to carry a loved one’s name with you every day.

Available in both adult and child sizes, it makes a thoughtful gift. Each bracelet can be personalised with a child’s name engraved on the underside, creating a truly bespoke piece designed to be treasured for years to come.

Even more special is the impact behind the design: 100% of the profits from every bracelet go directly to the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, helping to support babies, children and families when they need it most. A timeless piece of jewellery that turns a personal gesture into a powerful act of kindness.

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JO MALONE LONDON Lily of the Valley & Ivy Charity Classic Candle 200g £56

Beautifully presented in Jo Malone London’s iconic cream and black gift box, the Lily of the Valley & Ivy Charity Classic Candle is a luxurious festive gift with a powerful purpose. Fragranced with delicate lily of the valley entwined with green ivy and soft floral notes, it brings an elegant, calming scent to any home.

This candle gives back in a meaningful way. Jo Malone London will donate 75% from each Charity Home Candle sold to the Shining A Light On Mental Health Foundation, administered by the Charities Aid Foundation. The funds will support UNICEF’s work to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and provide vital support for children, young people and caregivers around the world.

An indulgent gift that feels as good to give as it does to receive, this candle is a thoughtful way to spread light, comfort and hope during the festive season.

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Leopard Print (Limited Edition and with 50% donation to Helping Rhinos) £80

Bold, beautiful and created with conservation at its heart, this limited edition Leopard Print by artist Tori Ratcliffe is a striking gift for art lovers and wildlife advocates alike. Printed in A3 and limited to just 100 copies, each piece captures the quiet power and elegance of one of nature’s most captivating animals.

Even more impactful is the cause behind the artwork. Fifty per cent of the profits from every print sold are donated to the UK-registered charity Helping Rhinos, supporting carefully selected field projects that combat the devastating epidemic of rhino poaching and protect endangered wildlife.

With international shipping available, this is a meaningful statement piece that does more than elevate a wall, it helps safeguard the future of some of the world’s most vulnerable species. A thoughtful festive gift that blends creativity, exclusivity and conservation in one.

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Bee Lovely Nourishing Collection £35

Sweet for the senses and kind to the planet, the Bee Lovely Nourishing Collection is a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves self-care with a purpose. Packed with nourishing ingredients, this collection pampers the skin while celebrating the vital role of bees in our ecosystem.

Even sweeter is the impact behind the products: every time you choose an item from the Bee Lovely Collection, 3% of sales are donated to charities dedicated to protecting bees and supporting their habitats. It’s a simple but meaningful way to give back to nature while gifting a little luxury this festive season.

A treat for loved ones and the planet alike, this collection proves that even small acts can make a big difference.

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LOFT & DAUGHTER Affirmation Stacking Ring From £59.00

Meaningful, stylish, and ethically crafted, the LOFT & DAUGHTER Affirmation Stacking Rings are a gift that carries a story as beautiful as the jewellery itself. Each ring is carefully made by a small team of marginalised artisans displaced from West Bengal, providing them with sustainable livelihoods through their skill and craftsmanship.

Proudly certified by the World Fair Trade Organisation, every ring comes in a soft organic pouch, hand-made by some of Jaipur’s most vulnerable women. Each pouch is unique, lovingly block-printed, stitched and finished with tassels,  no two are the same, reflecting the individuality of the wearer.

A gift that combines elegance with purpose, the Affirmation Stacking Ring empowers both the giver and the maker, proving that thoughtful gifting can make a real difference this festive season.

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Trees for life £8.00

Give a gift that grows, nurtures, and empowers with Trees for Life. For just £8, your gift provides fruit tree saplings, essential tools, and sustainable gardening training to families in Bangladesh affected by the climate crisis. Families learn to cultivate papaya, mango, coconut and other fruit trees, creating a lasting source of nutritious food while generating extra income by selling surplus at local markets.

Through training in organic fertilisers and climate-resilient gardening techniques, families gain the knowledge to care for their trees long-term, building food security and resilience for the future. Each gift helps children like 10-year-old Rakhi and her family restart their gardens, grow nutritious fruit, and create sustainable livelihoods after devastating storms.

Available as a postal card, eCard, or print-at-home option, Trees for Life makes a thoughtful and impactful gift for birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any special occasion. It’s a present that keeps on giving, nurturing hope, health, and opportunity for years to come.

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