When selecting employee gifts or choosing items for your next swag bag, don’t just think about the items themselves: think about who they benefit.
Today, many brands provide gifts that give back to charity and other important causes. When you choose to buy them, you’re not just doing a great thing for the recipients of your gift and your business, you’re also supporting organizations that make a huge difference in people’s lives.
When it comes to the best gifts that give back, you have plenty of options. From small, family-owned businesses that support causes close to their heart, to industry-leading brands like Hydro Flask and tentree, there are options in every category and price range. With a little help, you can be sure to find the perfect gifts that give back for your business.
Corporate Gifts that Support Charities
Gifts that give back to charity have become much more popular in recent years as many businesses turn their attention to making a greater impact on their communities. More and more promotional merchandise brands have announced charitable initiatives, whether it’s a one-time campaign for an important cause or an ongoing commitment to a certain organization.
It can be tough to match the causes you care about with products your people will love, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best gifts that give back to charity.
1. Klean Kanteen Eco Rise Tumbler
As an employee-owned B Corp., Klean Kanteen set out to lessen its environmental footprint. They released the first BPA-free stainless steel water bottles in 2004 – a product that’s now one of the leaders in the category. The Klean Kanteen Eco Rise 16oz Tumbler is perfect for those who want a hot or cold drink while on the go. Whether your recipients are sipping coffee out on the deck in the winter or enjoying a smoothie in the summer heat, you can rest assured their beverage will stay fresh.
2. Karst Pocket Stone Paper Notebook
Consider this notebook one of the top gifts that give back for team members who refuse to give up the traditional pen and paper. Karst products are made from high-quality, sustainable stone paper. Unlike traditional paper, stone paper doesn’t rely on cutting down trees, resulting in a more sustainable production process.
This notebook is small enough for your recipients to take with them wherever they go. It’s a great gift for conferences and events where attendees need to take notes throughout the day.
3. Case Logic Key Computer Backpack
Case Logic believes in quality over quantity. The brand prides itself on producing sustainable backpacks and even set new sustainability targets following the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This computer backpack is professional, comfortable, and durable. Add your brand’s logo and you’ve got a great new hire welcome gift that gives back.
4. Basecamp Organizer Tech Pouch
This sleek pouch is the perfect tech organization gift, with pockets, zipped compartments, and a handy carrying handle. Plus the brand, SnugZ USA, is a proud member of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The brand donates 1% of sales from its Basecamp product line, with a minimum donation of $100,000 per year.
5. Terra Thread Fairtrade Erdig Laptop Sleeve
Not only is this Terra Thread laptop sleeve made from Fairtrade Certified Organic Cotton, but it’s also a stylish addition to your next sustainable swag bag full of gifts that give back. The laptop sleeve also includes an extra zippered pocket perfect for holding smaller items like charging cables.
6. Hydro Flask with Flex Cap
Hydro Flask sponsors a fantastic program called Parks For All. The brand donates a percentage of proceeds from their reusable water bottles toward the Parks For All program to support nonprofit organizations that build, maintain, and restore parks.
The 21 oz Hydro Flask with Flex Cap is perfect for someone who cares about the environment but also cares about looking great. Hydro Flask is one of the top drinkware brands, matching durable construction with a stylish design and vibrant colorways.
7. BioLite Alpenglow Lantern
Whether your gift recipients like camping trips or prefer to relax under the stars from the comfort of their own backyard, the rechargeable BioLite Alpenglow lantern will provide natural lighting when they need it most.
Plus, BioLite products are climate-neutral certified and BioLite is on a mission to protect the planet by supplying access to renewable energy sources, so you can rest assured that your purchase positively impacts the environment.
8. Bellroy Market Tote
As a certified B Corp, Bellroy pledges to use its business model for good by using materials that benefit the environment. The Market Tote is a popular example of Bellroy’s durable, sustainable, yet stylish products.
The tote bag is made from recycled fabrics and biobased materials. If you’re looking for functional gifts that give back and promote your brand, consider an imprinted Bellroy Market Tote. 1% of sales from EcoSmart® products are donated to environmental nonprofits, so your recipients will both look good and feel good.
9. tentree Organic Cotton Ocean Breeze Throw
This Organic Cotton Ocean Breeze Throw is made of 100% organic cotton, allowing you to feel good about the impact of your purchase on the environment.
For every item tentree sells, the company plants a tree, with over 100 million trees planted so far. Plus, through their partnership with 1% For The Planet, 1% of sales of all EcoSmart® products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet. Add your logo for a branded gift that’s both stylish and cozy.
10. iCOOL® Tactical Flashlight
If you’re looking for a stylish and efficient flashlight, the iCOOL® Butte 500-Lumen Aluminum Tactical Flashlight is a great choice. It might be small, but don’t let that fool you – this flashlight packs a lot of power, with three lighting settings - low, high, and flashing.
Even better, a portion of proceeds from iCOOL® is donated to Shelter to SoldierTM, a nonprofit organization that rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans.
11. tentree Basic Hemp Altitude Hat
Another item from tentree that falls under the category of promotional gifts that give back is the Altitude Hat. This hat is made from durable hemp, recycled plastic, and recycled mesh - all sustainable materials that support tentree’s mission to protect the planet. Add your company logo to show off your brand while helping the environment – it’s the perfect promotional giveaway for everything from a golf tournament to a trade show.
12. Patriot Venture 9 Cooler
As the name suggests, Patriot Coolers is a brand committed to giving back to veterans. A portion of every purchase is donated to Homes For Our Troops, which builds and donates accessible housing to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans across the country.
The Patriot Venture 9 Cooler keeps food and drinks cold all day, making it perfect for taking lunch to work or school. Add your brand’s logo to make sure your business is well-represented everywhere from the break room to the tailgate.
13. Slowtide® Quick-Dry Fitness Towel
Slowtide® allows customers to donate 1% of every purchase to a nonprofit of their choice. This quick-dry fitness towel is perfect for the gym, school sporting events, or even the pickleball court. Keep your employees cool while supporting charity and highlighting your brand’s impact.
Promote Your Brand and Support Charities with Gifts That Give Back
Ordering promotional items allows you to bring your brand to life in new ways, putting high-quality apparel and merchandise in the hands of employees, customers, and partners. It’s a fantastic way to activate your brand, and with the right approach, it’s a strategy that can do a lot of good in the world.
If you need help selecting the best gifts that give back for your brand in 2024, get in touch with GoDelta. We’ll work closely with you to define your goals, select the best gifts that give back to charity, and add your branding to the items you select.
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