The holidays are a season of generosity and giving; so what better time of year to give wisely with gifts that are easy on the earth, respectful to the global community, and even charitable? You can make a difference in the world this holiday season if you keep your social conscience in mind and shop for gifts with a purpose.
Community Trade and Charming
Buy products that help some of the neediest communities in the world. Community trade benefits more than 25,000 people in more than 20 countries. The Body Shop is offering three limited edition Bath/ Body selections (Merry Cranberry, Nutmeg, Vanilla and Black Velvet Apricot) that feature community trade ingredients. For example, a gorgeous fragrance gift like Love, Etc. from The Body Shop is the first perfume to use alcohol made from community trade organic sugar cane. A luxurious combination of feminine jasmine with notes of vanilla and sandalwood, it’s a gift that definitely gives back.
Sumptuous and Sustainable
Look for products that contain sustainable and organic ingredients. These eco-friendly gifts are plentiful in every category, and such social responsibility doesn’t need to break the bank. For example, beautiful eco-chic gift bags and boxes from The Body Shop can be filled with your own selection of festive purchases and are made of recyclable materials. What makes it even better is that for each bag sold, a donation is made to the Somaly Mam Foundation to help young girls.
Decked and Delicious
Give gifts that will be appreciated and gone in just a few bites. Edible goodies like breads, cookies, dried fruits, and nuts made with organic and local ingredients are sure to delight. Package them in beautiful reusable tins and jars.
Gifts That Give Back
Look for products that give back, such as the Soft Hands Kind Heart hand cream from The Body Shop. The lush moisturizer, with angelica extract and community trade olive oil, is kind to hands, but is also symbolic of a kind heart as each purchase supports the “Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People” campaign with ECPAT-USA (a global organization working to combat child exploitation). Take a stand with your gifts and raise awareness this holiday season.
Holiday Hot
This season’s hottest makeup trends are also affordable and appreciated stocking stuffers . . . or a small and well-deserved personal indulgence. Strong, smoky eyes in colors of lilac, silver, warm plum, and chocolate and flushed cheeks in sheer peach and golden pink are essential to the season’s sexy, sultry style. International makeup artist Chase Aston suggests adding a subtle hint of shimmery body powder to sparkle like the crisp night sky.
“Dip a blusher brush into the pot; then lightly smile and dust over the apple of the cheeks, along the cheek bones, onto the nape of the neck, shoulders and décolletage for a barely-there shimmering highlight with a hint of color,” says Aston. He recommends products featuring community trade and organic ingredients to enhance your natural beauty.
Seasonal Sharing
Now is the most wonderful time of the year to clean out your closets of clothing and accessories you haven’t used in more than a year and donate them to charity. You’ll make room for this year’s holiday bounty and your donation may be someone else’s holiday treasure.
For more information on gifts that give back, visit TheBodyShop-USA.com.
