Give Love

"People making lists,buying special gifts. It's a time to be kind, to one and all. It's that time of year. When good friends are dear, and you wish you could give more than just presents from a store. . .Why don't you give love on Christmas day"

                                    The Jackson 5

We all are dreaming of a White Christmas, but instead of snow my true love sent to me:three french hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. Not sure where the fascination of birds came from but they are pretty. When I asked him why do they have to be in the house, he replied, "Baby It's cold outside." I would pout and cry, if that really happened, but Tis’ the season to be jolly. Fa La La La La La La La La! Yes, there are 8 “Las” in the phrase, I checked. I checked not once but twice.

It is the season of giving. The only holiday that claims more than just a day, but a month or two, comes with a big price tag! December 25^th! What to give mom and dad? Or my sister and brother? Should I get something for the dog? AHHHH what about my boyfriend? Oh wait, I don't have one this season. Phew! DISCLAIMER: Christmas is all about the gifts. You can't deny it. Whether you have the means or not, coming home for the holidays without a gift is a little embarrassing. At least make cookies! Sure, maybe mom and dad have everything they could ever want or need, but the act of giving is powerful. 

It is not about the quantity or even the quality. Giving is an act of love and has become its own love language as we learned from Chicken Soup or The Five Love Languages a book by Jack Canfield. Words of affirmations, acts of stewardship, and gifts are exceptional ways to tell friends and families you care. Maybe this year, buy a sakroot purse for mom, new TOMS for dad, and Banded headbands and Alex & Ani bangles for your sisters. These are just a few of the many brands that make an effort to make products that give back; the gift that keeps giving. Especially during the holidays, other notable brands like Starbucks create a package deal of a coffee and cookie gift box that when purchased a food donation is made to hungry kids in the United States. But this offer is limited; it has an expiration date and then proceeds to fuel itself as a coffee empire. 

However, TOMS coffee, "every bag of coffee purchased, TOMS will provide one week of clean water to a person in need. One for One. This promise, straight from their website, applies not just to thier coffee grounds, but to their shoes, and newly added clothing line.Every one of their products gives back, "One for One". Statistics show TOMS shoes gave over 60 countries over 35 million pairs. TOMS glasses gave 13 countries 250,000 people restored sight. And TOMS Roasting Co., just launched this year in 2014, provided water in 5 countries. "What began as a simple idea has evolved into a powerful business model in helping to address a need, and also advance health, education, and economic opportunities for the children and their communities around the world". If you have never heard of TOMS check your local Target, they partnered up this year. Target then fostered their branding ideal, One for One. I went to check it out myself, in two states the shelves were wiped clean. TOMS this year has been a success. Is this a sign? Will Target "target" a new audience? Can Target find in their hearts to give back? TOMS is the first company I personally came across this idea. I then discovered, Alex & Ani. (Not available at Target)

To my faithful followers, I won't expand upon this brand too much. Alex & Ani was actually my first blog posts, + Energy. I'm not much to repeat myself, but I will say their strongest line that they should push is their Charity by Design. Alex & Ani has this idea of adorning your arm with bangles that represent your interest and beliefs. With their line, Charity by Design, you can wearing bangles of non profit organizations that you personally are connected with and support. Not only do these charms self advertise you and the individual organizations; each purchase donates 15%-20% back to that organization. As explained on their site, "Charity by Design empowers non-profit organizations both on a national and local scale to reach their goals by sharing their mission through the power of positive energy and creative design. Carolyn creates customized symbolic charms that capture the essence of a charity making it more accessible to the public while raising awareness and funds. A portion of proceeds are donated directly to non-profit organizations who strive to enhance the quality of lives on Earth." They word it so beautifully and passionately that I wish all of their charms supported a cause.  Alex & Ani believes, "by allowing consumers to enter the charitable world through their purchases, we believe a new generation of philanthropists will emerge." I couldn't agree more. But what is a bracelet without matching accessories?

BANDED are quality headbands lined with velvet to prevent from slipping and creases in the hair. BANDED has perfected the design of a headband to prevent from pinching or pulling and causing headaches. They come in different widths and patterns. BANDED is a one size fits all secured with an elastic band. But for every purchase, "BANDED donates three meals to children in Uganda through a partnership with Amazima. In less that two years, BANDED has already helped serve more than 750,00 meals." If you purchased one for everyday of the week, your purchase would feed 21 meals to children in Uganda! Who would have thought that wearing a fashion statement would be so essential? But what's an outfit without a handbag? 

When shopping for a purse, you see brown ones and black ones, red one and white ones. All the brands start to look the same. Then you see these exotic brightly colored patterned purses each unique and sketch like. These doodle like patterned purses are sakroot, you know the little yellow bird blurting out peace? "Each collection features original artwork from our sakroots artist circle gallery of prints and textured embellishments such as crochet accents, giving the collection a relaxed vibe and tying back to the brand's heritage rich in texture. Sakroots encourages you to "Choose Your Karma" by supporting artists and charities of your choice from our circle sharing in belief of peace and harmony among all things." I had no idea sakroots matches all donations that supports The Nature Conservancy, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, NPH, and more! Giving back to protect animals and our environment is just as important! 

These companies make an effort to give love with every product but don't feel the need to boast, especially during the holidays. They are so humble in their generosity, that often their gifts go unnoticed. Often it is the price. But the price reflects their purpose, to give back. I am surprised they do not push more campaigns and advertisement during the holidays. When everyone is flooding the store, when everyone has saved up money, when everyone is filled with the Christmas spirit, that is the perfect time to spread the word. To gloat, to shine light, to pride yourself on your product, a product that's not only shared with a loved one, but a child or family, in need of clothes, shoes, water, shelter, warmth, food, and life.

Rather than belting out “FEED THE WORLDDDD LET THEM KNOW THAT IT'S CHRISTSMAS AGAINNN”, feed the world and give a gift, with the purchase of a product like TOMS, Alex & Ani, BANDED, and sakroot. These companies give everyday with every product. Not just for the holidays but everyday. What makes these companies more notable and memorable is their branding; giving back. Buy a product give a product and support a cause this season. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

                                                                                                                         xox SB