Gifts Under $50 That Give Back For Everyone On Your List (2023 Gift Guide)
Find give-back gifts under $50 for everyone on your list. These affordable and thoughtful gifts that give back support charities in the United States and around the world in 2023.
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Updated 12/18/2022
This is one of our favorite gift ideas posts! We love sharing great products with you that do good. You’ll find great gifts under $50 that give back for everyone on your list below.
Gifts That Give Back for Babies & Kids
Onesies and Kids’ Tees
Remember the card in the back of your library books being covered with date stamps or doing research with a real life card catalog? If you’re a reader, you’re going to love everything from Out of Print, a company that donates books and supports literacy programs all over the world with every purchase. Right now, if you buy any 2 items from their kids’ tee or onesie collections, you get a 3rd kids’ tee or onesie free!
Swaddle Set
I don’t have a daughter, so I asked another mom about her recommendation on a pattern for this swaddle and headband set. There are plenty more to choose from, but this one is so pretty! Use code SALT_5off for $5 off your purchase! For every item sold, Headbands of Hope donates a headband to a child with cancer.
Hammock
My boys (husband included!) love our hammock, whether it’s in our backyard or next to a favorite cabin in the mountains. This one from Kammock is water repellent and has a no-tip design so it’s a perfect gift for kids. The fabric is also tear-resistant which means it might actually survive in my house! Purchases from Kammock support Explore Austin, an organization that offers outdoor adventures and a 6-year mentoring program to empower youth.
Sidewalk Paint
I know how much fun kids have with sidewalk chalk, so paint sounds like next-level fun. This washable paint set from Yoobi includes 6 colors, a brush and a palette. The best part is knowing that your purchase sends another item from Yoobi to a classroom in need in the US.
Indestructible Soccer Ball
Something as simple as a soccer ball can mean so much for kids in disadvantaged communities. When my family went to Mexico on a mission trip this summer, my boys played soccer with kids for hours on end, and saw that regular soccer balls didn’t last long. One World Play Project created the unpoppable One World Futbol–it never goes flat and never needs a pump. They’ve donated over 2 million futbols to communities all over the world.
Gifts That Give Back for Teen & Tween Girls
Graphic Art Print
This pretty 8×10 print will remind her that the hard things in life are worth it. The quote says “the most beautiful people we have known are those who have know defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Products from IM Paper support a variety of important causes–this one provides 5 oral rehydration salts, but you can request that your purchase support one of their other worthy causes like scholarships, disease, trees and more.
Scrunchie Set
I’d be tempted to order these for myself, just because I’m excited to see scrunchies again. This set is a no-brainer for any girl with long hair and it would be a great stocking stuffer! Use code SALT_5off for $5 off your purchase! For every item sold, Headbands of Hope donates a headband to a child with cancer.
Poptivism from Popsockets
Phones just keep getting bigger (if we get back to Miami Vice size, I’m officially done), so these Popsockets are almost a necessity. The company has a line called Poptivism and a portion of the proceeds supports a wide variety of causes. The charity receives 50% of the sale price. This one gives back to Special Olympics, but there are countless other designs and different causes you can support.
Chasing the Bright Side
I wrote about how this book impacted me as a mom, but it’s also an excellent choice for teen girls. Jess Ekstrom’s book is a gold mine of optimism and will inspire any young woman who wants to bring more good to the world. Jess started a social enterprise, Headbands of Hope in college and for every item sold (including this book), a headband is donated to a child with cancer.
Be Kind Long Sleeve Tee
Sunshine Sisters is a small business run by two young sisters in Florida. They started making shirts to spread a little kindness in their community, and now they have their own business! Ten percent of their proceeds is donated to schools and organizations that help stop bullying.
Phone Case
Phones are expensive, so a durable phone case is a must. If she loves turtles and conservation is her thing, she’ll love this eco-friendly case from Pela. It’s 100% biodegradable and comes in a few other colors. Purchasing a phone case from Pela reduces plastic waste and they give to 1% For The Planet partners.
Water Bottle
If you’ve got kids, your house is probably overrun with water bottles, so why not buy one that does some good? (If keeping them organized in your house drives crazy like me, check out #8 for a brilliant hack!) This 24-ounce bottle is BPA free and gets great reviews for being leak-proof. For every purchase, Ivory Ella donates 10% to Save The Elephants. Use this link and enter code TAKE10 for 10% off your order.
Keychain with travel tokens
If you’re buying for a traveler, handcrafted leather Wander Club keychains help them commemorate their travels. It’s essentially a keychain version of a passport, and he can collect engraved tokens for every country, state or national park that she’s wandered through.
Keychains are handmade in the USA with the highest quality and most sustainable materials available. For every order placed, The Wander Club donates a meal to a hungry child with the help of our non-profit partner, Rice Bowls.
Gifts That Give Back for Teen & Tween Boys
National Parks Sticker Pack
Mary’s epic 3,000-mile road trip through nine national parks with 11 people convinced her that we all need to take time out for a vacation and preservation of those parks is critical for future generations. If you have a teen who loves the outdoors, these stickers are a perfect choice for their laptops and water bottles. The Parks Project is an official partner to the National Parks and they work with conservancies, mobilize volunteers and financially support park projects.
Live Free Tee
It may not be easy to add something to his T-shirt rotation that isn’t a brand logo, sports team or college, but this is definitely an option. Sevenly tees are soft and comfortable, and this one will spark conversation that raises awareness of human trafficking. Your purchase helps fund Freedom United, the largest modern anti-slavery community in the world.
Water Bottle
If your boys are forever losing their water bottles because it looks like everyone else’s, here’s a solution. These are great colors and if your boys are like mine, they’ll love knowing this bottle supports the Snow Leopard Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to protecting the endangered snow leopard. Designed and ethically sourced by Liberty Works, this bottle is lightweight and BPA free.
Keychain with travel tokens
If you’re buying for a traveler, handcrafted leather Wander Club keychains help them commemorate their travels. It’s essentially a keychain version of a passport, and he can collect engraved tokens for every country, state or national park that she’s wandered through.
Keychains are handmade in the USA with the highest quality and most sustainable materials available. For every order placed, The Wander Club donates a meal to a hungry child with the help of our non-profit partner, Rice Bowls.
Phone Case
You can tell your teen to take good care of his phone, but a durable phone case is still a must. This shark skin eco-friendly case from Pela is 100% biodegradable and comes in a variety of colors. Purchasing a phone case from Pela reduces plastic waste and they give 1% to For The Planet partners.
Gifts That Give Back to Aunts & Sisters
Distressed Hat
A hat is a perfect present for any woman who is tired of messy buns and dry shampoo. This cotton twill hat has frayed edges with a butterfly that represents Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s On Our Sleeves campaign to raise awareness of children’s mental health and fund research. Anything learned by our local Columbus, Ohio, children’s hospital will be shared with clinicians and scientists everywhere to improve mental health care for children
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V-Neck Tee
I love the story behind the words on this t-shirt. A group of 5 “brothers” started Best Day of My Life because it was the answer they always gave when asked how their day was going. When they realized that it was more than a quick response–it actually changed their perspective and promoted gratitude, positivity and happiness. Ten percent is donated to the Front Row Foundation which helps create front row moments for children and adults with life-threatening illnesses.
Bottle of Wine
If she likes wine and loves animals, this gift is the best of both. Through sales of this bottle of Pinot Grigio, One Hope has helped over 65,000 pets find a forever home. After One Hope vets a non-profit organization, they work together to choose a wine that pairs well with the good cause it will support.
Candle
Eleventh Candle Company is based right here in Central Ohio. The candles provide jobs for women in Columbus who were once trafficked…but it doesn’t end there. Support from your purchase goes directly to a village in Ethiopia where children are able to find homes.
22oz. Campfire Mug
United By Blue is one of our new favorite websites for people who live for the outdoors. We love the enamel mugs, and they’re campfire, dishwasher and stovetop safe! For every product purchased, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. They organize community cleanup days, and to date they’ve removed over 2 million pounds of trash.
Eco-friendly Coffee Pods
Gourmesso sells coffee pods that fit in Keurigs and others that fit in Nespresso machines, and the company plants a tree for every website purchase. Try different roasts or even flavors like vanilla or hazelnut. The coffee pods are also completely compostable.
Photo Calendar
Anything personalized is extra special, and this calendar with a bamboo stand is no exception. Add pictures of your favorite people or places to each month and the title card. The calendar is printed on thick recycled paper and Paper Culture plants a tree with every purchase. They even give you the chance to dedicate your tree to someone special!
Gifts That Give Back for Uncles & Brothers
Brownies
I’m completely on board with the motto of Greyston Bakery: “Eat Brownies. Change Lives.” It’s possible these will be eaten before everyone else is done opening gifts! Greyston Bakery supplies brownies for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream–7 million pounds annually! They have an Open Hiring Model which means they give jobs to people who would otherwise encounter employment difficulties. In addition to a job and workforce development skills, Greyston ensures pathways to food security, health and housing.
Single Serve Coffee
Grounds and Hounds Coffee donates 100% of profits from their Rescue Roast blend to a different rescue organization each month. They’re committed to supporting no-kill shelters to every pup can have a second chance. Rescue Roast is a fair trade medium roast from beans grown in Latin and South America.
Mugs (22oz) and (12oz)
United By Blue is one of our new favorite websites for people who live for the outdoors. We love the enamel mugs, and they’re campfire, dishwasher and stovetop safe! For every product purchased, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. They organize community cleanup days, and to date they’ve removed over 2 million pounds of trash.
Long Sleeve Tee
For that guy who is hard to buy for, you can’t really go wrong with a long sleeve tee. Available in other colors including white, gray and navy, this shirt is made from soft Pima cotton and has a more relaxed fit. But the best part? It’s signed by the maker! Known Supply works with underserved communities to provide meaningful work that honors the people behind the clothing.
Charity Gift Card – any amount
This is seriously a brilliant idea! You buy or design the gift card and choose the amount, then the recipient chooses where the money will be donated. Your charitable gifts can go to one of over one million charities! The founders of Charity on Top want to give something that spurs change in the world through the incredible work of nonprofits who usually operate on lean budgets.
Gifts That Give Back for Dads and Grandpas
Keychain with travel tokens
If you’re buying for a traveler, handcrafted leather Wander Club keychains help them commemorate their travels. It’s essentially a keychain version of a passport, and he can collect engraved tokens for every country, state, or national park that he’s wandered through.
Keychains are handmade in the USA with the highest quality and most sustainable materials available. For every order placed, The Wander Club donates a meal to a hungry child with the help of our non-profit partner, Rice Bowls.
Plaid Blanket
A few years ago, we gave my dad a blanket and he loved it! This one is much nicer than the inexpensive ones I pick up at Target: it’s water resistant and is made with wind-block fleece. Miscoots Outfitters employs people who are transitioning out of homelessness. When you buy a blanket, a high quality blanket is donated to a shelter.
Scratch Off Cards
Maybe the guy in your life doesn’t really need anything, but you don’t want to miss out on the fun of giving them a gift to open. These scratch off cards are a fun way to give back, and every card is a winner! Each card donates to one of Lotto Love‘s charitable causes including literacy tools, solar light, clean water or nutritious meals. You find out which one when you play the game.
Pom Beanie
This pom beanie of repurposed fabric from Cotopaxi, a company that meets high ethical standards at every stage of manufacturing. When you buy a Cotopaxi product, you support their mission to alleviate poverty in some of the world’s poorest regions.
Vintage Black Polarized Sunglasses $48
I never pay more than $15 for a pair of sunglasses because I lose them all.the.time. Apparently I’m not the only one because that’s one of the problems Shady Rays wants to solve! Their sunglasses are guaranteed for life! If you break or lose them, they’ll be replaced for free–you just pay the cost of shipping the replacement. Plus, for every pair you buy, 10 meals are donated through Feeding America. Time to splurge on some shades.
T-shirt Sets $49
If the guy in your life is a fan of classic movies, quotable tv shows and superheroes, he’ll love these shirt sets and you’ll have the perfect outfits for some photo sessions. These were two of my favorites! You can get the smaller tee in both baby, kid and adult sizes, so you’re not limited to dads of little ones. For every purchase, The Home T donates 10% to multiple sclerosis research.
Gifts That Give Back to Moms & Grandmas
Printable Quotes About Gratitude $4.99
Here’s a SALT effect exclusive: an instant download that includes 12 printable gratitude quotes. Practicing gratitude can make you 25% happier! These quotes are perfect for display in your home, office or classroom. We donate 10% of your purchase to The LunchBox Ohio, a nonprofit whose mission is to end childhood hunger by increasing access to fresh, local, and nutritious lunches in the summer months. You can print the files from your home computer or at your favorite print shop!
Handwriting Pillow $40
I’ll always include a gift from AbbyKate Home on this list, and I found a really special pillow for just about anyone in your life. Whether it’s a note your kids wrote to Santa when they were little or cherished words from a loved one, Abby will recreate their handwriting on a pillow. Because it’s a personalized gift, you’ll need to give her some extra time. Abby’s business started as a fundraiser for a family mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Now, they back to a different mission each month.
Campfire Mug $18
If the woman in your life survives on coffee, tea or even hot chocolate, a beautiful mug will help her start every day with a smile. She has different mugs and quotes to choose from, but this hand-lettered campfire mug has the title of one of my favorite hymns–if you don’t know the story of the man who wrote the words, you need to read my summary here. It’s an unimaginable tragedy. But somehow, his loss and devastation led to a beautiful and powerful song. In the months leading up to the holiday season, all purchases from the LoveTisTrue shop on Etsy will give back to Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child.
Sugar Scrub $18
I wouldn’t spend much on a sugar scrub for myself, but I’d splurge for this one as a gift. This Hand In Hand product combines sugar, coconut oil and shea butter for silky soft skin. For every sugar scrub purchase, Hand In Hand donates one bar of soap and one month of clean and safe water to a child in need.
Small Jar Candle $18
Any mom would love the tagline for Bridgewater Candles: “Light a candle, feed a child.” Through their partnership with Rice Bowls, they’ve provided over 9 million meals to hungry kids! You can choose from a number of different scents–the one pictured here is called Cozy Moments.
Bath Fizzers $10
This is on the list because of the packaging. Every mom deserves to soak until their toes turn to raisins! Give her permission to escape from the real world for a little while and enjoy scents like sparkling passion fruit, cucumber fresca and watermelon basil. Farmhouse Fresh supports animal rescue programs for forgotten and abused animals in Texas.
