Gift guide: gifts that give back

To continue the gift guide series, here are some items that support a variety of good causes around the world...

Today is World AIDS Day.  Help in the global fight against AIDS by purchasing any of the following products:

The Killers Product(RED) Christmas album (available on iTunes) is a compilation of previously released Christmas singles.

Apple red iPod Nano or iPad leather cover

Proceeds from the sale of these red Chuck Taylor sneakers (or the low top version) from Converse also go to support the fight against AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Nokero lights are solar-powered lights that can give 2.5-6 hours of light on a single charge.  Get $5 off the price of a $20 light bulb by buying through the Lights for Life campaign.  You can give lights to needy families around the world through the website and buy some for yourself (they are great for outdoor activities like camping).

West Elm has a series of seven different mugs, each supporting a different charity, from Boys & Girls Clubs to St. Jude Children's Hospital and Teach for America.  Relevant watercolor paintings surround the exterior of the mugs.  $10 per mug and free shipping.

A set of six brightly colored beaded bracelets costs $10 and provides employment for the Tanzanian women who make them and 25 cups of food through Feeding America, Mercy Corps, and Millennium Promise.

For every stuffed animal or other soft toy purchased, IKEA donates $1 to Unicef and Save the Children.  Five styles are available online, and many more in stores, ranging in price from $1 - $15.

These ornaments (set of two for $6) are made from recycled computer motherboards.  A fair trade product made in India, they help reuse products and each purchase provides 25 cups of food through the Hunger Site Store (they have a lot of other great products, definitely worth checking out). 

For every purchase of TOMS shoes, one pair is donated to a child in need through their One for One movement.  You can choose from hundreds of options for men and women, in fabrics from canvas and corduroy to glitter and fun patterns.

In addition to purchasing the products above, you can also donate directly to a cause or project.  There are a variety of websites that will help you plug in to support a variety of causes.  Try the Greater Good site for a list of various projects that you can donate to, from microloans to water filtration, animal rescue, cancer research, and many more.