The holiday season is often a flurry of excessive shopping and materialism. But for many, the spirit of Christmas isn't about piling presents under the tree-it's about giving in a way that creates joy beyond one household.

As more people realize that who they give their money to matters, to buy gifts that do good, supporting companies and organizations with philanthropic missions. These presents carry more than sentimental value; they carry impact. If you're looking for meaningful ways to show love this Christmas, consider these gift ideas that give back.

*Fair Trade Goods

Fair trade products -- ranging from handwoven scarves and jewelry to coffee and chocolate -- empower artisans and farmers around the world. Buying from organizations such as Ten Thousand Villages or Global Goods Partners ensures fair wages, safe working conditions and sustainable practices.

*Eco-Friendly Gifts That Restore Nature

For the environmentally conscious, there are countless gifts that give back to the planet. Brands like tentree plant 10 trees for every item purchased, while companies such as 4ocean remove a pound of plastic from the ocean for each bracelet sold. These gifts are a tangible reminder that small choices can help combat climate change and protect ecosystems -- something future generations will thank us for.

*Charity Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes remain one of the most popular modern gifts, and many now come with a charitable twist. For example, Love Goodly curates eco-friendly beauty and lifestyle products while donating a portion of proceeds to animal welfare and cancer research. Another option, Anchor of Hope Box, supports refugees, survivors of human trafficking, and artisans in vulnerable communities by featuring their handmade goods. Each month's delivery is a new surprise with a story that uplifts.

*Gifts That Support Education

Education-themed gifts can make an especially powerful impact. Through organizations like UNICEF or Pencils of Promise, donors can purchase school supplies, books or even fund scholarships in honor of a loved one. Many nonprofits now provide digital "gift cards" that explain the specific contribution made -- such as paying for a month of classes for a child -- making the gift feel personal and purposeful.

*Animal-Loving Presents

For pet owners or animal enthusiasts, gifts that protect wildlife or help shelter pets are perfect choices. The World Wildlife Fund offers symbolic adoptions of endangered species, complete with a plush toy and adoption certificate. Meanwhile, proceeds from products sold by Best Friends Animal Society go directly toward saving homeless pets.

*Coffee, Tea and Wine

What's Christmas without warm mugs and toasts with loved ones? Many beverage companies now combine delicious offerings with charitable missions. Grounds for Health, for instance, uses profits from its coffee sales to provide cervical cancer screenings for women in coffee-farming communities. OneHope Wine donates portions of its proceeds to causes ranging from childhood hunger to environmental initiatives.

*"Buy One, Give One" Brands

The "buy one, give one" model has become a staple of socially conscious shopping. Companies like TOMS pioneered the idea by giving away a pair of shoes for every pair sold, and the movement has since spread to other essentials. Bombas donates socks to homeless shelters, while Warby Parker provides eyeglasses to people in need. When your loved one unwraps a gift, they'll know that someone else in the world received something just as valuable.

*Experiences That Make an Impact

Not all gifts need to be wrapped. Experience-based presents can also support charitable causes. Virtual cooking classes taught by refugee chefs, tickets to benefit concerts, or workshops hosted by nonprofit organizations provide memorable moments while funding important work. These experiences often leave a lasting impression far beyond traditional gifts.

This Christmas, when consumerism can feel overwhelming, opting for gifts that give back is a way to return to the season's true spirit. The joy of giving multiplies when it touches lives outside our immediate circle.

By giving with intention, you're not just celebrating the holidays -- you're helping create a brighter, kinder world.