Gifts That Support Children & Education

Photo-Illustration: Ellen Digital Ventures; Photos: Retailers

This post is produced by our editorial team in partnership with TisBest.org

by FRANCESCA NUNEZ HOBSON

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” – Dr. Seuss

It’s truly amazing what reading can do for the mind. A study at UC Berkeley and the University of Toronto came to a conclusion that confirms what parents have always known: “Those who read a lot will enhance their verbal intelligence; that is, reading will make them smarter,” and continued, “It is difficult to overstate the importance of getting children off to an early successful start in reading.”

This holiday season, take the opportunity to support education for children and literacy for all. It’s one of the best investments for the future we can make, and our list of gifts below is a great place to start!

Out of Print Clothing

With Out of Print Clothing, you can wear your love of books on your sleeve. Or mug. Or tote bag!

Shop for your beloved bookworm while helping to spread the gift of reading — Out of Print Clothing uses proceeds from every purchase to donate books and support literacy programs around the world. In fact, Out of Print has donated more than 5 million books to communities in need to date!

Gotta have that Grogu? Head right here. Learn more about Out of Print Clothing and explore their collection of literary-themed apparel and accessories here.

Tatcha

We love Tatcha skincare products and, sorry to name drop, but our friend Meghan Markle does too. Fact!

Tatcha’s line includes everything you need to get glowing, from serums and exfoliators to moisturizers and masks, all crafted at the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo, where leading scientists pair timeless Japanese botanicals with proven clinical ingredients to work with skin, not against it.

Tatcha supports a beautiful mission, too: education and literacy for children across the globe. In 2014, Tatcha created the Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures fund to help girls stay in school and reach their potential through the Girl’s Education Program in Asia and Africa. In 2021, Tatcha announced its plan to bring diverse books to underserved communities in the United States through Room to Read’s literacy initiative, too!

If you’d love to treat someone (or yourself!) to Tatcha this holiday season, now’s the time! You’ll love all the gorgeously packaged gift sets — and score some pretty nice deals, too.

Aurate

“You may have tangible wealth untold; caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be. I had a mother who read to me.” – Strickland Gillian

Here’s a pearl of wisdom for you. Shop with Aurate to give something gorgeous while also supporting a cause that’s priceless: the ability to read.

This direct-to-consumer startup designs ethically sourced gold jewelry at affordable prices. Aurate’s diamonds come from conflict-free regions, their pearls are sustainably harvested, and all gold used is 100% recycled. The fine jewellery brand has responsible beginnings and noble goals — Aurate has partnered with Mastery Charter, a charter school network in Philadelphia with over 17 enlisted schools and more than 10,000 students. A book is donated directly to these students for every piece of jewelry sold.

Browse the Aurate online shop here. If you’re stumped, may we recommend starting with their collection of on-trend ear cuffs, huggies, and hoops? After all, earrings always fit!

Denik

Sure, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover — but does that rule have to extend to notebooks, too? Because just one look at one of Denik’s thoughtfully designed sketchbooks, notebooks, and journals makes it clear that creativity lies within. Founded by a community of artists, Denik donates proceeds from the sale of each product to help fund education projects worldwide.

The patterns and illustrations make writing feel even more fun! Be sure to check out their art prints and partnership with Threadless, too. Shop the full line right here!

LifeStraw

Shopping for someone who loves something practical? Here’s a must-have item to store in your trunk for emergencies, take along on camping trips, and pack in your post-apocalyptic zombie attack go-bag (hey, you never know): the LifeStraw.

The LifeStraw is a straw-like, personal water filter that protects against bacteria, parasites, and dirt in drinking water, wherever you are. The company has since expanded upon the original LifeStraw and has a fantastic range of home water dispensers, water bottles, and more.

LifeStraw is committed to making an impact; check out their Doing Good page to learn about the incredible work they’re part of worldwide to help ensure children have access to clean water, assist emergency support work, promote inclusion, and support environmental sustainability.

Bixbee

Ready to gear up for the new year? Bixbee backpacks, lunchboxes, duffle bags and luggage for kids are durable, colorful, and fun — but they’re also part of a movement thanks to Bixbee’s “One Here, One There” program.

For every designer backpack sold, Bixbee donates a schoolbag and supplies to a kid in need. Bixbee carefully selects organizations that can source and produce backpacks with supplies locally to ensure that the entire community can benefit from the brand’s program.

You may have noticed the unique shape of Bixbee’s trademark backpack. The brand has patented a horizontal design, found to be a better ergonomic fit for kids' posture. We love the range of classic colors and playful designs, though the glitter may win as our fave. Explore Bixbee’s full product line here!

Better World Books

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” - Garrison Keillor

If there’s a bookworm on your list with holiday plans that include curling up with something good, give them a gift that they (and you) can feel even better about. It’s this simple: every time you purchase a book from Better World Books, the brand donates a book to someone in need.

Better World Books partners with hundreds of non-profit organizations, including Books for Africa and Feed the Children, to make sure that donated books find their way to the people who need them most.

Shop new books, or give used books new life. With deals this good, you can treat your bibliophile big time!

TisBest

Give the loved ones on your list the chance to pick the cause closest to them. Check out TisBest.org where you can purchase charity gift cards that allow recipients to experience the power of giving by donating 100% of the card’s value to charities of their choice.

Recipients of TisBest charity gift cards can search from more than 1.5 million registered U.S. charities organized by category so the causes most important to them are easy to find, including Health and Wellness organizations and charities. You can even customize each gift card with any image of your choice!