The Best Holiday Gifts that Give Back in Orange County

This holiday season, Life Is Good OC invites you to spread cheer and positivity with gifts that give back! Not only is our 2023 Orange County Holiday Gift Guide guaranteed to help you find something your friends and family will love, but your gift will also directly benefit meaningful causes within our community and beyond.

1. Gift Artisanal Accessories from Purpose Jewelry

Choose Purpose Jewelry for a gift that empowers. Whether jewelry, bags, or home décor, each piece is handcrafted by artisans overcoming human trafficking, with proceeds supporting International Sanctuary based in Laguna Hills. These accessories symbolize hope and resilience. Find them here.

Layered necklaces from Purpose Jewelry, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @purposejewelry

2. Adopt” an Animal from the Santa Ana Zoo

For the animal lovers in your life! While you cannot literally adopt an animal from the Santa Ana Zoo, you can do the next best thing! Your “adoption” aids in habitat upkeep, veterinary care, and preservation programs. Meanwhile, you get special perks including family zoo passes, special recognition, and more depending on your tier. Start your adoption journey here.

Sloth from the Santa Ana Zoo. "Adopt" an animal this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @thesantaanazoo

3. Order a Harvest Box from The Ecology Center

Delight the foodies in your life with a Harvest Box from The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano. Packed with organic produce, artisanal pantry items, and exclusive recipes, it’s a culinary adventure that supports regenerative farming practices. Each purchase contributes to a healthier planet and community. Subscribe to this bi-weekly delight here.

A Harvest Box from The Ecology Center, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @theecologycenter

4. Go On a Whale and Marine Tour with The Ocean Institute

Gift an experience of the ocean’s wonders with The Ocean Institute in Dana Point. From educational cruises on the Pacific to exploring maritime history, the Institute offers a deep dive into marine science. Support their mission while gifting an unforgettable experience. Learn more here.

Group witnessing a whale on a Whale and Marine Life Tour by the Ocean Institute, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @ocean_institute

5. Gift Stylish Apparel and Accessories from Eternity Boutique

Eternity Boutique in Placentia combines style with social impact. Offering chic apparel and accessories, 50% of all sales go towards nonprofits like Camp Agape, aiding children with incarcerated parents. Gift fashion that makes a difference. Shop Online or visit their brick and mortar store here.

Cute slippers from Eternity Boutique, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @eternityboutiqueoc

6. Bring Home Eco-Friendly Home Appliances and Furniture from Habitat for Humanity of Orange County ReStores

Enhance a home and support a cause with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County ReStores. Their range of new and gently-used furniture, appliances, and building materials for a fraction of the normal retail price support the construction of affordable homes in Orange County. A gift that keeps on giving, find a location here.

Beautiful patio set from Habitat for Humanity of Orange County ReStore, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @habitatocrestore

7. Create a Gift Basket of Unique Thrifted Finds from Goodwill of Orange County

Get creative! Create a gift basket full of unique finds you’ve uncovered at Goodwill of Orange County, from chic clothing to eclectic home goods. You could even take it up a notch by upcycling some fun finds like this influencer. Over 94% of your purchase goes directly to their programs empowering individuals through career opportunities. Find a location near you here.

Creative gift basket made in a glass bowl with items thrifted from Goodwill of Orange County, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @ocgoodwill and @itshadrian

8. Gift Everyday Apparel with Heart from Let’s Be Kind

Spread kindness with Let’s Be Kind apparel. Started by a student in Costa Mesa to bring positivity to her school, this initiative now offers tees and sweatshirts that encourage kindness and unity. A perfect gift to inspire. Check out their collection here.

Sweatshirts with LBK heart patch from Lets Be Kind, one of the best gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @letsbekindday

9. Give Discovery and Wonder with a Visit to the Discovery Cube

Inspire a young mind with a visit to the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana. This interactive museum fosters a love of learning and discovery in science and technology, offering hands-on exhibits and educational programs. A gift of knowledge awaits here.

Mom exploring an exhibit with her children at the Discovery Cube, one of the best holiday gifts that give back this holiday season.
Photo Credit: @thediscoverycube

10. Decorate the Tree with Iconic Ornaments

Remind a loved one of iconic OC sights with a gorgeous glass ornament replica from Iconic Ornaments! Started by two teen boys in Laguna Beach, a portion of each sale of these ornaments also goes toward the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Choose your OC landmark here.

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