Today Show: 9 products that give back to charity

Aired on the Today Show on March 25, 2013 –

Subira Shaw
InStyle.com

If you love shopping and doing good for others, InStyle magazine has a collection of items from companies that give to charity every time you buy from them. Here are some of the items that do you and others good.

Figs Ties, $55 – $75;Wearfigs.com

Figs is an neckwear company (ties, bowties) that serves a global purpose through their “Threads for Threads” program. For every tie sold, FIGS gives a school uniform to a child in need of an education. They are currently partnered with 105 schools worldwide. Figs products are hand sewn. They have ties and bowties available, in a range of colors and are priced between $55 and $75. On the uniform donation side, the company partners globally with local weavers and tailors to make uniforms for their school communities, so they are able to provide jobs to the adults in the community as well.

Bel Kazan Necklaces, $48;Shopgadogado.com

Another company that donates school uniforms one-for-one is Bel Kazan. These necklaces are fun for spring and summer, and the uniforms go to a Balinese child in need.

Baby Teresa Organic Cotton Rompers, $29.95 – $34.95;Baby-teresa.com

Baby Teresa sells a line of adorable 100% organic cotton baby clothing and accessories. For each romper sold, they donate a romper to a baby in need. These baby clothes and accessories are soft and make a superb baby shower gift. Since 2009, the company has made donations in over 20 countries. The rompers comes in three colors: the Jimmy (neutral stripe), the Ruby (pink spots) and Son (blue spots on white) – all named after children the founders have met on donation adventures.

Everything Happy Gift Sets ,$50 – $80,
Everything Happy Pillows & Blankies $28- $149; Everythinghappy.com

Everything Happy does children’s products like pillows, blankies and plush toys. For every Happy product purchased, one is given to a child in a hospital, orphanage or Ronald McDonald House Charity. Each Happy product arrives with a “giving tag” attached that includes a unique registration number on it. Each customer can register their product on the Everything Happy website and choose where they would like to donate their second item. The philosophy is one for one (except for the pillows, which are the exception as they are too heavy to ship, if a pillow is purchased, blankie is donated).

Soapbox Soaps, $4.99;Soapboxsoaps.com

SoapBox Soaps donates one bar of unscented soap to a child in need for every bar purchased. They call it a “bar of hope.” In two years, they have donated across 4 continents, and have provided soap to homeless shelters, women shelters and nursing homes here in America. Soapbox soaps are ethical and environmentally friendly: Cruelty free, Gluten free, Made in America, Packaged with 100% recycled fibers, and Vegan. They are made of all natural Ingredients. Soaps are available in a variety of scents like eucalyptus, cinnamon, lavender, orange, spearmint.

One Million Lights BOGO Light,$39; Onemillionlights.org

One Million Lights’ mission is to improve the daily lives of children and adults by providing clean and healthy lighting. Their goal is to distribute one million solar lights to replace dangerous and polluting kerosene lamps. Powered by solar energy, the BoGo Light is a great solution for these families in need. For every flashlight purchased, one is donated worldwide to a community in need.

One World Futbol Project Soccer Balls,$39.50;Oneworldfutbol.com

Soccer, known in most of the world as “football,” is the world’s most popular sport. One World Futbol Project strives to make an impact on children around the world with the One World Futbol – a virtually-indestructible ball that never goes flat and never needs a pump. For every Futbol you purchase, a second ball is donated to disadvantaged communities such as refugee camps, war zones, disaster areas and inner cities. World-renowned entertainer Sting provided the support needed to get the company running in its early stages and thus, the name of the ball is based on Sting’s song “One World (Not Three).”

Out Of Print Clothing T-Shirts, $28and up; Outofprintclothing.com

Out of Print celebrates the world’s great stories through graphic tees for men, women and children. Their t-shirts feature iconic and often out of print book covers, and we think they’re smart and chic. Each product is treated to feel soft and worn like a well-read book. The company acknowledges that many people throughout the world don’t have access to books, so for each product sold, one book is donated to a community in need through their partner Books For Africa.

Smile Squared Toothbrushes,$5.95;Smilesquared.com

We buy toothbrushes all the time, without giving it a second thought but Smile Squared is a company that does. They donate a toothbrush to a child in need for every one purchased. But that’s not all. The handles are made of biodegradable bamboo, not plastic, and the box is recyclable. This company helps to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the basic products we buy.