The best holiday gifts that give back

All products featured on this page were selected by Toronto Life’s editors. However, when you purchase an item through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

See our full holiday gift guide.

Kanata Dry

This cheeky Indigenous spin on the one-time Canadian classic is available at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto gift shop and supports programming like language classes and Okichitaw martial arts. $4

Good Beads

Made by displaced artisans in South Sudan, the Simplest Act bracelet is a collaboration between Lojel and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. A subtle statement of solidarity. $18

Coffee for a Cause

Each bag of Street Brew’s small-batch beans helps fund Toronto shelters—and they’re Jonas Brothers approved. $24

Honouring the Birthplace of Insulin

Made in Canada, this intricately crafted pewter ornament captures Banting House National Historic Site, the London, Ontario, home where Dr. Frederick Banting conceived his idea that led to the discovery of insulin. Stewarded by Diabetes Canada, the birthplace of insulin allows people from around the world to pay tribute to Banting, his team and their life-saving medication while reflecting on the Flame of Hope, which burns until a cure for diabetes has been found. Support this legacy by purchasing an ornament this holiday season. $25

Statement Tote

This is 2025’s must-have merch for card-carrying bookworms. Plus, a portion of the proceeds helps support Toronto Public Library programs. $30

Trans Rights T-shirt

Nevertheless, she, he and they persist. Proceeds from this tee, from local horror haven Little Ghosts Books, support the 519 and their trans-led drop-in programs. $35

A Lifeline for Families with Sick Children

When a child is critically sick or injured, being surrounded by the love and support of their family shouldn’t be a privilege. Ronald McDonald House is a lifeline for families, providing them with wraparound care, resources and the stability they need to stay strong during their child’s fight. Your donation will help provide a community of support, warm meals and a place to rest. Now more than ever, families across Canada need you. $25, 50 or $100

Beaded Ring

Local brand Santa Isla partners with Colombia’s Embera Chami artisans on this handmade ring, with a portion of every sale going back to the makers. $43

Sock It Forward

For every pair of socks purchased—like this too-cute fruits-and-veggies set—Bombas donates a pair to someone experiencing homelessness. $47

Adopt a Plush Cardinal for a Loved One

For a striking gift with a lasting impact, symbolically adopt a northern cardinal for a loved one. Designed with species experts, this wildlife plush has the same brilliant red plumage, distinctive crest, black mask and long tail feathers as a real cardinal. Each kit also includes a personalized adoption certificate and a fact-filled poster, all wrapped up in a reusable tote bag. Proceeds fund conservation efforts across Canada, helping wildlife and nature thrive. Pair it with a customized bundle of wildlife socks (for kids and adults) for an even greater impact. $50

Plushie With a Purpose

Cuddle and Kind has helped provide over 36 million meals for kids in need through their partnerships with organizations like Breakfast Club of Canada and the World Food Program. $104

A Lifesaving Food

This holiday, make a lasting impact on a child’s life with a UNICEF Plumpy’Nut® Survival Gift®. Malnourished children need to gain weight fast, and this lifesaving, tasty peanut-based and micronutrient-enhanced therapeutic food could help a child gain up to two pounds per week. With every Survival Gift purchased, you help UNICEF reach more children with urgent aid in the world’s most difficult places to be a child. Shop now and get a free card with every order. $16 to $53

Comfort Zone

This ultra-soft sherpa blanket from Partners in Health Canada—a non-profit that helps deliver equitable health care in the world’s poorest regions—wraps you up while funding lifesaving work. $80

Give the Gift of Adventure

Choose a gift that improves health outcomes for sick children. Every WishGift helps fill a prescription that can cut the chances of a child needing the ER in half. With a Gift of Adventure, a child can explore without limits and discover who they can become—a superhero, a firefighter, a princess or anything else they can imagine. These transformational experiences build strength, resilience and hope when a child needs it most. $80

Knit Pick

Toronto label Kotn does more than make perfect basics—like this stretchy, cloud-soft lana wool concoction with contrasting trims—it also builds schools in the Egyptian communities where its cotton is grown. $168

Utensil Set

Hand-carved in Bethlehem from ancient olive trees, this eight-piece kitchen set supports Palestinian artisans and their craft. $271

Help Carry The Fire

For over 70 years, the Princess Margaret has been a leader in early cancer detection, innovative treatments and compassionate support for patients and their loved ones. This season, instead of a traditional gift, donate to life-saving cancer research and care on behalf of someone special. Give them the chance to join the mission and help Carry the Fire for a world free from the fear of cancer.

Basket With a Twist

Baba Tree’s Ghanaian artisans weave strong, flexible elephant grass into a unique wave-like silhouette, creating a storage basket that doubles as functional art with serious shelf appeal. $325

Trunk Show

Canadian suitcase company Monos is bringing back the travel trunk with a modern upgrade. It’s also helping to restore the 2,000-hectare Old Bonjoge Forest near Kisumu City, Kenya, with some of the proceeds. $525