Gorgeous holiday gifts that help you give back
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's the season of giving, and as we're putting our shopping lists together for friends and family, there's a way to give gorgeous gifts and give back.
In the closely-knit community of Clear Lake, Adelaide's Boutique has become a stop for many shoppers, largely because of their neighborly mentality.
"When we opened the store eight years ago, we thought it was really important to give back to the community," says Adelaide's Boutique co-owner Judy Tabuena.
But, Tabuena also wanted to give back to the whole world, so she carries several items that do just that, like Lokai bracelets.
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"The white bead contains water from Mt. Everest, the highest place on Earth. The black bead contains mud from the Dead Sea. The lowest point on earth. So, it's a reminder to keep your life balanced. When things are going great, stay humble. When things aren't going so great, stay positive," says Tabuena.
The Lokai bracelets come in different colors, and each color gives back to a different charity. They're $18 each.
Another great gift is the S'Well water bottle.
"Everybody is loving them. They keep your beverages hot for twelve hours, cold for 24," explains Tabuena.
The S'Well bottles start at $25 and give back to UNICEF.
The Akola Project makes several beautiful accessories that are perfect as a gift. The jewelry consists of hand-rolled paper beads made in Uganda.
"This company was started by a young Texas grad from Southern Methodist University. She went on a mission trip and came back and wanted to build orphanages and help the women in Uganda. ... She has 200 women making these beads. The bracelets start at $32, they go up to under $100," Tabuena says.
Nena & Company makes travel bags, purses, and camera straps. They're made of recycled clothing from the ladies in Guatemala. Proceeds go back to scholarships and filtered water for the ladies in the highlands of Guatemala. They start at $40.
You might have heard of the Home T. They make T-shirts for every state that's your home. They give back to multiple sclerosis, they're made in the United States, and they run around $30.
Next up, the Lily and Laura bracelets are only $12 each.
"They're handmade in Nepal by the ladies there. They get to make them in their homes, so they can be with their families while they make their bracelets," says Tabuena.
The ladies are paid by the bracelet and the goal is to give these women a fair wage to improve their lives.
Another way to give back this season right here in our community is to purchase a holiday ornament or piece of art from Children's Art Project.
Through creative art classes provided for pediatric patients receiving cancer care at MD Anderson, patients are encouraged to draw both themed and freestyle art as a way to reduce stress, and to take their mind off their cancer treatment. MD Anderson's Children's Art Project offers an opportunity for others to support patient programs by purchasing merchandise inspired by patients' work. Net proceeds from the sale of art-inspired merchandise, such as holiday ornaments, help fund pediatric education and creative arts programs, as well as support groups and camps for patients and their siblings.
