The season of giving: Do your holiday shopping while benefiting others

When it comes to giving to your loved ones and giving back, you really can have the best of both worlds.

We've put together a list of ways you can transform your holiday shopping into an act of charity. You're going to have a hard time ending up on the naughty list if you use these!

Feel good about what you buy.

Already checked your shopping list twice? With these sites, you can go about your original shopping plan and part of the cost of your presents will benefit charity. None of these sites cost you a dime, and many of them will also help you find the best deals.

• Amazon Smile: Just sign in with your Amazon account, choose your favorite charity and shop how you normally would.


• GoodSearch: Register with the site and choose your favorite charity. Then use their search engine to find what you're looking for, and click through to a retailer's site to make your purchase, part of which will go to your favorite charity.


• iGive: This works almost the same way, but you use a button on various retailers' websites. Go through the site's easy registration process and your favorite retailers will start supporting your favorite cause.


Note: If you represent a charity, many of these have instructions for getting your organization registered. Contact the website for details.

Buy something special, times two.

Many charity-driven companies use a "one for one" model, meaning every time you buy from them, they donate a similar product to someone in need.

• Shoes: Every time you buy a pair from Tom's, Twins for Peace or Roma Boots another pair is donated to someone in need.


• Book-themed clothing and accessories: For every item purchased, Out of Print donates -- you guessed it -- books.


• Children's items: Everything Happy sells stuffed animals, children's jewelry and more with a one-for-one model.


• Baby clothes: Australian company Baby Teresa


• Sunglasses: Warby Parker and Tom's


• Coffee: Tom's donates water every time you buy coffee from them.


• Messenger bags: OAK donates back packs when you buy a back pack, messenger bag or T-shirt.


• Dog food: For the furry friend on your list, there's BOGO Bowl.

Though these methods are all online, don't forget to check at the registers and at the front of the store while you're out shopping. Many retailers sponsor their own low-tech shop and give programs!

Did we miss any of your favorite ways to put a charitable spin on your holiday shopping? Add to our list in the comments, and happy giving!