Holiday Gifts That Keep Giving

By Katelin Walling November 18, 2014

It's hard to not give gifts during the holidays, so why not give the ones you love a gift that gives back? St. Jude Children Research Hospitals Thanks and Giving campaign offers a variety of holiday gift ideas, all of which benefit the live-saving research at St. Jude.

We want to show people we care about them, and giving gifts around the holidays is a natural way to do so—refraining from buying gifts during the holidays, then, is no easy task. It is an uncommon kind of joy giving someone a present and seeing the smile bloom as they unwrap it, after all. Rather than give something that will provide singular joy, give a gift that gives back.

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, a holiday-focused effort that helps raise funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the global leader in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other deadly diseases where no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay. These seven gift ideas give back—except for the throw, 100 percent of profits benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—but also promote family bonding time.

The Chunky Cable Knit Throw with Faux Fur Trim ($179) is a luxe addition to your winter snuggling, whether you’re gathering for a family movie night or a snowy-day story time. Pottery Barn will donate 20 percent of the purchase price of each throw.

Help your child feel like a grown-up by gifting her this adorable Butterfly Wallet (also comes in Monkey; $8). Stock it with a few dollars meant to be donated—then go on an outing to purchase books for a literacy foundation or canned goods for a nearby soup kitchen—and discover the joy of giving, teach the value of saving.

There’s no question about it: The bedtime routine is some of the best bonding time you’ll have with your child. From reading stories to playing with bubbles and boats, bath time is a chance for you to give your child the one-on-one attention he craves. When his fingers have pruned and he’s squeaky clean, wrap him in the Hooded Monkey Bath Poncho, modeled by St. Jude patient Waylon (also comes in Butterfly; $24).

When you head off on the next family adventure, the mom in your life can use this Reversible Button Bag ($46) to keep snacks, cellphone, tablet, and other necessities close at hand. This bag, which can be used as a handbag or tote, has two patterns to choose from on any given day and features four pockets to keep you organized.

This funky International Flag and Face Tie ($24) is a great conversation starter. Spend some time with your kids learning a little about the culture of each country—it’s never too early to start talking about diversity. Or simply share stories of help and healing to bring attention to St. Jude’s cause when a colleague questions your choice of tie—now that’s paying it forward!

Bring your little chef into the kitchen to whip up a batch of S’mores Brownies ($12) to enjoy with the hot cocoa you make from the Reindeer Toffee Fudge Hot Chocolate Tube Mix for Two ($5). Bonus: The wooden spoon that comes with the brownie mix can become your child’s cooking spoon, so call her in the next time you need help mixing.