If the blatant consumerism surrounding Black Friday fills your stomach with dread this year, know that you’re not alone. Following the warm, fuzzy and generally grateful vibe of Thanksgiving, the unabashed barrage of door busters and two-for-one sales feels a bit off.
However, there are many ways to shop Black Friday, Cyber Monday and (of course) Giving Tuesday, with a clear conscience. This year, a number of brands are offering the chance to donate to charity with each purchase, or they will donate on your behalf, making holiday presents for your boyfriend, mom or little cousin a feel-good affair. Seeing as brands such as Zac Posen, Kenzo and Chloé are getting into the mix, you can rest assured that your gifting will still be eternally chic.
1. Athleta
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This athletic company is spreading cheer (and cute workout gear) for ten whole days. From November 19 to 29, the brand is allowing customers to make a donation to Girls on the Run—a non-profit that teaches young women social, psychological and physical skills through running—with each in-store purchase. Further, on Giving Tuesday, November 29, online Athleta shoppers can supplement their purchases with a donation to Girls on the Run, in increments of $1, $3 or $5.
2. Cuyana
For minimalist goods that actually do good, look no further than this quality-obsessed startup. For every purchase made on their site for Black Friday, Cuyana will donate apparel and other necessities to H.E.A.R.T (Helping Ease Abuse Related Trauma), an organization that helps children who have been the victims of abuse. If you want to do even more, you can bring gently worn clothing to Cuyana stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City or Chicago, as part of their Lean Closet movement. The contributions will also benefit H.E.A.R.T and donators will walk away with a $10 Cuyana credit.
3. UNIFORM
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This isn’t an actual sale…but don’t use that an excuse to skip to #4. UNIFORM is known for making well-designed basics for men and women, all of which is ethically produced in Africa. For each purchase from the brand, a school uniform is donated to an African student in need. Rather than marking down their products (which, in all honesty, are already fairly priced), every purchase made from November 25 to 28, at Shopuniform.com will result in the donation of two uniforms to two kids. That’s not only multitasking, it’s ethical, too.
4. Echo
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We all know how vital gloves, hats and scarves are during the winter months. So while you stock up on those cold weather essentials from Echo, the brand will donate a comparable item to Together We Rise, a non-profit that helps teens transition out of foster care and into the real world. Make sure you scoop up your tech-friendly gloves and furry beanies from now until December 24, when the offer ends.
5. Alexandra Clancy
Well known for creating beautiful handbags that are handcrafted in Italy, Alexandra Clancy is offering her designs to women who are less fortunate this holiday season. For every bag purchased from November 25 to January 3, Clancy will donate a bag to Dress for Success, a non-profit that helps outfit low-income women in professional attire. So whether you opt for a compact snakeskin clutch or a polished, architectural tote, you can feel confident that your new purse isn’t just pretty, it’s also making an impact.
6. Michael Stars
The trusty anorak gets a charitable update this season from Michael Stars, who worked with Paula Coles to hire Haitian artisans to both design and handcraft details for their Artisan Collective collection. Not only do these embroidered jackets employ and empower talented workers, but $100 of each sale is donated to PRODEV schools in Haiti, to cover the tuition and supplies for a student in need.
7. Vestiaire Collective
Fashionistas who want to do good will be enamored with Vestiaire Collective‘s Designer Archive Charity Sale, which is launching on Giving Tuesday, November 29. Stocked with clothing and accessories from the actual archives of Chloé, Zac Posen, Sonia Rykiel, Kenzo, Christopher Kane and Nicholas Kirkwood, the proceeds of each purchase will be donated to the charity of the designer’s choice. So far, designers have pledged to donate to Save the Children, Women for Women International and The Royal Marsden.
8. Soma
You won’t actually be able to buy anything from Soma, the very chic
9. Building Block
In the wake of the election results, accessories brand Building Block is fighting to protect everyone’s constitutional rights. Through the end of November, they are donating 40 percent of all online purchases (including sleek bucket bags and cylindrical cross bodies) to The Center for Constitutional Rights. The non-profit focuses on advancing and protecting the rights of all citizens, including LGBTQI persecution, human rights abuses, sexual and gender-based violence and racial injustice.
