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In each issue of Caring, we discuss products and companies that do good. Consider these 12 brands that give back while you’re shopping for Christmas gifts this year. 
OneGrid Candle
With a mission of “One World. One Light. One Grid.,” each OneGrid candle purchased delivers a solar light to a person living without electricity in a rural part of the world. The soothing flame in your house means a family can eliminate kerosene lamps in theirs, reducing the risk of lung damage and fire. onegridcandle.com
Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising believes that for all things, there is endless possibility. And for everyone, there is a story to tell. It strives to help inspired storytellers move stories off their devices and into their lives, archived for future generations. From prints, to photo books, wall art and more, Artifact Uprising is committed to creating “innovative products that reflect and respect the wild places that inspire so much within us.” It also provides jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in partnership with Seattle based non-profit SKCAC. artifactuprising.com
Krochet Kids
The Quinn is a new infinity scarf ($48) from Krochet Kids International, which involves over 150 people in Uganda and Peru in work, education and mentorship, creating a sustainable cycle of employment and empowerment with crochet. Each piece is hand-signed by the individual who made it, giving you a window into what the impact looks like for one person. krochetkids.org
Baggu
Founded by a Parsons fashion grad and her master seamstress mom, Baggu is an environmentally conscious bag design company. Its simple, high quality bags in bright colors include the Standard Baggu ($9), with ripstop nylon that can hold three plastic grocery bags worth of stuff or fold into a five-inch flat pouch. baggu.com
STATE Bags
With every purchase—including the Bedford ($85)—STATE Bags delivers a backpack filled with “essential tools for success” to an American child who is at-risk. Child development specialists who used to be in the same situation as the children they now help deliver the bags. statebags.com
Fotostrap
This genuine leather and canvas fabric vintage-inspired camera strap ($85) is made in the United States with an ergonomic shoulder pad and brass hardware to hold up to 40 pounds. With every purchase, Fotostrap donates 10 percent to Fotolanthropy, a nonprofit that gives portrait sessions and short films to inspiring people who are overcoming adversity. fotostrap.com
That’s Caring
For a child in a food-insecure household, the only meal he or she receives is often provided by his or her school. When you purchase a That’s Caring gift—like this Chocolate Indulgence Gift Box ($37.99)—the company works with food banks across the country to support weekend food bag programs. thatscaring.com
KeepCup
With a mission to encourage the use of reusable cups, a brother and sister cafe-owning team envisioned a sustainable cup that would work for specialty coffee as an alternative to disposable cups or heavy and breakable ceramic mugs. The result is KeepCup, the world’s first barista standard reusable cup that is BPA free and completely recyclable at the end of its use. Colors range from Cucumber to the chance to design your own mug. keepcup.com
SquareHue
This nail polish subscription service is on a mission. Every month, subscribers are surprised with two new polish colors ($16)—all cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and made in the U.S. Started by four friends wanting to do good, the company was intentionally created to fund organizations that are changing the world. Currently, a portion of all proceeds goes to raise awareness of human trafficking, rescue victims and put those responsible behind bars. squarehue.com
Lo & Sons
A mother and sons venture, Lo & Sons bags—like The Catalina ($120)—are built to travel light without compromising functionality and style. Every feature was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers. Translation: less fumbling, more globetrotting. loandsons.com
KEATS
Its work is a “love letter to the healing power of plants” for KEATS. Produced by hand in small batches, KEATS products—like this soap trio ($35)—are all natural, unrefined and organic. It aims to “invigorate your morning routine, enhance your nightly ritual, and remind you of your beautiful place in the world.” keatshandcrafted.com
Bears for Humanity
Bears for Humanity makes plush toys (starting $19.99) using only 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified Organic materials and Global Fair Trade practices, while employing at-risk mothers in the United States. For every bear sold, Bears for Humanity donates a bear to a child in need through its network of giving partners. bearsforhumanity.com
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