7 gift ideas from companies that give back
Cut the Cord
These Bluetooth earbuds solve the problem many weightlifters face: the danger of the cord getting in the way of a clean-and-jerk. The Orcas are sweat-proof and water-resistant, and offer Hi-Fi wireless audio with Comply foam ear tips and an optional soft rubber ear fin.
Outdoor Tech donates $1 from every pair of Orcas to The Whaleman Foundation. This non-profit research, education, and wildlife film production is dedicated to preserving and protecting the earth's oceans. They produce PSAs that educate matters concerning marine mammals. They also participate in field research projects, such as an ongoing study of humpback whales in Hawai'i and Alaska.
Outdoor Tech Orcas; $100; outdoortech.com
Color my World
One of the best ways to stand out from the rest of the somber-dressed populace this winter is by adding a splash of color in the most unexpected of places. Make no mistake, although these socks are indeed whimsical, they mean serious business for the active guy. The Dynamix fabrication allows air to flow freely, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
The Balega company has a long history of giving back on a global scale. In South Africa, where the company draws its inspiration, the Lesedi Project has been assisting the students of Ethembeni School for the physically disabled and visually impaired children since 2003. The Veterans In Need Foundation assists the men and women who have put their lives on the line for the safety of U.S. citizens. Finally, Balega donates to the Breast Cancer Fund.
Balega Ultra Light No-Show Socks; $12; balega.com
Wear Whenever
Bags for guys should be as classic and versatile as everything in their wardrobe. This 100 percent canvas messenger bag comes in a goes-anywhere shade of blue and brown. Take it with you to work or when running errands; either way, you'll get a lot of use and mileage out of it.
United by Blue has a very simple giving back policy: Each product sold removes a pound of trash that would otherwise end up in our waterways and oceans. Employees and volunteers organize—and participate in—regular clean-up drives across 23 U.S. states.
United by Blue Aidan Foldover Messenger Bag; $108; unitedbyblue.com
Sleek Support
Not only are these belts customizable (its buckles are interchangeable), there are also no holes that can get stretched out, ruining the belt's look. Instead, you adjust the belt's hold via a release lever that locks at every 1/4-inch increment.
A dollar from every belt goes to micro-lending initiatives of the company behind Mission Belt. With Kiva, a peer-to-peer micro-lending institution, as their partner, they invest on individuals with an idea and the desire to work who may not have access to traditional sources of capital. To date, Mission Belt has given 29,000 Kiva loans in over 65 nations, ranging anywhere from $25 to $500.
Mission Belt Belts; from $35; missionbelt.com
Superfeet Insoles
As long as you have a great pair of insoles, any shoe you wear becomes your favorite shoe. The Go line of comfort insoles use the finest materials for head-to-toe cushioning. Its memory foam has carbon fiber-reinforced support.
One percent of the company's sales go towards helping people get back on their feet. Recent charitable efforts include partnerships with the Fisher House Foundation (low-cost lodging to veterans and their families), Medical Teams International (a global health organization that provides care to people affected by disasters, conflicts, or poverty) and Hearts to Soles (gives shoes and free foot examinations for the impoverished living in the U.S.).
Superfeet Go Premium Comfort Full Length; $70; superfeet.com
Hang Ten
Even though it's winter, you still need to wear sunglasses with UV protection—such as Spy's Frazier, here—to shield your peepers from damage from the sun. (The sun doesn't go on hibernation, after all.) The frames are made from 100 percent biodegradable Plantate. The lens feature the company's trademark Happy Lens, which let in just the right amount of blue light—enough to elevate your mood.
Five dollars from each sale supports the Surfrider Foundation's "Rise Above Plastics" campaign. This program aims to raise awareness to the dangers of plastic pollution, and encourages the reduction of its use in one's day-to-day life.
Spy + Surfrider Frazier Sunglasses; $145; spyoptic.com
Dreaming of the Sea
Get a head start to the carefree days of summer—even if it still feels like an eternity away—with a pair of board shorts from Dunstan Surfwear. These design-your-own swimsuits come in a plethora of colors, styles, and fabrics. The only other thing you need to do is wait for the chance to wear them.
A contribution to Dustan's Clean Beach Initiative for Sri Lanka will be made for each pair of board shorts produced. The funds are used to hire local volunteers to clean the country's beaches daily. Not only do you help in maintaining Sri Lanka's 830 miles of stunning coastline, you also give back to the community by creating local jobs.
Dunstan Surfwear Board Shorts; from $85; dunstansurfwear.com