As someone lucky enough to work with social enterprises around the world, I spend my days discovering and supporting inspiring organizations that are making a real difference. And, as the daughter of a professional shopper – and a true gift-giving enthusiast myself – I can’t think of a better way to approach holiday shopping than by choosing gifts that give back.
The following companies are Kiva borrowers, each bringing unique and impactful products to life, from handcrafted goods to sustainable foods and cozy home comforts. These are the kinds of gifts that remind us of the power of small choices. I hope this guide offers a new way to engage with the meaningful work these organizations do and brings a little extra joy to your holiday season. Here are some of my favorite items that I’m adding to my cart!
For the Food Explorer: Diaspora Co.'s spice trio
Perfect for: That person who loves spicing things up in the kitchen and all things spice!
Impact: Women-owned and founded, Diaspora Co. is reimagining the spice trade with a mission to create a fair and equitable system. They source single-origin spices directly from small farmers in India and Sri Lanka, ensuring every jar supports fair wages and sustainable farming practices. What I am adding to my cart: Their top trio—the essentials that every kitchen needs: Jodhana Cumin, Pragati Turmeric, and Aranya Black Pepper. These spices are beloved for their quality and bold flavors. My family loves making curry in the winter months, and starting with high-quality cumin, turmeric, and black pepper goes a long way.
For the Stylish Organizer: All Across Africa's handwoven baskets
Perfect for: The friend who loves unique, handmade decor or could use a touch of organization at home.
Impact: All Across Africa empowers artisans across East Africa by creating sustainable, fair-wage jobs, particularly for women. Through weaving beautiful, functional pieces, these artisans can lift their families out of poverty and invest in their communities. By providing access to global markets, All Across Africa helps artisans achieve financial independence and a better quality of life, all while preserving traditional craftsmanship. What I’m Adding to My Cart: Their handwoven baskets – perfect for adding color, style, and organization to any room. Each basket is a piece of art that brings both beauty and impact. They work equally well as wall art or for storing all the bits and pieces that accumulate around the house. You can never have too many baskets!
For the Family Chef: Burlap & Barrel's spice passport
Perfect for: That person who loves to elevate every dish with unique and vibrant flavors.
Impact: Burlap & Barrel is transforming the spice world by working directly with small farms globally, promoting sustainable practices and fair wages for farmers. Each spice jar tells the story of its origin, supporting communities while bringing rare flavors to your table.
What I’m Buying This Year: Their Spice Passport – a fun and flavorful stocking stuffer that lets you explore a world of spices, one unique blend at a time! You can also buy a six-pack, which is great for when you have a lot of cooks in your life.
For the Traveler: Someone Somewhere's essential bag
Perfect for: That person who’s always on an adventure and loves versatile, stylish essentials.
Impact: Someone Somewhere combines traditional Mexican craftsmanship with functional design, supporting rural artisans by providing fair wages and sustainable employment. Each product preserves cultural heritage and empowers artisans to improve their livelihoods.
What I’m Adding to My Cart: Their Essential Bag – a gender-neutral, multifunctional bag that can be worn in many ways, perfect for travel or everyday use. Each bag is signed by the artisan who made it. Their bags were even chosen for Delta’s first-class amenity kits, so you know they’re built with quality and style in mind.
For the Health Nut (or Sneaky Parent): Kuli Kuli's moringa gummies
Perfect for: The friend who’s all about wellness or anyone looking to sneak extra greens into their day.
Impact: Kuli Kuli is dedicated to creating a market for moringa, a highly nutritious superfood, while supporting small farmers – particularly women – across Africa. By providing fair wages and investing in sustainable agriculture, Kuli Kuli empowers these farmers to improve their livelihoods and support their communities. To date, Kuli Kuli has planted over 24 million moringa trees and helped support over 3,000 women-led farming families. What I’m Adding to My Cart: Their green apple moringa gummies – a fun and delicious way to get an extra dose of greens! These gummies are not only packed with nutrients but are a huge hit in my household (even my toddler loves them!). They’re perfect for adding a little green goodness to anyone’s day.
For the Cozy Tea Drinker: Kazi Yetu
Perfect for: The person who loves winding down with a warm, comforting cup of tea.
Impact: Based in Tanzania, Kazi Yetu creates high-quality, sustainably sourced teas that are Fair Trade, Organic, Climate Neutral, and certified as a B Corp. By partnering with local farmers, Kazi Yetu supports fair wages and sustainable agricultural practices, empowering communities while preserving the environment. Their teas are blended and packed locally, creating jobs and boosting the Tanzanian economy.
What I’m Adding to My Cart: Their Zanzibar Chai – a richly spiced black tea that transports you straight to the heart of Zanzibar. If I can’t go wander around the magical back alleys of Stone Town this Christmas, at least I can close my eyes and pretend! This chai is the perfect gift for tea lovers looking for a cozy escape in a cup.
For the Ultimate Relaxation Seeker: Yellow Leaf Hammocks
Perfect for: The person who could use a little more “me time” and a peaceful place to unwind.
Impact: Handwoven by artisans in Thailand, Yellow Leaf Hammocks are crafted to provide sustainable, fair-wage jobs that empower families to break the cycle of poverty. Each hammock purchase directly supports the weavers and their communities, creating economic stability and promoting ethical, eco-friendly craftsmanship. What I’m Adding to My Cart: Their Vista Hammock – yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but the idea of not needing a tree and being able to live the hammock lifestyle anywhere is just too good to pass up! This hammock is perfect for cozying up indoors or relaxing outside, making it the ultimate gift for anyone craving a mini escape.
For the Person Who Has Everything: Kiva Card
Perfect for: That person in your life who’s impossible to shop for – or already seems to have it all.
Impact: A Kiva Card gives the recipient an experience of making a difference in the world. With it, they can lend to small business owners, farmers, and entrepreneurs worldwide, helping others grow their businesses and improve their lives. It’s a gift that keeps giving as loans are repaid and can be re-lent, spreading impact again and again. What I’m Gifting This Year: A Kiva Card – it’s a way for them to do good from their favorite armchair. They get to choose a borrower that resonates with them, connecting with people and causes worldwide without ever leaving home.
You can find more Kiva gifts that give back here.
