Curated by: Heather Hauswirth with assists from Michaela Guzy + The OTPYM Traveling Team

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and family get togethers, which means it’s time to start thinking about ways you are going to spoil the ones you love. But this year, why not show your love and appreciation for the special people in your life in an extra special way? Consider a gift that also gives back to the planet, to wildlife, to your fellow human and even to yourself. The following is a curated selection of our favorite gifts influenced by our travels around the world, from some of the inspiring people we’ve met along the way. Read more below to see how you can give a gift that’s not only super awesome, but also has a much deeper meaning.

OTPYM will be giving away many of our Editor’s Picks featured below during our LIVE event December 11, 2019 from 6:30-9pm at Embark Beyond Travel (133 West 19th, 5th Floor, NY, NY). Must be present to win. Space is limited, so reserve your spot here!

Read closely as many of our featured items have also offered our readers a special discount. And fret not if you aren’t in NYC, we will be posting ways to win a trip on Instagram too.  Tune into: @OTPYM, @H2TheHaus & @MichaelaGuzy to find out how to randomly win a trip for two people on December 12th – 16th, winner will be announced on our Instagram on December 17th.

Shop with purpose, happy holidays + bon voyage!

Photo courtesy: Me to We

1. Me To We and #GiftGood

I’m in love with the cacao. Arguably, all chocolate saves lives, but when it’s dark vegan fair-trade handcrafted and EVERY purchase goes towards providing children with access to an education, in addition to supporting local cacao farmers in Ecuador, it’s a no brainer! It’s also the perfect stocking stuffer for family and friends. But if you’re diabetic or somehow sadly allergic to chocolate, fear not, Me To We has something for everyone. I’m a big fan of the chic and versatile navy blue laptop bag that you can carry around with increased swag knowing that for every product sold, United by Blue removes a pound of trash from our oceans. And if you have a little one, why not grab a DIY bead kit inspired by beading traditions in Kenya with profits going towards providing an education to kids in developing communities?  The ME to WE Adult Collection is hand-made by more than 1,800 female makers in Kenya.  Me To We reminds us that there are many extraordinary gifts that make an impact.

Photo courtesy: Norwegian Air

2. Norwegian Airlines 

While we acknowledge travel isn’t always the most sustainable thing to do, at OTPYM we aim to cover companies and organizations that are going the extra mile to be more sustainable AND we arm our readers, viewers, followers and fans with information to make more responsible decisions. Take our “Sustainable Travel IQ Quiz” and test your knowledge.

We are super pumped to include an airline for the first time ever on our “Gifts That Give Back Guide!” We appreciate  Norwegian Air’s commitment to our planet by serving as a role model for the rest of the airline industry. Norwegian is one of the most-awarded low-cost airlines in the world and in the U.S. it operates close to 50 nonstop routes to Europe – offering more direct service from the U.S. than any other European airline.

The airline has been named the Most Fuel-Efficient Airline on Transatlantic Routes by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) twice! What’s more is that for over a decade, Norwegian’s partnership with UNICEF has generated over $3 million from in-flight donations and the airline has helped over 100,000 children around the world with emergency aid to date. Hell yeah!

OTPYM is very excited to giveaway a pair of Premium Class tickets on Norwegian Air to those attending our event in NYC on December 11th with a specially planned itinerary from the luxury boutique agency, Embark Beyond Travel. RSVP, space is limited and you must be present to win. But don’t fret if you aren’t in NYC, tune into @OTPYM, @MichaelaGuzy + @H2TheHaus on Instagram December 12th – 16th to enter to randomly win your chance to win a pair of economy class tickets on Norwegian Air to Europe! Winner will be announced the 17th.

Bon voyage!

Photo courtesy: Maison Atia

3. Maison Atia

Baby it’s cold outside! So bundle up in our top pick for glamorous coats for both women and men from Maison Atia this winter. In addition to being stylish, sustainable, warm and fabulous – every coat sold provides a homeless puppy or kitten transportation to a no kill shelter. Maison Atia is proud to be partnered with PAWS CHICAGO; a leading no-kill shelter in North America fighting the daily fight to end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education.

We are super excited that Maison Atia will be giving away one of their luxury faux fur creations during OPTYM’s “Gifts That Give Back” event on December 11th, RSVP, space is limited. Must be present to win, but encourage you to bundle up and save some puppies and kittens this holiday season.

Photo courtesy: 100 Cameras

4. 100 Cameras 

100 Cameras is an incredible non-profit organization headquartered in NYC that works with kids around the world who have had traumatic life experiences. The organization teaches kids how to process and tell their emotional stories through photography, significantly impacting how they view themselves and their role in their respective community. How can you get involved and see through the eyes of these remarkable children at the same time? The organization sells these photographs and puts 100% of the proceeds towards funding the most pressing needs in their respective communities around the globe. 

Photo courtesy: John’s Crazy Socks

5. John’s crazy socks

John’s Crazy Socks was founded by a father and his son (John) who has Down Syndrome. The company’s mission is spreading happiness through socks. The social enterprise has a business model we can all get behind – the company hires people with differing abilities and donates 5 percent of its earnings to the Special Olympics. ‘Tis the season to ignite the festive spirit in your feet with holiday specials like the sherpa red pink reindeer socks – a personal favorite. Get cozy knowing you’ll join the likes of fan favorites Justin Trudeau and Bob Dylan-both rumored to have a few pairs. To get your own, visit: John’s Crazy Socks website and 60 lucky people coming to OTPYM’s holiday party on December 11th will also receive a pair to cozy into this holiday season!

Photo courtesy: Outland Denim

6. Outland Denim 

This premium sustainable denim brand is fighting poverty through helping women who have been exploited. In addition to being a cause we can all get behind, the trendy line recently caught the eye of the Duchess of Sussex and has since experienced what’s been called, ‘The Meghan Markle effect’ meaning these jeans are in demand! Outland denim sources its materials from all over the world, and is focused on training women who have previously experienced exploitation. It also offers sustainable employment and training opportunities for employees. As for the denim itself, the wash and finishing facility uses state-of-the-art techniques aimed towards reducing its environmental impact. So whether you’re after doing something good for the environment, style fit for a queen, or practical pants that are chic enough to wear to your company holiday party or to work, there’s something for everyone.

Photo courtesy: Love Your Melon

7. Love Your Melon

Buy beanies and fight cancer. 50 percent of all net profits of Love Your Lemon’s incredible line of hats, and winter accessories goes towards supporting pediatric cancer. In addition to knowing you are getting someone you love a super cute beanie to keep them warm and cozy, you can also write an encouraging note inside a specialty Superhero Card to a child who is battling cancer and make that child’s day. Nothing beats this.

Photo courtesy: Simple Vodka

8. Simple Vodka

Back to the basics. Simple Vodka is a farm to bottle gluten-free potato vodka that is made on a fully sustainable farm in Idaho and for every drink you pour, a meal is donated to the fight against hunger in America. Thanks to Simple, a New York based startup making its Vodka socially conscious and good for your gut! Bonus points that it is packaged in beautiful glass bottles that can be ordered online just in time for all the fun festivities. OTPYM are excited to be pouring Simple Vodka during our annual Gifts That Give Back Holiday Party on December 11th in NYC from 6:30-9pm. Click to RSVP, space is limited.

Photo courtesy: WAVE

9. WAVE

Wave is an immersive at-home meditation experience and its aim is to make meditation more fun, modern and accessible. Although I pride myself on being a devoted yogi, that doesn’t mean I meditate nearly as often as I should. Who has the time or the patience? Wave has changed the game when it comes to meditation, and my cortisol and stress levels have thanked me for using it. So give back to yourself and relax your mind for a change with good vibrations, the holidays are hectic.

Photo courtesy: Crosby Tailor

10. Instagram spotlight: Crosby Tailor 

Give back to your taste buds. Instagram’s hottest sugar-free dessert chef is constantly serving up guilt-free Keto treats that make you feel good about yourself and your gut! The holidays are a time for indulgence in food, family, and friends.  Indulge, but nourish your body with good for you treats that look as good as they taste. Crosby Tailor is my favorite wellness dessert hacker on instagram by far. The Los Angeles native is constantly cranking out inspiring content that encourages you to feed your body tasty treats, but without all the added sugar. At the end of the day, Crosby reminds us that it’s important not to deprive yourself. Here’s a recipe for delicious Keto Cinnamon roll cupcakes with probiotic cream cheese frosting. You’re welcome.

Photo courtesy: Softwear

11. Softwear

Give yourself something soft, cozy and stylish. Softwear is a woman-owned company, and it’s stylish sweats and tees are buttery soft, made with sustainable non-toxic fabrics and manufactured entirely in Brooklyn with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint as much as possible. After watching her mother battle and survive 6 brain aneurisms, Sabrina Zohar’s inspiration for Softwear was born. Zohar adopted the mindset her mother had throughout her treatment: never accepting anything less than what you believe you deserve. The brand believes we deserve more for our clothes and should demand high quality, local and sustainable products. The athleisure line has also partnered with One Tree Planted and I personally love the tan and forest green sweat suits and tanks. But let’s be honest, the entire line has become a staple in my winter wardrobe because it is not just luxurious and stylish, it also makes me feel good to support a female entrepreneur concerned about the planet while keeping all of us cute and cozy. Use code OTPYM20 for a special 20% discount this holiday season!  One lucky guy and one girl coming to OTPYM’s holiday party on December 11th will receive a black hoodie to cozy into this holiday season!

Photo courtesy: Pura Vida

12. Pura vida bracelets

If only I could bathe in a vat of turquoise jewelry- then and only then, all would be right in the world. I’ve always been drawn to turquoise. It’s effectively my spirit color, and it makes me very happy. I also have a deep love for Costa Rica where I once spent a summer building schools through a mini peace corp program I participated in in High School.  Imagine my excitement when I first stumbled upon Pura Vida bracelets. Finally a line that encapsulates the intrinsic beauty of Costa Rica that’s littered with turquoise pieces. Beyond that, I love the founders’ story – two young entrepreneurs based in California on a mission to support local artisans who cannot solely survive on local artisan wages. The brand’s unique handcrafted bracelets and jewelry now include pieces from over 800 local artists in Costa Rica, but have expanded to El Salvador and India as well. What’s more, Pura Vida has donated $2M to 175 charities around the world through its Charity Collection over the last few years. So get yourself something that makes you or someone you love, feel and look good, and take comfort in knowing that you are also supporting a community of artists throughout the world.  

Photo courtesy: Madam Wokie

13. Madame Wokie 

OTPYM founder, Michaela Guzy, met, interviewed, was styled and totally inspired by the touching story behind designer Maryann Kaikai’s fashion brand, @MadameWokie , based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Maryann sources fabrics from the region, designs and produces locally, thereby supporting many women with sustainable employment in this emerging destination. The award winning Sierra Leonian designer is putting Western African fashion on the map of global audiences including dressing royalty. OTPYM is excited to giveaway one custom purse from her “Queen Collection” during our “Gifts That Give Back” event this December. Check out her site to grab yours now and feel good about supporting a woman own business and emerging African design.

Photo courtesy: Mulberry Mongoose

14. Mulberry Mongoose

Handcrafted by a group of courageous Zambian women committed to supporting local conservation, a beautiful unisex snare bracelet made of snare wires collected by anti-poaching patrols features Zambian coins to create jewelry that is not only beautiful, but socially conscious. For every piece of jewelry purchased Mulberry Mongoose makes a donation to anti-poaching patrols removing snare wire traps and saving the area’s wildlife. One unisex snare bracelet will be given to a lucky winner at the “ Gifts That Give Back” event On December 11th, click to RSVP – space is limited, and from now until the end of December, enjoy 20% off any online purchase using the code Gifts That Give Back.

15. Stojo

A traveler’s dream and a sustainability must-have, Stojo is the perfect collapsible, reusable cup for anyone on-the-go. The New York based company is on a mission to end disposable culture, and is targeting one single use plastic at a time. The Stojo cups come in 8, 12, 16 and 24 ounce sizes and are in a variety of colors. Also, it has an attached straw! As a proud member of 1% For the Planet, stojo donates a portion of its profit to Lonely Whale, an organization that drives impact on behalf of the ocean. Stojo is a no-brainer holiday gift for the environmentally conscious and savvy traveler. 

Photo courtesy: ABC Food Tours

16. ABC Food Tours

ABC Food Tours is New York City based organization dedicated to bringing about joyful experiences for homeless youth through food and fitness at local establishments. I first learned of the organization’s existence through Bachelor nation heart throb, Tyler Cameron, who posted about his involvement with it on social media. Shout out to Tyler for going the extra mile with his new found celebrity. If you’re looking for a way to give a gift with meaning and not take home more stuff, consider a small donation of $50 dollars. That’s all it takes to sponsor a kids tour, helping the organization build out its programming.

Photo courtesy: Smith and Sinclair

17. Alcoholic cocktail candy

Finally candy that gives you more than just a sugar high.  The London based confectionary brand, Smith and Sinclair, is on a mission to make adulting more fun through its assortment of dinner party cocktail gummies. Each gummy has a spirit base (Vodka, Rum, Gin, Prosecco or Whisky) and is blended with fresh fruit, herbs, syrups and then coated with garnish infused sugars to taste just like your favorite cocktail! These delicious gummies also hold a subtle kick at 5% ABV (the equivalent of ½ shot of alcohol). Bonus points that they are gluten-free, and vegan! Fun fact: the company’s specialty line of Trump Sucks Alcoholic Lollipops went towards the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and a portion of proceeds additionally supported a UK based charity, Calm.

18.Genusee

Genusee sunglasses are made in Flint, Michigan from 15 single use plastic water bottles. They’re Celine-chic meets sustainable dreams. Their signature frame, the Roeper, was democratically designed to fit the median range of face shapes and sizes (aka they look good on everyone). They’re giving OTPYM subscribers a special discount: $20 OFF with code – OTPYM20. 

If you will be in NYC on December 11th from 6:30-9pm, please join us at Embark Beyond Travel for your chance to win some of these “Gifts That Give Back” + taste that delicious vodka! Space is limited in NYC, so reserve your spot HERE. Must be present to win. Otherwise tune into Instagram: @OTPYM, @H2TheHaus & @MichaelaGuzy December 12th – 16th to enter to win your chance a dream trip!

Happy holidays,

Heather, Michaela + The OTPYM Traveling Team