GIVE GIFTS THAT THE WORLD WILL APPRECIATE

Every conscientious consumer has their own idea of what they consider ethical. Here are a few typical categories and gift items that match the ethical claims. By Zoe McKnight

For the altruist

For the person who has everything, Plan Canada has multiple options to fund programs in developing countries. From “mama kits,” which include hygiene items and swaddling cloths, to school essentials to baby chickens, these gifts go a lot further than stocking stuffers. Prices vary from $15 for sports equipment to $1,000 for water and sanitation infrastructure. Available at plancanada.ca/hope.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation launched Gifts for the Cure this year. Gifts vary from laboratory equipment to personal phone calls but all of these 14 monetary gifts support women affected by breast cancer. Many are matched by corporate donations and many directly fund major research initiatives, like this study on whether compounds from pepper can be used in anticancer drugs. From $10 to $10,000. Available at cbcf.org.

When two New Brunswick university students bonded over their struggles with mental health, the clothing company Wear Your Label was born. With slogans like “Sad but rad” and “Self care isn’t selfish,” the shirts and accessories are designed to spark conversation and challenge stigmas. Ten per cent of the company’s profits are donated to mental health initiatives. Baseball hat, $36.40. Available at wearyourlabel.com.

For the recycling fanatic

There are endless options for reclaimed wood gifts, but buying in stores can be expensive. Head to Etsy.com or Brika.com and type in “reclaimed wood” for a selection of thousands of items, from candle holders to wine stoppers to wall art and utensils. Or buy something direct from the maker, such as a reclaimed maple spatula, $27. Available hookandstem.com.

Toronto jewelry designer Erin Tracy takes recycled gold and silver and industrial acrylic castoffs to create bracelets, earrings and rings. The ready-to-wear collection ranges from $50 to $1,150. Acrylic spun ring, $890. Available at erintracy.ca.

Pour your beer back into the bottle — one recycled into a tumbler, that is. Crafted in Tory Hill, Ont., these tumblers are embossed with Canadian animals, Canadianisms (“eh,” “loonie,”) or the original beer brand, many local. Beer glasses, $21 each. Available at artechstudios.ca.

For the proud Canadian

These limited edition hand-carved fishing reels will impress any monarchist/angler/art lover. Crafted by Kwaguilth First Nation artist Jason Henry Hunt, one of the reels was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their 2016 Royal Tour. Partial proceeds of each reel are donated to the Pacific Salmon Foundation, $799.

Available through Victoria, B.C.-based Peetz Outdoors, peetzoutdoors.com.

á World Wildlife Fund, Canada’s largest international conservation organization, lets you “adopt” the cute, cuddly version of a lion, blue shark, kermode bear or caribou — 20 in all. All net proceeds go toward the agency’s conservation efforts. All plush toys, $40. Available at wwf.ca. If you own a pair of mukluks or moccasins, chances are they were made by Manitobah, an indigenous-owned company based in Winnipeg. With the support of the non-profit Treadlight Foundation, Manitobah paired with indigenous master mukluk makers to sell their handcrafted mukluks known as Storyboots, as well as mitts, moccasins, beaded jewelry and more through the shoe company’s website. All proceeds go to the artist. From $90 to $1,200. Available at store.manitobah.ca/collections/storyboots. Every year, the Hudson’s Bay Company Foundation introduces a plush bear to commemorate its Canadian history and support a variety of causes. This season’s Charity Bear honours Dr. John Rae, a Scottish fur trader, explorer, surgeon and author who surveyed parts of the Canadian Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage in the 19th century. All proceeds go toward the HBC Foundation, $21.99. Available at thebay.com. Peace Collective’s “Toronto vs. Everyone” T-shirts became ubiquitous with the Blue Jays 2015 playoff run, and have been sported by both downtown hipsters and pro ball players. Slogans have recently branched out into more national messages: “Canadian Built” and “Canadian as F--k.” Buy a specialedition Peace Box containing several shirts and $10 is donated to Breakfast for Learning, which helps fund nutrition programs in schools, $100. Available at peace-collective.com.

For the organic

Men’s grooming products have received a luxury upgrade in recent years. Midnight & Two, based in Calgary, makes products both for men who shave and those who don’t — think aftershave as well as beard oil — that are natural, organic and 100-per-cent vegan. Brushless shaving cream, $31.95. Available at midnightandtwo.com.

Saje Natural Wellness is known for its essential oils, natural plant-powered ingredients and aromatherapies. A special edition diffuser, which also works as a humidifier, was designed in collaboration with Vancouver artist Dana Mooney and a portion of the proceeds are donated to VibeArts, which brings art education to underserved neighbourhoods in Toronto. AromaArt Ultrasonic Diffuser, $84.95. Available at saje.ca.

What says “sustainable and green” better than a shoot of bamboo? The fabrics from Toronto-based clothing company Miik are made from natural fibres such as rayon from bamboo, modal from beechwood and tencel from wood pulp in modern designs — think blazers, not burlap. This bomber jacket is part of Miiks’ debut collection for men, $370. Available at miikmen.ca.