For the Nature Lovers on your Nice List: 6 Gifts that Give Back

Thursday, December 14, 2017 2:12 PM by Taylor Studios in General


Don’t you just love a gift that keeps on giving? This holiday season, we’ve scoured the interwebs to bring you great gift ideas for naturalists of all ages—with a bonus recipient: nature itself. When you give these presents to your loved ones, you’re also supporting organizations that are dedicated to protecting our natural resources. Shop your heart out help sustain nonprofits like the National Park Service, the Humane Society, the Audubon Society, and the World Wildlife Federation.

Keep in mind, many of these organizations also offer memberships—some with benefits—that can be gifted. It’s a perfect one-size-fits-all option, and eco-friendly in more ways than one (after all, it’ll save you on shipping and wrapping paper!)

End-of-year donations (in your own name or someone else’s) is another great way to support the causes close to your heart this season. If you were already considering a visit to one of these websites to make charitable contribution, perhaps you can cross a few items off your shopping list while you’re at it!

Tub-of-Cubs, available for $75 donation to World Wildlife Federation Tub-of-Cubs

Supports: World Wildlife Federation

https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Buckets/Tub-of-Cubs.aspx

This tub stuffed with plush cubs may be the cutest children’s present ever, but it’s also a “symbolic adoption” kit, complete with photos, species information, and a certificate of adoption. And you aren’t limited to just cubs (although I don’t know who could resist them. Build your own bucket by selecting from 40+ species, from “mainstream” wildlife such as a lion, a tiger, and—oh yes—a grizzly bear, to exotic and unexpected species, including a two-toed sloth, an okapi, and a fennec fox. Throw in an arctic hare (or any fourth animal) for an additional $25 donation. Also available are single animal adoption kits (sans bucket) for $55.

Park Ranger Minifigure Beckie Series II, $14.95 from eParks Lego Park Rangers

Supports: America’s National Parks

https://www.eparks.com/product/139586/Park-Ranger-Minifigure-Beckie-Series-II/

Improve the stewardship and resource management of your Lego landscapes with these Lego park rangers! Made with genuine Lego-compatible parts, these tiny toy figurines are fully outfitted in their official NPS uniforms of ranger hats, gray shirts, and forest green pants. Choose from six characters, including male and female. Or, collect them all. What a neat way to inspire your (young or old) loved one’s Lego-play to take on a naturalist theme.

Black Ceramic Mug Set, available for $55 donation to World Wildlife Federation Black-and-White Stripes Mug Set

Supports: World Wildlife Federation

https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Gifts-and-Accessories/Black-Ceramic-Mug-Set.aspx

This elegant mug set beautifully contrasts materials, pairing a black ceramic exterior and white ceramic interior with warm, earthy coasters crafted from Forest Stewardship Council wood and branded with the WWF logo. The sleek black-and-white color scheme and interesting convex shape of the mugs provides a tasteful touch of modern flair that fits well with almost any décor. Since the purchase of these mugs helps protect the beautiful animals they depict, your naturalist’s spirits will be warmed with every sip.

Set of 4 Suncatchers, available for $100 donation to Audubon Society Stained glass bird suncatchers

Supports: The Audubon Society

https://store.audubon.org/bird-lover-gifts/suncatchers-set-4

Long after their feathered friends have flown south, avid birders can still enjoy birds at the window all winter long with these charming suncatchers. A $75 donation to the Audubon Society gets you a three-piece set including a Painted Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, and Atlantic Puffin; a $ 100 donation gets you a four-piece set including a Varied Thrush, Atlantic Puffin, Eastern Towee, and Baltimore Oriole. With either purchase, you’ll be supporting the conservation of these and many other actual birds in their natural habitats.

“Find Your Park” journal, $30 at FindYourPark.com “Find Your Park” leather journal Supports: National Park Service

https://store.findyourpark.com/collections/all/products/find-your-park-leather-journal

Made from top-grain cowhide, this handsome leather journal is embossed with the NPS’s famous “find your park” mantra on the front and the National Park Foundation logo on the back. The leather strap closure keeps in bound while in tow, and provides a nice flourish of ornamentation. Perfect for a naturalist’s field notebook, wildlife sightings log, or simply a special repository for the miscellany of thoughts/epiphanies that tend to arise while exploring the wilderness. Proceeds support programs and services in America’s national parks.

Sterling and Blue Topaz Drop Paw Earrings, $54.95 at TheAnimalRescueSite.com Silver and Topaz Earrings

Supports: Animal Shelters such as the Humane Society

https://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/store/ars/item/69970/hsus-sterling-and-blue-topaz-drop-paw-earrings?selected_image=148898

These wintry blue and silver drop earrings are classic and pretty, with a stylishly subtle twist: tiny engraved paw prints on the sides of the charms make them reminiscent of a beloved pet’s water dish when viewed up close. Even more warm and fuzzy, purchasing these handmade and fairly traded earrings funds 214 bowls of food for shelter animals throughout the country.

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