Lifestyle Mirror

Between all of the parties, decorations, and gingerbread lattes, it’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of gift giving during the holiday shopping season. But can your charitable gift still be a fashionable one? The answer is yes. And Marie Claire sustainable fashion editor Amanda Hearst certainly knows about the intersection of both fashion and charity. See what she had to say to about gifts that give back and click through to see her new collaboration with Soludos as well as six other charitable gifts the Lifestyle Mirror team suggests. —Megan Hayes (@_mshayes)

How did you get involved with this Soludos/Friends of Finn project?

I founded Friends of Finn three years ago when I found out that my dog, Finn, was from a horrible puppy mill that at one point had 900 dogs. The pet store had lied to me and so I decided to raise money and awareness to end the cruel treatment that animals endure in puppy mills. I approached Soludos with the collaboration idea because I love the shoes and thought we could make something really special.

Why are gifts that give back so important?

A gift should always have a meaning behind it or else what's the point? That's why I figured Christmastime was perfect to debut the shoes because they’re great gifts with a great story and significance behind them. You give them to someone but you are also helping out thousands of suffering animals as well.

Do you think charitable gifts have gained in popularity in the last several years?

Most definitely. Some of us live in so much excess that it's important to give to those in need. 

Are there any charities that have impressed you with what they are doing? (i.e. unique partnerships)

I think Lauren Bush has done astounding things for the World Food Programme with her Feed bags. I love the philanthropic business model she has set up. Toms Shoes is another great example.

Is there a certain dollar amount people need to spend?

No, gifting is never about the money.