Beyond shopping

To save the planet, help the future of children: 10 ideas for spending well

Toys, notebooks, hammocks, but also jewellery, accessories and skin care products: nice items to buy and good for supporting social projects.

by Marta Pellegrinotti Mari

16 April 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Raven+Lily is the brand of essential jewellery and accessories made by women artisans from marginalised communities around the world: each piece tells of an ethical supply chain made of sustainable materials (below, Moontower Cuff bracelet, $85). The brand invests in women's independence by offering fair labour and decent wages: for every purchase, 1 per cent is donated to charities committed to supporting women (ravenandlily.com).

Eno is the brand of ultralight hammocks and other suspension systems for those who love the outdoors. Its hallmarks are vibrant colours, technical materials and functional design. For every purchase of the Giving Back collection (below, In Good Company, $84.95), $10 is donated to foundations that are committed to protecting ecosystems and conserving nature (eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com).

Founded by Aurora James, Brother Vellies celebrates African traditions with footwear and accessories designed with a local flavour, including woven leather and intense colours. Each piece is handmade by African artisans with a mission to preserve traditional knowledge and create sustainable economic opportunities (below, Erongo Vellies, €305.95). For every pair sold, the brand donates 1 per cent to a non-profit human rights partner, selected by the customer at the time of purchase (brothervellies.com).

Clean lines and garments declaredly against fast fashion. The Elk brand (below, Linen Light Dress Bordeaux, € 181.95) offers collections that focus on sustainability and comfort. Besides the focus on materials and production processes, the Australian brand is a member of the organisation 1% for the Planet (elkthelabel.com).

Bags, beauty cases, holders: Aloha collection is the Hawaiian brand founded by two women known for waterproof products ideal for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts (below, small pouch Seaside, $36). Each year it donates 5 per cent to environmental organisations committed to protecting the oceans and preserving beaches (aloha-collection.com).

Thistle Farms is a social enterprise that makes skin care products with a mission to help women who have survived prostitution, trafficking and addiction (below, Essential Oil Roll-On set, $45). 100 per cent of the proceeds go to provide them with a safe place to live, a decent job and a close-knit community (thistlefarms.org).

Founded in 2015 by Jessica and Derek Woodgate, cuddle+kind is the brand specialising in handcrafted and sustainable dolls (below, Baby duckling, €45). Each piece is handmade by artisans in Peru, using organic cotton and materials free of harmful chemicals and promoting ethical and sustainable business practices. For every doll sold, the company donates the equivalent of 10 meals to children in need through charitable partners such as Feeding America and Children's Hunger Fund. Millions of meals donated to date (cuddleandkind.com).

A British brand dedicated to sustainable stationery products - pens, notebooks and writing supplies - Vent for Change was founded with the aim of reducing environmental impact, and in fact uses recycled and sustainable materials for its products (below, Orchard Organic Apple Waste A5 notebook, $15). It donates 5 per cent of profits to educational projects that support access to education for children and young people in difficult situations around the world (ventforchange.co.uk).

Faherty is the project of twin brothers Mike and Alex Faherty, passionate surfers. Fine fabrics, natural dyes and distinctive prints: each product in the line looks to American heritage style without neglecting sustainability. In addition to being a B Corp, the brand partners with 1% for the Planet and donates 1% each year to green causes (right, shirt jumper, $178, fahertybrand.com).

Lstn, an innovative brand in the audio industry, was founded in 2012 by Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff with the idea of helping those with hearing problems. Thus, through a partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, for every headphone, earphone or speaker sold, a hearing aid is donated to improve access to hearing in developing countries (below, wireless earphones The Palladium, $129.99, lstnsound.com ).