UncommonGoods “Better to Give” Program: You Shop, We Give

UncommonGoods is an online specialty marketplace that endeavors to feature unique designs and handcrafted products created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1999, UncommonGoods strives to provide gifts that are unique and made by local and international artisans. Imagine strolling through a local market in Guatemala or France and that is what it feels like to browse online at UncommonGoods. What is even better is the fact that the products are offered at affordable prices and also give back.

Story of the Earth set of 7 bracelets handmade in Guatemala.

I heard about UncommonGoods from a good friend of mine, fellow blogger Elizabeth Ataley of Documama who told me that I must check out their website as it is fantastic. Ironically, UncommonGoods contacted me while I was with Elizabeth in New York City, and asked if I would help spread the word about their social good program called “Better to Give“. Of course I agreed!

Here are the nuts and bolts of the program:

BETTER TO GIVE: YOU SHOP, WE GIVE.

As an independently owned business, we have the freedom to support causes we believe in and to impact the world in a positive way. Giving back is important to us and we want to share that passion with you, our customers. Through our Better to Give program, we’ve been able to build a better business by connecting our customers with charities around the globe. With every purchase you make, we’re proud to donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice.

Since we started the Better to Give program 12 years ago, we’ve donated over $700,000. Thanks for helping us pay it forward and do our part to improve the planet and support the people who live on it. Let’s keep up the good work!

http://www.uncommongoods.com

I love to give gifts and finding a retailer that gives back when you make a purchase is a genius idea. Not only are you giving a gift to someone, you are also giving back to someone in need. It is a brilliant concept and it makes giving really easy for the consumer.

Here are a few of their most popular products:

Here are the links to the above products in case you want to view them. The “Frog Garden Sculpture“, the “Grow Old with you Terrarium” and the “Ballpark Blueprints“. These are just a few of hundreds of beautiful products you can find on Uncommon Goods. I personally love the handcrafted jewelry.

Here are the charities that benefit from Uncommon Goods Better to Give Program:

Women for Women International provides women survivors of war with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.

Women for Women International

American Forests protects and restores forests worldwide, helping to preserve the health of our planet for the benefit of its inhabitants.

City Harvest strives to end hunger in communities throughout New York City through food rescue, distribution, and education.

RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

This past month, UncommonGoods completed a special push for their Better to Give Campaign and successfully reached their goal of increasing average monthly donations by 10% and raised an additional $1,000 for their partner charities.

Check out their website here to learn more about their beautiful offerings and wonderful programs to give back to the community in which they serve. 

21 thoughts on “UncommonGoods “Better to Give” Program: You Shop, We Give

  1. Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
    Sas on said:

    Thanks Nicole, I’m always looking for ethical places to shop 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it looks like a wonderful place and I’m excited to try some of their products out.

  2. This looks like a wonderful site. And those bracelets are so cool! Thanks for letting me know about this.

    Hugs from Ecuador,
    Kathy

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Glad you enjoyed! I am sure you can find lots of good gifts that help out in Ecuador!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Angeline! I’m going to review a few products for them and post it here in a few weeks. Stay tuned!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you do! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      🙂 I can’t wait to do my holiday shopping there!

  3. Thanks for sharing this site Nicole. I will definitely be doing some shopping there. 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! It is really a great little company!

  4. Jo Bryant – New Zealand – I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.
    Jo Bryant on said:

    what a great idea Nicole

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I love this little marketplace!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! 🙂

  5. painspeaks – Global Connector – Liz Hall aka Painspeaks is the Founder of Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community of Resources with 10 support groups, 4 Blogs, and availability all over the internet. Lots of Safe Havens for everyone to painspeak, rant, vent, share triumphs, share advice, and more with those who live with pain and illness. Everyone welcome, no judgement, no criticism, and lots of voluntary sharing of unconditional love and acceptance from people all over the world! Our #1 Goal - You never have to be alone with pain!
    painspeaks on said:
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! Isn’t that cool? Right in the same hood.

  6. anotherjennifer – Brunswick, Maine – Jennifer Iacovelli is an author, blogger and nonprofit unicorn. Based in Brunswick, Maine, she’s a proud single mom of two boys and two Siberian huskies. Her books include The Mother Of All Meltdowns and Simple Giving: Easy Ways to Give Every Day. Her work has been featured on HuffPost Divorce, Maria Shriver, GOOD, BlogHer, ONE, USAID Impact, Feed the Future, PSI Impact blog and more. Her passions are writing, philanthropy, her awesome kids, bacon and lifting heavy objects, though not necessarily in that order.
    anotherjennifer on said:

    Love UncommonGoods! I also blogged about them. I think it’s great how they give back while also supporting artisans around the world. A great place to shop for the holidays!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I saw your name on the list! 🙂 They contacted me during social good summit and finally got around to checking them out. So cool!

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