10 Wildlife Charity Gifts that Give Back to Animals
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Twice a year, every year, we get asked a difficult question: “What do you want for Christmas/your birthday?”. And, honestly, we never really know how to answer. As travellers, we don’t carry much and have most of what we need already. One gift that is never underappreciated, however, is the gift of giving back – especially when it supports something we truly care about.
As avid wildlife spotters, there’s nothing more important to us than the conservation of wild animals and their habitats. We’ve compiled this list of global wildlife charities with online stores offering gifts that give back to animals to help you find a meaningful present for a special occasion or this holiday season. These items aren’t just cute, sustainable gifts, but also help protect the planet’s most endangered species and habitats, making them perfect for the eco-conscious person in your life.
Animal Charity Gifts That Give Back
Each charity in this list uses the proceeds from the sale of these products for initiatives that have a positive impact, including funding field research, supporting conservation programs and anti-poaching efforts, or working on habitat restoration. With a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing of materials, these charities offer eco-friendly, fair-trade, and cruelty-free products that make for the perfect gift. Many of these charities also work closely with local communities to foster sustainable practices, combat tourism leakage, and promote conservation.
1. World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection is an international charity dedicated to putting an end to animal cruelty and exploitation. The organisation works on global campaigns to improve animal welfare, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and providing disaster relief for animals in need. It focuses on ending the cruel treatment of animals in various industries, including tourism, entertainment, farming, and wildlife trafficking.
Products sold by World Animal Protection UK’s online store support efforts to protect animals worldwide. Conservation campaigns are funded through the sale of sustainable gifts, including clothing, tote bags, notebooks, reusable water bottles, and phone cases. World Animal Protection works to create a world where animals are free from suffering, and contributions made through purchases are vital to these efforts.
World Animal Protection UK Store
2. Whale and Dolphin Conservation
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is a leading charity dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It focuses on global efforts to stop the threats faced by these marine species, including overfishing, habitat destruction, hunting, and ocean pollution. The WDC works with governments, organisations, and local communities to ensure cetaceans are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s online shop sells ethical gifts, including jewellery, homeware, clothing, and accessories, that help fund the protection of marine species. The organisation works tirelessly to prevent the extinction of whales and dolphins, and the sale of sustainable products plays an important role in supporting these conservation initiatives.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation UK Shop
Whale and Dolphin Conservation US Shop
3. Animals Asia
Animals Asia is a charity committed to ending the cruel practice of bear bile farming in Asia. The charity provides lifelong care for bears rescued from these farms, as well as campaigning on broader issues of animal welfare across Asia, including the rescue of animals from the illegal wildlife trade.
At Animals Asia’s online store, a range of ethically sourced products, including calendars, clothing, toys, and jewellery, support the charity’s efforts to end animal cruelty. Animals Asia has rescued nearly 700 bears since their inception in 1998 and your purchase will help their efforts to end the bear bile trade in China and Vietnam, where over 10,000 bears are kept in inhumane conditions.
4. The Shark Trust
The Shark Trust is a UK-based charity focused on the conservation of sharks, rays, and skates in the UK. Its mission is to secure a future for these important but often misunderstood species and the charity works with scientists, governments, and other organisations to protect shark populations through research, education, and advocacy, as well as promoting sustainable fishing practices to prevent overfishing.
The Shark Trust’s online store offers unique gifts that raise awareness for shark conservation with funky patterns on a range of clothing, bags, and accessories. Funds raised from the sale of these items are used to support global efforts to protect shark species and their habitats, contributing to the safeguarding of these vital marine predators.
5. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Sea Shepherd is an international nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of marine wildlife globally. Known for its direct action campaigns, Sea Shepherd confronts harmful practices like illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and the slaughter of whales and dolphins through direct activism.
Sea Shepherd’s online store features sustainable products, from clothing and bags to reusable water bottles and notebooks. The proceeds of each purchase directly support Sea Shepherd’s work and ocean conservation campaigns.
6. Marine Conservation Society
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK’s leading charity for the conservation and protection of the marine environment. It focuses on tackling marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, protecting marine wildlife, and conserving fragile ecosystems like coral reefs. MCS works through advocacy, scientific research, and public engagement to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship of the oceans.
The Marine Conservation Society’s online store offers eco-friendly products, including clothing, accessories, and homeware, that promote the protection of marine life and their habitats.
Marine Conservation Society Shop
7. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), originally known as the World Wildlife Fund, is an international, non-governmental organisation that works to reduce the human impact on wildlife and the environment.
WWF’s online shop offers a variety of sustainable gifts, from calendars and diaries to clothing, accessories, and Christmas decorations. Each purchase helps support global conservation projects and funds efforts to protect endangered species, reduce carbon emissions, and preserve natural habitats.
8. BBC Earth
BBC Earth is a platform that showcases the wonders of the natural world through cinematic documentaries and educational content. While not technically a charity, BBC Earth is partnered with global conservation efforts to raise awareness of environmental and wildlife issues.
The BBC Earth online store offers products inspired by the beauty of nature, including clothing, tote bags, and notecards, with the proceeds of each purchase benefiting wildlife conservation initiatives and animal welfare efforts worldwide.
9. Sea Turtle Foundation
The Sea Turtle Foundation is an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of sea turtles and their habitats. Working internationally, it focuses on the conservation of sea turtle populations through research, nesting site protection, and public education. The organisation also works to reduce human impacts on turtles, such as poaching, bycatch, and habitat loss.
The Sea Turtle Foundation’s online store is under development and will feature sustainable gifts that raise awareness for sea turtle conservation.
10. Born Free Foundation
Born Free is an international wildlife charity dedicated to ending the exploitation of wild animals. Its mission includes providing lifetime care for animals that can no longer live in the wild, advocating for the protection of endangered species by campaigning against the use of wild animals in entertainment and supporting projects to safeguard habitats.
Born Free’s online store offers a selection of gifts, from adult and kids clothing to tote bags, notecards, and mugs, that help fund its mission to stop animal exploitation. Proceeds from the sale of each item help to ensure the survival of wildlife in their natural environments.
Animal Charity Experiences
In addition to online stores, many of these charities offer volunteer opportunities, support programs, and memberships that allow you to get more involved in conservation efforts and have ethical animal encounters. Purchasing a membership, sponsoring an animal, or booking a volunteering holiday are all great ways to support the vital work these charities do without needing to buy a physical item.
Many charities also have the option to simply donate money via a button or webpage which can be done in someone else’s name, which is a great way to support the charity’s work as a gift for someone else.
You can also support these charities by spreading awareness of important issues, following them on social media, participating in awareness campaigns, and signing relevant petitions.
Animal Charity Gift FAQs
We’ve answered these frequently asked questions to help you be sure that your gift is really giving back.
How can I be sure my purchase is contributing to the charity?
Most wildlife charities clearly indicate the impact of purchases on their website. Look for information in product descriptions, FAQ sections, and mission pages for an explanation of how funds raised from the online store support the charity’s conservation efforts. If in doubt, you can usually find transparency reports or annual financial summaries online showing how donations and store profits are allocated to specific projects.
How does the charity ensure funds are used effectively?
Reputable charities typically provide details on their website about how they manage funds and allocate resources. Look for transparency statements, annual reports, or donor stewardship pages that outline their financial practices and describe how donations and proceeds from their online store support specific conservation initiatives. Many also provide impact reports showing the tangible outcomes of their programs, such as the number of animals rescued, hectares of habitat restored, or research conducted.
Are the products ethically sourced?
Many charities make a point to highlight the ethical sourcing of their products, particularly if they focus on sustainable or fair-trade items. Check the product descriptions for any certifications or sourcing information, and read the About or Sustainability pages of the charity’s website. If it’s not immediately clear, look for specific details on the types of materials used (e.g., organic cotton, recycled materials) or partnerships with artisans and local communities.
Can I donate directly through the store, or is there a separate donation platform?
While many charities allow you to donate directly through their online store (often as an option during checkout), some may have separate donation platforms. To find out, look for a Donate button or page on the charity’s website. This is often distinct from the store and will offer various options for one-time or recurring donations. Some stores even have gift donations where you can purchase a donation on behalf of someone else – a great animal charity gift that gives back.
Read next:
17 Best Eco-friendly Gifts from Sustainable Brands
The 14 Best Reusable Water Bottles from Companies That Give Back
Water-to-Go Review: the Best Filter Water Bottle?
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