I talk a lot about conscious purchasing. Purchasing with purpose. I mean, you obviously have a purpose already if you’re shopping with something in mind to buy. Whether that be a gift for someone else, something for yourself, your kids, you’re already on a mission . But, what happens if you add another dimension to that purchasing? You combine gift-giving with supporting a cause or values that you believe in. You can be doubling the gift, or taking your money further just by giving back in some capacity. We all have different interests, different causes that may be at the forefront of our minds, so this idea of shopping with purpose could look different for every individual. Well, I’ve curated a list to cover a wide range of interests to make conscious purchasing a little easier for you. Here, you will find women, mama, and/or black-owned businesses to support, companies that give back to charities, brands that support the environment with sustainability missions, small businesses, organic products for cleaner living, and companies that promote diversity. If you’re looking for baby shower gifts, birthday gifts, just-because gifts, or items to bring into your home for your kids, check out the incredible companies below. You will be lifting up small businesses and shaping the world beyond just your gift recipient.

1. SIMPLY CHICKIE AND SHOPPING LOCAL

Support a small, mama-owned business and the message of shopping local when you support Simple Chickie! All products are Made in the USA! Simply Chickie offers the softest 100% organic cotton, adorably wrapped gift sets, and the sweetest messaging! Check out their baby and kid pieces, including my favorite Made is America set and seasonal styles!

2. THE DOUGH PROJECT AND NATURAL PRODUCTS

Moms only want the best for their kids. If you’re like me, that may look like striving for a natural, clean, non-toxic lifestyle. The Dough Project is a woman-owned business that understands the importance of giving children products that are all natural and chemical-free. If you want to impress a mom, give her kid a set of playing dough from The Dough Project at his or her next birthday party. It will make more of an impression and have more impact on a small business than the mass-produced stuff! Bonus: This month, a proceed of sales are going to support the charity City Harvest.

3. AV NORDEN AND SUSTAINABILITY

Av Norden, a Brooklyn-based clothing distributor and accessories manufacturer ticks major sustainability boxes. If you want to help our planet, and your wallet, check out Av Norden for childrenswear that lasts through smart hemlines and durable materials, masks made from recycled fabrics, and a real attention to shipping and purchasing with the environment in mind. Bonus: You’ll be supporting a mama-owned business!

4. PLENI NATURALS AND CLEAN SKINCARE

Pleni Naturals offers award-winning, non-toxic skincare for mama and baby! Their fruit and veggie-filled products are nourishing and gentle, and make for a perfect baby shower gift (especially when the gender is a surprise)! My personal favorite: the Mother & Baby Gift Set! Moms deserve a little something special, too, so check out this mama-owned business for yourself or others!

5. POPPYBABYCO AND ECO-FRIENDLY TOYS

Not only are wooden toys just so gorgeous to look at and fill your home with, but they are better for the environment, encourage imagination and creativity, and foster learning. PoppyBabyCo, a mama-owned business, offers high-quality toys that children (and their parents) will LOVE!

6. BLACK BABY BOOKS AND DIVERSITY

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we need to work together to promote inclusiveness and break the chain of systemic racism that effects so many adults and children. Bring diversity into your home or the home of others with books from Black Baby Books. I want my child’s room to look as colorful as this big, beautiful world.

7. ANY BABY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The husband and wife team behind Any Baby wanted to bring parents a problem-solving, revolutionary playsuit, while helping the environment at the same time! They have eco-friendly packaging, biodegradable bags, an environmentally-friendly fabric (peppermint!), and even plant a tree for every order placed! Check out their gender-neutral, cushioned Smartsie! Bonus: Use code MomUptown for 20% off now through 12/31/20!)

8. YINIBINI BABY TO SUPPORT BLACK BUSINESSES

There has been a huge movement to lift up Black businesses. Did you know that racism can actually affect a Black person’s credit score? That Black people and other POC are less likely to be a business owner or have their designs carried in major retail stores? The idea of supporting Black businesses is to break the chain and give minorities the chance to rise up and succeed outside the challenges brought on by skin color and systemic and/or blatant racism. Yinibini Baby, a DC-based business has adorable clothing and gifts that any baby and mama would love!

9. PAJAMAS FOR PEACE AND CHARITY

Pajamas for Peace is a lovely pajama company that specializes in adorable patterns and family matching looks! They are on a mission to bring comfort to children and families in homeless and domestic abuse shelters with their buy one, help one “Be the Change” initiative. With every purchase, you will be providing pajamas to someone in need. Now that is something to feel good about!

10. HAZEL VILLAGE AND CULTURAL DOLLS

Celebrate diversity and encourage your little one to engage in play with all cultures with the adorable dolls from Hazel Village! Organic and ethically-made, these dolls make a special gift for boys and girls!

11. LITTLE LENTIL CLOTHING AND RECYCLING

Not only does Little Lentil Clothing offer adorable, organic styles, but they offer the chance to return and recycle those loved pieces once your baby has grown out of them! Send back pre-loved Little Lentil items in ANY condition for a discount off your next order! Those returned items are sold for less in their “Loved Again” section! A great way to help the environment and your wallet!

12. TOKI MATS AND A NON-TOXIC PLAYSPACE

Toki Mats offers playroom protection that is safe for your kids, inside and out! Not only are their mats cushioned for active little ones, but they are made with natural latex foam (from tree sap!) and certified non-toxic fabrics! Bonus: They are gorgeous!!!

12. MOXIE CHIC AND FEMINISM

Let even the littlest female minds know just how strong and special they are with Moxie Chic! Fun, empowering pieces that spread positive feminist messages, and some Mommy and Me looks! Bonus: $1.00 per product sold is donated to women’s and children’s charities AND the brand has a sustainability mission!

There you have it! Thirteen baby or kid gifts you can feel good giving! You’ll be a gift-giving hero with these beautiful, thoughtful items! If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, keep on shopping, but hold onto the idea of conscious purchasing

Disclosure: This article may include paid sponsorships or gifted items.