We kick off our holiday series of things we love with gifts that give back by benefitting nonprofit organizations and charities. Next week, we offer up suggestions for made-in-Hawaii gifts.
Whole Foods, PBS team up on toys
I’m no health food fanatic, but when it comes to the charms of Whole Foods Market, I’ve drunk the organic, no-corn-fructose, non-GMO, cruelty-free version of Kool-Aid. Between the store’s diverse selection of personal care products, clothing, fitness gear, trendy glassware and kitchen goods, decorative plants, fine wine and gourmet chocolate, you could easily cross every name off your holiday gift list — even the keiki. New this year is an exclusive line of toys launched by the store and PBS Kids, with proceeds benefiting the Whole Kids Foundation and PBS programs that educate children. Every product, from plush animals to sturdy wooden toys, is manufactured from safe, nontoxic stuff — even the packaging is eco-friendly recycled material. Prices range from $7.49 for Maple Landmark’s pinewood vehicles from Vermont to $53.99 for a cuddly 18-inch black bear from Aurora World Plush. — Christie Wilson
Mana Maoli sells pretty T-shirts
Molokai artist Shane Pale’s gorgeous illustration, inspired by the Native Hawaiian kalo origin story, would be reason enough to covet one of these T-shirts by the Mana Maoli Collective. It’s even better that the shirts, available for $20 plus $5 shipping, support Hawaiian education and youth-oriented projects in music and ocean voyaging throughout the islands.
Mana Maoli operates the Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School, Kanehunamoku Voyaging Academy and the Maoli Music program. The collective is currently working to launch a mobile studio to be used as part of a high school diploma program in multimedia, says director Keola Nakanishi.
Find the shirts, offered in men’s and women’s styles in various colors and sizes through XXXL, at Native Books/Na Mea Hawai‘i at Ward Warehouse and Sweet Home Waimanalo at 41-1025 Kalanianaole Highway, or online at manamaoli.org/donate. Call 626-5395. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski
Neiman Marcus gifts go for $22
Through Dec. 24, Neiman Marcus is hosting its Love to Give Collection offering 50 items priced for gift giving, starting at $22, to benefit Diamond Head Theatre. The selections range from holiday-themed gingerbread cookie decorating kits ($40) and gingerbread house cookie jars ($65) to Jonathan Adler heart pillows ($165) and Dylan’s Candy Bar dog bowls and treat canisters ($22 to $46). What I love is the sterling silver-plated Tai’s Moon & Star Bracelet with cubic zirconia accents ($95). It also comes in ball-tip and clear-facet designs, both 18-karat gold-plated ($110). Ten percent of sales goes toward supporting youth arts education, such as DHT’s seven-week Musical Theatre Experience and the 45-member Shooting Stars group. To view the entire collection, visit NeimanMarcus.com — Nadine Kam
Fire hoses get new life as bracelets and belts
Life is full of everyday heroes who go unrecognized, including our local firefighters. HERO products by Hippychic designs are durable and colorful accessories made from recycled hoses that have been retired from local firehouses. There are bracelets ($15), belts ($59) and wallets ($35) at Muumuu Heaven, 767 Kailua Road. Ten percent of every purchase is donated to the Honolulu Firefighters Foundation. Visit hippychichawaii.com. — Jermel-Lynn Quillopo, Honolulupulse.com blogger
These socks stay in place
I suspect I’m like a lot of Hawaii residents who try to spend as much time barefoot as possible. So when I have to wear socks, it feels kind of weird. But Bombas’ anti-microbial socks help keep my feet snug as a bug in a rug, shoes or no, with a web of elastic encircling the arch to help them stay in place. (You may have seen Bombas’ New York founders making their pitch on ABC’s "Shark Tank" in September.) I wore the socks during a recent vacation when I did a lot of hiking and found them very comfortable. What’s more, for every pair of socks sold, Bombas donates a pair to charity, hence the company’s motto, "Bee better." The slogan is carried into the bee logo and honeycomb design on the socks, which come in calf and ankle versions for men, women and kids. The ones I bought were $36 for a four-pack, with discounts offered regularly at bombas.com. — Steven Mark
