A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

With Memorial Day upon us, it's important not to skimp on summer essentials, and that includes your skin. There's nothing worse then returning to work with a patriotic sunburn.

Look no further than this all inclusive Sun Safety Kit. It features 11 different skin saving products for the face and body all in convenient travel and test sizes so you can bronze, not bake on your getaway. And when you purchase this limited edition pouch, $21.55 of each sale goes to The Skin Cancer Foundation. It's the perfect Bon Voyage gift for any sunbather.  

Sun Safety Kit starting at $25.00

When is a mug a work of art? When it's a celebrity-designed, ethically produced, charity-giving mug by Whatever It Takes.

More than 300 actors, musicians, artists and designers have donated their time to create these small symbols of hope, with each mug raising money for the celeb's chosen charity. Like style maven Donna Karan and her Love Forever Mug. The white china cup features Karan's pink self-portrait and a Love Forever print, with proceeds going to Spirituality for Kids.

I think this one makes a lovely Mother's Day gift, but with so many to choose from, you can easily give according to the cause that suits your friend or loved one best. And isn't giving back what it's all about?

Donna Karan Love Forever Mug starting at $20.00

Grays and blacks were just fine for fall, but spring's bold color palette has me dying for warm weather. Obviously I can't break out the sundresses just yet, but that doesn't mean I can't sneak in a bright accessory like with these stunning green bangles from RedEnvelope.

The chunky resin bracelets come in two shades of green: bright Kelly and a lighter frosted hue. But the best part is that they actually make a difference: For each bangle sold, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Natural Resource Defense Council. So go ahead and stack 'em up. And give a few to your enviro-conscious Trendanista chums while you're at it. They make a great St. Patty's Day gift (clearly) or birthday gift.

Green Bangle starting at $25

Did you know that a single bouquet of flowers can not only brighten your sweetie's day, but can also help in the fight against AIDS? Every Hallmark Believe Bouquet from (PRODUCT) RED includes nine gorgeous red roses, leucadendron and papyrus, grown and arranged by African farmers. Each message card reads, "Believe in a thousand impossible things you've never believed before."

More meaningful than a bouquet bought at the corner market, the inspiRED bouquet is a perfect last minute Valentine's Day gift that expresses your love and charitable heart. 

Hallmark Believe–Hallmark RED Bouquet starting at $49.95

Want to be more of a do-gooder this year? You could vow to volunteer often, shop fair trade, donate to charities and recycle, but unfortunately, it's really easy to get overwhelmed by it all. That's why I'm super excited about these awesome AE Better World Scarves—they make giving back easy!

The snazzy neck warmers by American Eagle are more than just an accessory; they're scarves with a conscience. You'll be tickled pink by the fuchsia option because it supports Big Brothers Big Sisters. Feeling blue? Opt for the navy one, and $10 of your purchase will go to the Student Conservation Association. Or go red and donate to Jumpstart, which prepares at-risk preschoolers for school. 

Either way, you'll be making a difference! They make great gifts for all the good Samaritans in your life!

AE Better World Scarf starting at $19.50

Every year I make a lot of useless resolutions, like watch less TV (what? miss Project Runway?) and get to the gym every day (wish I had time for that!). But this year, I'm vowing to make more meaningful (and lasting) resolutions, starting with balancing my carbon footprint.

If you know someone who is aiming toward the same goal, why not get him or her this Save the Environment charity gift certificate? Your donation can go toward cleaning the air or water, saving the forests, or stopping global warming. Whatever you choose, you'll be helping your mindful pal make a difference—and get one step closer to erasing that footprint.

Save the Environment Charity Gift Certificate starting at $50

By now you've made your list and checked it twice, but if you're like me, you've probably had a few last-minute additions (gotta hate those). Rather than buying a run-of-the-mill gift card, why not give something that matters like JustGive's charity gift certificates? You can help feed the hungry, protect the animals or save the environment—all in the name of your recipient. It's a gift that goes on and on and on. And it's a gift you can print out at any time–even on Christmas before you see your recipient. What a lifesaver! 

JustGive Charity Gift Certificate starting at $50

Designer tees are everywhere right now and they are all super soft, perfectly worn in and fit you to a, well, tee. Basically, it's hard to tell the difference between one or the other.

Luckily, these Fashion Gives Back tees are far from ordinary. Each limited-edition T-shirt was created by one of five fabulous designers, from Erin Fetherston to Thakoon, and they are all uniquely chic (I love the feminine sketches on this Jovovich-Hawk one). But the best part? For each tee sold, six bed nets will be donated to Tanzanian women and children through a great program called Malaria No More. How's that for style?

I'm sure you can find five girlfriends who will love each of the designs. No occasion necessary. 

Bop Basics Jovovich-Hawk for Glamour Limited Edition Tee starting at $68

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and lots of our favorite stores are jumping on board to help raise funding for research and education. Whether you need a birthday gift for a philanthropic friend or a supportive thinking of you gift for a survivor, it's time to gift pink!

This pink blush and brush set from Smashbox, one of my favorite beauty brands, will give you a luminous pink glow. More importantly, dollars will go to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, a grassroots advocacy group dedicated to finding a cure.

And there's more, so check out the rest of our pink gifts from companies that give portions of the proceeds to worthy organizations.

Smashbox BCA Blushing Pink Fusion Soft Lights & Brush Set starting at $59

This Squeaky Blue Ribbon Buddy by Planet Dog is more than just a great dog toy. Sure, the two-toned Buddy, made from soft, comforting snuggly fleece is bound to be a favorite with your hound, but that embroidered ribbon just over its heart makes it a favorite at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, too!

With every Buddy purchase, the Planet Dog Foundation makes an awesome donation to the cancer center, up to a total of $20,000. So help “spread the woof” about prostate cancer with your purchase and give your dog something to snuggle up to!

Squeaky Blue Ribbon Buddy starting at $11.95