Give Back Through Gifts
Purpose-driven gifts from DMV organizations that make giving back easy and meaningful.
If you're looking to give gifts that feel meaningful rather than wasteful this season, consider choosing items that can be consumed, used, or truly appreciated, not just put on a shelf. Even better? Select gifts that support organizations making a difference in our local DC–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) community.
Whether you're buying for a friend or sending corporate gifts on behalf of your company, here are five local, mission-driven options to give with intention. Not local to the DVM? These companies also ship nationwide!
Blue Elegance by ECHO, Leesburg, VA
Blue Elegance offers handcrafted candles, jewelry, spa products, and gift sets made by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are a social enterprise born out of ECHO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Through ECHO, individuals gain vocational training, employment, and community inclusion.
Together We Bake, Alexandria, VA
Give the world's best chocolate chip cookies while empowering women in the DMV. Together We Bake provides job training, confidence-building, and second chances to women facing barriers to employment through their small baking business. They also sell granola and trail mix and can ship nationwide.
If you're local, look for their goodies in Whole Foods or other retailers, or pick up an order from their office in Old Town.
Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates, Fairfax, VA
Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates is a business enterprise of the non-profit foundation, Every1 Can Work. They have been providing permanent employment opportunities for young adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities since 2013.
Their cafe makes and ships decadent chocolates, baked goods, and even dog treats!
Shop Cameron's Coffee & Chocolates
Dog Tag Bakery, Washington, DC
Dog Tag Bakery’s beautifully packaged treat boxes support their signature Dog Tag Fellowship Program, a business and entrepreneurship program for veterans, military spouses, and caregivers. Participants gain classroom instruction, hands-on bakery experience, and a renewed sense of purpose as they transition out of the military.
Shop Dog Tag Bakery
Packed with Purpose, Nationwide
Packed with Purpose curates gift boxes filled with products from socially responsible small businesses across the country, including many from the DMV. Their selections support everything from workforce development to environmental sustainability, making each gift a catalyst for impact.
Their boxes are perfect for corporate gifting, employee appreciation, or any other occasion where you want to show you care.
