Feel-good gifts guaranteed to make a difference this Christmas

While clean water might not mean much to us, it could mean the world to a family in Nepal, where dirty water can bring life-threatening water-borne disease. Give ‘water for a family’ through Oxfam, $10

This year, with the purchase of every pre-made Christmas gift, The Body Shop will restore one square-metre of precious rainforest in Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam—home to many an endangered or threatened species—through its Bio-bridges project. The Body Shop Shea Ultimate Collection, $89.95

Australian charity Toms is based on a “one for one” ethos: with every pair of shoes purchased, a child in need receives a pair of shoes (they’ve given more than 60 million pairs so far). Toms also helps provides clean water and medical treatment, including that for eyesight and safe births. Toms Red Stripe University Women’s Classics, $54

We can’t think of many people whose day wouldn’t be made by the gift of a little piglet. In this case, the gesture helps provide families in need of food and income with the resources and know-how to grow crops and breed livestock. Give ‘a piglet’ through World Vision, $50

Not only are these earrings a beautiful gift, they’re handmade by a husband-and-wife duo in Nairobi, Kenya, in association with Australian ethical jewellery company Tinkered By. Tinkered By works with local artisans throughout Africa to develop and nurture their small businesses, with plans to also teach school leavers in impoverished areas the skill of jewellery making. Tinkered By Jack & Jill Earrings, $19.50

Looking for Christmas cards with a difference? The vibrant designs featured on these were created by the talented artists associated with the Arts Project, which nurtures and promotes those with an intellectual disability. Arts Project Australia limited edition cards, $20 for 10

Give your fitness-loving friend or family member a pair of these printed yoga pants, and you’ll also be supporting The Upside’s work with the Cambodian Children’s Trust, to which a portion of all sales are donated. The Upside Batik Midi Pant, $139

Got a bona fide animal lover in your life? Supporting The Orangutan Project’s work with injured and orphaned orangutans in your loved one’s name is guaranteed to bring a smile to his or her face. Adopt an orangutan through The Orangutan Project, from $12 a month

Give a little one in your life one of these cuddly ‘Shamwaris’ (“my friends” in the African language of Shona), with the proceeds going back to the Zimbabwean women who lovingly hand-knit them. Their sale also supports women under the care of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, a healthcare network dedicated to preventing and treating obstetric fistula (an injury which commonly develops during long and obstructed childbirths in remote and impoverished communities).

Hamlin Hand-Knitted Friends, $34 each