10 Last-Minute Gifts That Give Back: Meaningful Gifts for People, Animals & the Planet

Still searching for a last-minute gift? You’re not alone. And while unwrapping presents is fun, there’s something extra-special about a gift that also gives back. This year, Ricky surprised me with a donation to Farm of the Free—one of our favorite Georgia farm sanctuaries. They’re small now, caring for just a couple dozen rescued animals, but their dreams (and their impact) are big. Knowing that his gift helped them grow warmed my heart far more than anything wrapped in a box.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, feel-good gift—especially for the person who “has everything”—consider donating in their honor. Below are 10 incredible organizations doing powerful work for animals, people, communities, and the planet. Any of them make a beautiful, thoughtful gift with real impact.

🎄 10 Last-Minute Gifts That Give Back

Greenpeace

Greenpeace is a global, independent environmental organization known for peaceful protest and bold advocacy. They expose global environmental issues and push for solutions that support a greener, healthier future for all.

Donate or learn more.

Full Circle Farm Sanctuary

Located just south of Atlanta, Full Circle provides lifelong refuge to over 130 rescued farm animals and educates visitors through tours, events, and community outreach. If you visit, be sure to say hello to Xander the turkey or Lotus the decorating-enthusiast pig!

Donate here or follow their updates.

Rainforest Action Network

With a mission of “Fighting for People and the Planet,” Rainforest Action Network protects forests, challenges corporate pollution, and supports Indigenous and frontline communities.

Read more or donate.

charity: water

charity: water brings clean, safe drinking water to communities in developing countries — and 100% of public donations go directly to field projects.

Donate or shop their gift collection.

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

PCRM promotes plant-based nutrition, ethical research, and improved public health. Their work spans medical education, policy change, and community health initiatives.

Support their mission here.

Ocean Conservancy

From tackling ocean plastic to protecting marine wildlife, Ocean Conservancy champions science-based solutions to keep our oceans healthy and thriving.

Donate or get involved.

Food Empowerment Project

Food Empowerment Project addresses the connections between food justice, animal rights, farmworker conditions, and environmental sustainability. They spotlight inequities in the food system and encourage compassionate, informed choices.

Donate or learn more.

Best Friends Animal Society

Every day in the U.S., healthy pets are euthanized simply due to lack of space. Best Friends is on a mission to end the killing by 2025 by supporting shelters, promoting adoption, running community cat programs, and advocating for lifesaving change.

Donate or get involved.

Animal League Defense Fund

ALDF uses the legal system to protect animals—filing landmark lawsuits, supporting prosecutors, advancing legislation, and training the next generation of animal law advocates.

Donate or explore their work.

Animal Hope and Wellness

Known for rescuing animals from abuse, neglect, and crisis situations—including those impacted by the California wildfires—Animal Hope and Wellness focuses on the most vulnerable cases. They provide rehabilitation, sanctuary, and a second chance at life.

Donate or follow their rescue work.

Gifts That Create Ripples of Good

Last-minute gifts don’t have to feel rushed or impersonal—especially when they support missions that make the world a kinder, healthier place. Whether your loved one is passionate about animals, the environment, social justice, or community health, donating in their honor is a beautiful way to show you care.

A gift that gives back not only warms the heart of the person receiving it… it creates ripples of good far beyond the holiday season. And that’s a gift worth giving.