It's time for Part 2 of our 2009 Gifts That Give Back series! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If you're stuck on what to buy your friends and loved ones, here are some creative and helpful tips on charitable gifts that will put a smile on their face AND provide some much needed help for someone in need. Bonus: most of these items are available online, so skip the lines and order from home!

- Stella McCartney's (PRODUCT) RED™ GAP tee ($28): Released in time for World AIDS Day earlier this month, Stella's designer tee is available to you at a price that is not-so-designer. 50% of the profits from each of these PRODUCT (RED) tees will benefit the global fund to fight AIDS.

Save Darfur Candles ($100): Each of the decadent soy and coconut palm wax candles in the Save Darfur Coalition collection are made from natural minerals found in the regions of Darfur. They smell divine and have little charms floating in each of the candles! Available in four fragrances: Sister's Keeper, Believe, Soul, and Tomorrow's Sunrise. Best of all, the proceeds will go towards ending suffering in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Classic Hand-Knit Hand Warmers ($12.95): Not only are these fingerless gloves unbelievably adorable (and practical, and affordable), but each pair sold will also preserve 1145.0 sq. ft. of land when purchased through The Rainforest Site. These hand-woven Hand Warmers are available in Black or Olive and are made from 100% wool.

- Stop Violence in the Home Lip Care Stick: Chapstick might not be on the top of your giftee's list, but this stocking stuffer made with organic beeswax, olive oil and peppermint oil will moisturize lips and stop domestic violence, as Body Shop will donate $2 from each tube to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Sweet Home Cookie Pack ($35.95): When all else fails, go for the baked goods. You'd be hard-pressed to find a co-worker, classmate or neighbor who isn't willing to accept your gift of fresh-baked sugary treats - especially treats that helped end homelessness. A portion of the proceeds of each Sweet Home Cookie Pack from Dancing Deer Baking Company will be donated to One Family, a non-profit supporting homeless mothers and children. Chew on that.

WWF Pet Collar & Leash Set ($50): Don't forget man's best friend this year! World Wildlife Fund's fashionable sky blue pet collar and leash set is the perfect gift for the dog on the go and animal and planet-loving owner. Adorned with the iconic Panda logo, each set supports WWF's efforts in preserving habitats for animals around the globe, plus it comes with a free collapsible water bowl.

Parts 3 and 4 will be coming up soon! How are you combining gift giving with giving back this year? Share your creative ideas in the comments!

header photo: bugsandfishes