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Last year, we released our first ever Holiday Gift Guide and it was a huge hit! It turns out there are a lot of fantastic people out there who want to support retailers doing the right thing by the community and the environment.
As the founder of LiquiDonate, I’m very lucky to work with retail leadership who want to do right. The easy way out with dead SKUs and unsellable returns is the landfill, and it’s a shame that so many brands are still quietly disposing of perfectly usable items.
The good news is there are also so many great brands who are willing to prioritize the responsible and generous process of rerouting unsellable returns and bulk inventory to local community organizations and schools. Many also happen to have EPIC products that make great gifts!
I’ve highlighted some of our favorite retail partners and a few bonus companies we just love too. So, without further ado, here is my second annual totally subjective, extremely biased, founder-approved Top 20:
⭐️ 1. Make It Cute
It takes a lot for me to consider something “cute” but this brand co-founded by Amanda Seyfried hits the mark. Instead of buying plastic playhouses that will sit in landfills for decades, Make It Cute’s dedicated team of moms has created the most imaginative indoor sets made out of cardboard. They consider it the “modern playhouse” and we totally agree.
Why they’re awesome: It’s an entire new playhouse for your little one that is both sustainable and affordable, and lets their imagination run wild!
⭐️ 2. Naturepedic
When we started working with Naturepedic, we were amazed at the depth of culture and how sustainability is core to everything they do. They are meticulous with the quality of their beds and materials and they have donated generously to the local community for years. We should all care what we lay our head on and with them I can trust it’s all premium and organic, a gift I would give myself and others.
Why they’re awesome: It’s not just mattresses! They have furniture, baby & kids beds, pillows, and bedding too, so there’s something for everyone.
⭐️ 3. Honeylove
Yes, OK, there are a zillion brands that claim to be the best bra but Honeylove was an OG and still stands strong today! As someone who cares about inclusion, I appreciate the representation in their models. They frequently donate with us to women who might not usually have such premium intimates but deserve to feel as supported and loved as everyone else. Fun fact: We display their classic crossover bra in red at expos and it ALWAYS brings folks to our booth.
Why they’re awesome: They have every size and color to fit your loved ones, or yourself! A beautiful bra set is never not a great idea.
⭐️ 4. Archie’s Footwear
Hear me out: flip flops, but comfortable enough to wear for days. I had never heard of Archie’s until they were interested in donating with us and wow, there’s a reason that they are the #1 sandal in Australia (their HQ). There is an arch! To match real feet! This small change and high quality materials have really catapulted their growth. It is an easy, perfect gift, even in the wintertime, for someone who lives in or visits warm climates, so, anyone? They won’t be disappointed!
Why they’re awesome: Their team is small but mighty, and leadership is vehemently against throwing perfectly usable inventory away. Support this brand!
⭐️ 5. Walli Cases
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need or want a new phone case. This is a perfect and simple holiday gift that won’t break the bank. Walli Cases come in every shape, color, and size you need, as well as lots of other accessories to make carrying your essentials as easy and stylish as possible. A stocking stuffer for everyone!
Why they’re awesome: The owners started their own nonprofit foundation, Walli Gives Back, donating a portion of their monthly sales to various causes and people in need, in addition to all the donations they do with us!
⭐️ 6. Raycon
Guess what? You don’t have to spend $200+ to get quality earbuds or headsets. Raycon is a fantastic brand that brings quality electronics at prices much more wallet-friendly, which means they won’t blow the entire holiday budget. You can literally never go wrong with this gift so you might as well support the brand that really cares and gives back.
Why they’re awesome: They’re stylish, high quality, and they give back so it’s a triple win for your holiday cheer.
⭐️ 7. Goodr
We can’t say enough “good” things about Goodr. These are all kind, hard working individuals who live every day with a vision to make high quality sunglasses at an affordable price. Our team all wears them and loves them. They donate as often as they can and really care about their local community.
Why they’re awesome: There are hundreds of frames to choose from in every color and at ~$30, the price is always right for everyone on your list.
⭐️ 8. Tuft & Needle
Have you ever tried a Tuft & Needle mattress? They are amazingly comfortable, and with home delivery, you can send one anywhere. Maybe replace your teenage bed from your parents’ house so that when you go home you don’t leave with back pain? Also, if you’re looking for a smaller gift, try their pillows! We all know someone who deserves a better pillow (me). Also shoutout to their sister brands, Serta and Beautyrest for donating too!
Why they’re awesome: The Tuft & Needle leadership team is incredibly committed to making sure their excess items get into the hands of local community organizations. Their donations have changed the lives of so many who were sleeping on uncomfortable cots, or even floors. We are proud to be their partner!
⭐️ 9. Beast & Buckle
Did you think I would forget to include our furry family members? Never! Our team is almost all dog owners and Beast & Buckle is one of our absolute favorite donation partners. This is a real small business with an incredibly dedicated owner who is obsessed with making the best no-pull harnesses on earth.
Why they’re awesome: Style style style. When you see these designs you will want to get them all!
⭐️ 10. Baggu
You’ve definitely seen these before but maybe you didn’t know the name. Baggu is practical, cute, and endlessly giftable. Starting with their reusable grocery bags, they have expanded to every type of bag, pouch, tote, and even glasses cases! Our team’s personal favorite is their awesome laptop sleeve, which makes traveling with our laptops much less stressful. We even use their bags for our own company swag.
Why they’re awesome: They preached sustainability before it was cool so supporting them is the real deal!
⭐️ 11. Wilden Grove
This is the brand you probably have never heard of but will never forget after reading this review. Wilden Grove is a woman-owned, small business that makes beautiful and stylish vegan leather bags at affordable prices. You can get your friend, partner, or family member a gorgeous new bag without any of the ick. As a longtime vegan, I’m thrilled to have them as a retail partner.
Why they’re awesome: Fun and trendy without the guilt, small and women-owned. Sign me up!
⭐️ 12. Joe & Bella
This is a very special, very unique brand that I think everyone should know about! If you have a loved one that, for any reason, might have difficulty dressing and undressing themselves, look no further than Joe & Bella. Their adaptive clothes include hidden zippers, snaps, and other optimizations for accessibility, but unlike the others, they are actually stylish! The company was founded by a grandson who knew there was something better when his grandmother called all of her mobility-friendly clothes “Ugly!”
Why they’re awesome: “Awesome” doesn’t even begin to express how great this brand is, especially for the millions of people usually overlooked by fashion brands. They deserve all the support!
⭐️ 13. Curology
Dermatologists are infamous for being hard to get into and very, very expensive, even with insurance. Curology is great because they aim to make skincare more accessible with virtual care from dermatology providers for acne and other skin concerns, including some curated OTC products. Since many of these have a short shelf life, they donate excess that is still perfectly usable and sure to provide much-deserved self-care.
Why they’re awesome: You can buy some of their essential skincare products as great stocking stuffers!
⭐️ 14. Mello
I love hair clips. Not just any clips, but the big ones with teeth that hold all my hair up in the back. I even have one shaped like a banana that I often wear to present LiquiDonate! Mello is a game changing clip that has gone viral on TikTok with a well deserved innovation: flexibility without snapping. If you know, you know, and anyone you buy this for will thank you for the ability to lean back in peace and not worry about a break!
Why they’re awesome: Mello is made up of a small, Korea-based team that really cares. They make and sell millions of these clips so there is always bound to be some leftover that they want to make sure finds a good home!
⭐️ 15. Porter Art Guild
There may be no cooler holiday gift than a unique and evocative art print. Everyone is trying to build the art wall to beat everyone else’s Zoom background art wall and Porter Art Guild makes it really easy and affordable to do so. The artist is Tracy, who runs the company with her husband, simple lovers of art living together and making awesome stuff. These types of donations bring joy, delight, and depth to humble homes of so many.
Why they’re awesome: The designs go from humorous to wacky to tranquil to beautiful. There is definitely a great print for every personality on your list. I’ll take an owl with a crown any day!
⭐️ 16. Luxome
Luxome is a repeat listing but that’s because I’m still not over how they make everything so comfy and cozy. They offer luxury in the form of everything at home: bedding, robes, and slippers. This is the quintessential holiday gift that feels both thoughtful and practical. Your loved one will feel so cared for wrapped up in their goodness.
Why they’re awesome: Their donations genuinely change lives, providing comfort to families, shelters, and community programs. I’ve known their founder well and he has always prioritized donation over disposal since day one of the business, which is much harder to do than it sounds!
⭐️ 17. Company of Animals
Part of what makes my job great is that I get to discover all of these small retail brands that make a big difference. Company of Animals came to us looking to donate high quality excess pet items and we’re so happy they did. Sustainability and social responsibility are a big part of their ethos and we are thrilled to have their partnership. You can find all of their brands here and the stores that sell them. Everything they do is made thoughtfully with the animal’s healthy development in mind.
Why they’re awesome: The company was founded in 1979 to research animal behavior, and then developed products to make training easier for both pet and owner!
⭐️ 18. Habit Cosmetics
I met the founder of this company, Aja Frierson, at a retail conference. We were both on a panel and the second we spoke I was captivated by this brand. Habit Cosmetics is a non-toxic, vegan nail polish that uses sustainable packaging and also donates 2% of proceeds to community organizations. They have bright, trendy colors and make the absolute perfect gift for holiday cheer.
Why they’re awesome: They have a saying on their website that I love: Your polish should be like your friends: supportive and nontoxic. Yes!
⭐️ 19. Calypsa
Swimwear shopping is rarely anyone’s favorite activity, which is exactly why Calypsa stands out. They make stylish swimwear that gives you more coverage without sacrificing the fun, so you can feel good at the beach or the pool. When they came to us, they wanted to make sure their extra inventory ended up with people who could use it, not in a landfill. That’s the kind of brand I’m happy to send people to.
Why they’re awesome: Swimwear makes a great gift for anyone with a winter getaway or a summer trip already on the calendar. Something to look forward to!
⭐️ 20. Stanley 1913
Yes, everyone knows what Stanley is, it’s true, but I want to bring attention to them because they do a lot of good for the community and really care about reducing waste and helping the environment. I also know that not one person on earth would be disappointed with any product they sell. One donated mug from them will last decades.
Why they’re awesome: You can customize a lot of their inventory on their website, making that holiday gift even more special.
Why share this list?
Because when people ask, “Who are your customers?” they’re often really asking:
Is circularity just for cheap stuff?
And the answer is a very loud, very confident no.
Our customer list reflects beloved, design-forward, mission-driven brands that produce high-quality goods and care where those goods end up.
They choose donating over dumping.
They choose communities over convenience.
And they choose impact that lasts far beyond a single purchase.
Circularity should feel like gifting.
And honestly? With partners like these, it does.
Support them, yourselves, and the planet. Happy Holidays, everyone.
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