The holiday season always comes with its fair share of excitement—twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and of course, exchanging gifts with people we love. But this year, I’ve found myself shifting perspective. Instead of focusing on what I’ll receive, I want to put my energy toward what I can give—not just to friends and family, but to causes that matter.
That’s why, for the entire month of December, I’ve dedicated my little corner of the internet to raising awareness around HIV/AIDS on a global scale. The timing feels especially meaningful: the season of giving overlaps with World AIDS Day, a reminder that generosity can stretch far beyond our homes.
The Power of (RED)
To kick things off, I’ve pledged my support to (RED), the organization launched by U2’s Bono as part of his ONE Campaign to fight poverty and help eradicate HIV/AIDS. If you’re not already familiar with them, (RED) has partnered with some of the world’s most recognizable brands—Apple, Amazon, Vespa, Belvedere, Tarte Cosmetics, Vosges (to name a few)—to create exclusive red versions of their best-selling products. The best part? A portion of every purchase goes directly to the Global Fund, where 100 percent of the contributions are used for prevention, treatment, HIV testing, counseling, and care services.
To date, (RED) has generated over $500 million for the Global Fund, positively impacting more than 100 million lives across countries like Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia. These funds don’t get swallowed by overhead—they go straight to work on the ground. When you choose a (RED)-branded gift, you’re not only picking up something special for someone you love—you’re also helping someone across the world access life-saving care.
Why Conscious Gifting Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of holiday shopping—scouring sales, ticking names off lists, wrapping piles of presents. But conscious gifting adds a layer of meaning to the season. Each purchase becomes a small act of activism, a way to say: I care about you, and I care about the world we live in.
What I love most is that giving with purpose doesn’t have to mean spending more. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful stocking stuffer, a household essential, or even a big-ticket item like a Vespa, there are countless options at every budget level that support the (RED) mission.
Gifts That Do More
Here are a few of my favorite cause-related gifts this season—the kind that make your recipient smile while also giving back:
A Luxe Television Upgrade
If you’re considering a splurge-worthy gift, the 55” VIZIO P-Series HDR Smart TV is a standout option at under $1,000. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, binge-watching holiday classics, or upgrading someone’s home theater experience.
Amazon Echo: The Kitchen Companion
I can’t stop raving about our Amazon Echo—it’s one of those gadgets you don’t realize you need until you have it. Ours lives in the kitchen, where Alexa keeps us company while cooking, playing music, ordering essentials, or even giving us weather updates before heading out. It’s practical, fun, and makes daily routines just a little bit easier.
Beauty & Indulgence
Brands like Tarte Cosmetics and Vosges Chocolate have released gorgeous (RED)-branded products. Imagine gifting a bold new lip color or a box of decadent truffles—each bite or swipe of lipstick a reminder that this gift is doing good in the world.
The Statement Ride
For the ultimate wow factor, yes—there’s even a (RED) Vespa. Sleek, stylish, and unforgettable, it’s a gift that combines everyday functionality with once-in-a-lifetime impact.
Spreading Joy That Lasts
The truth is, the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. The shopping lists, the crowds, the pressure to find the “perfect” present. But when you shift your focus to gifts that carry a purpose, everything changes. Suddenly, it’s not about having the biggest box under the tree—it’s about knowing that your gift has created ripples of change far beyond your living room.
I think that’s what the season is really about. Giving is less about the exchange of material things and more about connection—connection to our loved ones, and connection to communities around the globe who may never know our names but will feel the impact of our choices.
Wrapping It All Up
This December, I invite you to join me in reimagining holiday giving. Let’s choose gifts that light up faces and lives. Whether it’s a cozy stocking stuffer, a household gadget, or even a big-ticket purchase, every choice we make can push us closer to a world where HIV/AIDS is no longer a threat.
So as you shop this season, pause and ask yourself: Can this gift do more? With (RED) and so many amazing cause-driven options, the answer is yes. And in the season of giving, that feels like the best gift of all.
