If there’s one ‘type’ we know inside-out, it’s the changemaker. We work with them year long—the folks who juggle big dreams, wild ambitions, and a serious relationship with caffeine (because changing the world needs fuel, right?).
Chances are, you know a changemaker too. Maybe it’s that friend always organising volunteer initiatives, the family member fighting for a cause, or the colleague with a world-saving idea they’re always brainstorming.
With Christmas just two weeks away (yikes!), if you’re scrambling for the perfect gift, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
This guide is packed with meaningful gifts that go beyond last-minute panic buys. They’ll help your favorite changemaker stay on track, keep creating, and keep making the world a better place. Let’s go…
A strategic planner or journal
Your changemaker has ideas. Lots of them. Help them put those big dreams on paper with a strategic planner. Consider ethical options like Frank Stationery or go for a Passion Planner or Rocketbook Smart Notebook. For something simple, any classic notebook (Moleskine or another high-quality blank journal) will do the trick.❤️Why they’ll love it: It’s perfect for plotting world-changing goals and staying on track when life gets hectic.
A subscription to social impact magazines or audiobooks
Sign them up for a subscription to resources that inspire and inform them, like the Stanford Social Innovation Review, which covers topics like social entrepreneurship, or an Audible subscription for audiobooks on social impact, leadership, and personal growth.❤️Why they’ll love it: Because staying inspired and learning new strategies for making a difference is essential for changemakers.
Access to online learning platforms
Give the ‘gift of growth’ with subscriptions to Acumen Academy, Coursera, MasterClass, or LinkedIn Learning. It’s like gifting a personal growth spurt.❤️Why they’ll love it: Fundraising hacks, branding tips, scaling strategies, and career development… all in one place 🏆.
Fun business tools
Think tools like Canva Pro, Trello, or even accounting software like Xero, which operates in nearly 200 countries (hopefully yours included). It’s like giving them a personal assistant (but cheaper😉).❤️Why they’ll love it: These tools save time by streamlining tasks like design, project management, and accounting. Say goodbye to the headache of a thousand sticky notes, spreadsheets or – a classic - Microsoft Paint for your designs 🫠!
A beautiful, reusable coffee cup
Whether it's KeepCup, Frank Green, or something local and handmade - a stylish, sustainable coffee cup is essential for those late-night brainstorm sessions.❤️Why they’ll love it: Every sip fuels a good idea —and they’ll look good doing it.
Books that inspire action
You can’t go wrong with a good book. And there are THOUSANDS published on social entrepreneurship and social impact. Highly rated ones like Social Startup Success by Kathleen Kelly Janus or Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard are a good start. Or try our personal fave, which we use with our entrepreneurs - Scaling Up by Verne Harnish.❤️ Why they’ll love it: Nothing beats learning from people who’ve been there, done that, and made a difference.
Experience gifts
Instead of more stuff, gift them an experience—a workshop, a virtual conference, or a creative class that fuels their passion.❤️Why they’ll love it: New skills, fresh ideas, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded people—all while fueling their mission.
Event tickets or networking opportunities
Get them into a local social enterprise conference, startup workshop, or even a coworking space for a day.❤️ Why they’ll love it: New connections, fresh ideas, and maybe even a potential partner or investor.
A self-care package
Tea, a mindfulness app subscription, or a massage voucher—because changing the world is exhausting and we all need a little bit of TLC.❤️Why they’ll love it: It’s a gentle nudge to recharge and keep going strong.
Shop or donate to the social enterprises we personally know and love…
We might be a little biased here, but hear us out: why not support the social enterprises we’ve partnered with? The ones currently selling gift-worthy products or services online are:
🏠 Sawubona (New Zealand) sells beautiful handmade gifts, homewares, and décor crafted by skilled African artisans.
👕 Ripple Movement (New Zealand) sells clothing collection bags so your unwanted kids clothing can be reused, repaired or recycled this Christmas, and the ‘good stuff’ gifted to children in need.
👜 Seeds and Stories (Uganda) sells unique handmade bags and shoes from locally sourced materials, showcasing the artistry of African artisans.
👜 Strength and Stem (UK) sells gift vouchers for their floristry workshops led by experienced florists, perfect for learning floral design with a professional touch.
And there you have it—the perfect last-minute gifts for the changemaker in your life. Because saving the world is hard work, but finding the right gift for your favorite world-saver doesn’t have to be. Now, go forth and spread some holiday cheer (and maybe a little social impact while you’re at it)!