Giving is in this holiday season. Honor the socially and environmentally conscious folks on your Christmas list at one of these charitable stores in Cape Girardeau.

A minimum of 10% of each sale goes to local and international charities at Philanthropy, and many of the quirky items they carry have a charitable component, too. Giving key necklaces are unique, eye-catching gifts, and they’re engraved with inspiring words by Los Angeles locals who are transitioning out of homelessness. A blog of giving key recipients who have paid it forward and given their key away to someone who needs the message more than they do is full of stories. Artwork featuring thoughtful messages is painted by a woman from Alabama who donates all proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Krochet Kids provides income-generating opportunities and education for the Ugandan women in a post-conflict region who create the hats, headbands and flowers.

Karsyn Connell, a local 6th grader, is the creator of Domino Designs for Dogs. Her mission is to raise money for neglected and abused rescue animals. Karsyn designs and creates necklaces, Christmas ornaments, keychains and magnets using dominos and fun decorative touches. Money raised from the sale of Karsyn’s handwork helps animals become fully vetted and gets them ready for adoption. You can purchase a one-of-a-kind piece from Domino Designs for Dogs at Somewhere in Time Antiques, where Karyn’s grandmother Paula proudly showcases her granddaughters labor of love. They make great stocking stuffers!

Shoppe La La makes environmentalism look fabulous. They hunt, scour and dig for furniture in need of a good makeover, and create something really special. Dresser are transformed with a coat of chalk paint and new hardware, and other items – like a rustic barn door – find new homes as an entryway centerpiece. Bring in your own outdated or damaged furniture and see what magic Susan, Shoppe La La‘s owner, can bring to it as she re-imagines it into something new.

Fair trade is the trading of goods from developing countries at fair prices, supporting some of the most vulnerable populations in the world in their struggle to support their families. Lattitudes Fair Trade Store in downtown Cape Girardeau orders their hand made products ranging from food items to clothing from 25 different fair trade organizations found all over the world. When you purchase a product at Lattitudes, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase furthers the mission of fair trade and local philanthropic efforts such as their clothing closet at Hope Children’s Home.

Shopping for an active outdoorsy type, kiddos under 12, teens, a fashionista, a natural host or hostess or your four-legged friends?  Check out our other holiday gift guides:

Holiday Gift Guide: Active Outdoors
Holiday Gift Guide: Kiddos Under 12
Holiday Gift Guide: Teens
Holiday Gift Guide: Style Savvy
Holiday Gift Guide: Gracious Host
Holiday Gift Guide: Pets

From big box favorites, West Park Mall and locally owned retail shops, Cape Girardeau is sure to have whatever’s on your shopping list! Check out a full listing of locally owned shops here.