8 Charitable Companies Making Products You’ll Actually Want

Tees, lip balms, socks, confetti—these Minnesota companies create ”greater goods” that help worthy causes
Hybrid Nation shirt

Photo by Matt Wales

Hybrid Nation

This Minneapolis-based clothing brand sells streetwear and promotes inclusivity, as with their slogan “In Diversity We Trust” on hats and tees. Hybrid Nation also donates 50% of net profits to community-level initiatives and year-round giveback programs.

Hippy Feet socks

Courtesy Hippy Feet

Hippy Feet

This benefit corporation, led by Michael Mader and Sam Harper, has provided jobs to more than 80 young people in the Minneapolis and Chicago areas affected by homelessness. That means buying a comfortable pair of socks or shirt helps create transitional employment for homeless teens.

Dog Love Repeat bandana

Courtesy Dog Love Repeat

Dog Love Repeat

Minnesota-based canine boutique Dog Love Repeat sells doggy-sized sweaters and leather leashes, with portions of their proceeds donated to dog adoption and rescue; art organizations; and mental illness awareness, research, and treatment. Recently, proceeds from the hand-illustrated Dylan Bandanas (featured adjacent) benefitted the Popeye Animal Cancer Foundation.

Epimonia bracelets

Courtesy Epimonia

Epimonia

Kenyan refugee Mohamed Malim started this clothing brand while attending the University of St. Thomas, to support the advancement and education of fellow refugees. Epimonia sells bracelets (made from recycled refugee life jackets) as well as T-shirts, hats, drawstring bags, and pop-sockets.

Kind Lips balm

Courtesy Kind Lips

Kind Lips

Be kind to your lips and others: With every purchase, Kind Lips lip balm donates 20% to partnered anti-bullying organizations. Lip balm flavors include Sweet Mint, Georgia Peach, Vanilla Lemon, and more.

Leonetti Confetti

Courtesy Leonetti Confetti

Leonetti Confetti

Founded by photographer Kylee Leonetti, this Minnesota-based party supply company adds whimsy to any celebration while providing work for women in treatment at Wayside Recovery Center in St. Louis Park. Confetti color combinations include Unicorn, Romantic Red, and Pretty Pink, with confetti poppers to add oomph to your festivities.

MNIMALIST Goods hats

Courtesy MNIMALIST Goods

MNIMALIST Goods

Brian and Amanda Natzel’s bold apparel brand uses yarn made from recycled plastic bottles. Plus, 10% of proceeds go to a Minnesota-based charity chosen at checkout, including Friends of the Headwaters.

XTorch flashlight/lantern/cell phone charger

Courtesy XTorch

XTorch

The XTorch is a hardy, solar-powered flashlight, lantern, and cell phone charger in one. By partnering with major nonprofits, the XTorch has supported humanitarian efforts in 25-plus countries where electricity is expensive or inaccessible. Also, 25% of proceeds are donated to nonprofits that support children’s education, women’s safety, and small business development.

Caitlin Anderson is an editorial intern for Greenspring Media. She studies journalism at the University of Minnesota, and has a strong interest in political science, history and literature. Oh, and she loves coffee. Follow her on Twitter @CAndersonMN.
Kyra Bowar is an editorial intern at Greenspring Media, which publishes Minnesota Monthly. When she's not writing, she enjoys perusing novels and exploring the outdoors with a camera in hand.
Lianna Matt McLernon is a Minnesota-based writer. She enjoys writing about travel, style, and arts and culture, but her favorite topic (not-so-secretly) is theater.