(BPT) – There are 43.5 million moms in the U.S., many of whom are more focused than ever on doing good for their families as conscious consumerism continues to grow. In fact, 80% of moms think that by making small changes in their purchasing habits, they can have a positive impact on their community and environment, according to a 2020 survey from Zulily.
That sentiment is heightened this time of year – as people look to give to their own friends and families, they look to make a difference among other families and communities, as well.
Families are shopping and prepping earlier than ever for the holidays – more than 70% of moms plan to start their holiday shopping as early as possible, according to online retailer Zulily’s new “Brain of the Planner’ study – meaning there’s more time and opportunities to give back.
This year, Zulily is making it easy for moms to do just that – all while staying in budget. From purchasing a new seasonal throw pillow for your home, to helping give toys to less fortunate children, here are five simple ways that you can give back to your community and make a difference this holiday season:
1) Create a homemade card for local frontline workers: Grab your crayons and construction paper and huddle the kids around the kitchen table to make homemade holiday cards. Frontline workers rarely get time off around the holidays, and after the past year and a half, a homemade holiday card can show your appreciation and help spread some holiday spirit.
2) Decorate your home for the holidays: That’s right – just by getting your home in the holiday spirit, you can help moms and communities build a better home for themselves and their families thanks to Zulily. For the month of October, they’re donating 1% of in-app purchases in the home category (Bed and Bath, Kitchen and Dining, Home Décor, Patio, Garden and Plants, and Pets) to Habitat for Humanity to help families achieve the stability and independence that comes with home ownership. Simply shop for your own home, to help support someone else’s.
3) Clean out your closet or toy room: Before the holidays are in full swing, clean out clothes that your family doesn’t wear anymore to donate to a local shelter or organization. Whether it’s a winter coat your child grew out of or that pair of jeans in the back of your drawer, pass along your gently-loved clothing to a local shelter. You can also donate unused toys to make space and make another child’s holiday!
4) Tackle your loved ones’ wish lists early: As you start your holiday shopping, you can help bring joy to children with a new toy just by shopping on Zulily. For the month of November, for every purchase of two items from the same order or more from Santa’s Workshop, which features toys and games across every category, they will make a $1 donation to Toys for Tots to help less fortunate children throughout the U.S. experience the joy of Christmas.
5) Coordinate a holiday food drive in your neighborhood: Talk to your neighbors and organize a collection of non-perishables and canned goods that you can take to a local food pantry or homeless shelter to help those facing hunger throughout the holiday season.
Whether it’s decorations for your home or holiday gifts for your loved ones, you can feel good knowing when you shop, you can make a positive difference among families in your communities this holiday season. Visit www.Zuliliy.com or download the Zulily app to make a difference.