1. Art Relief International
ARI offers Chiang Mai’s struggling social groups the opportunity to create as a form of expression and therapy. Browse a variety of prints and paintings by participants, featured in their online Art Shop. Every piece is unique and the proceeds change lives. www.artrelief.net
2. Healing Family Foundation
With a lovely studio near Wat Gate, this nonprofit seeks to provide skills and livelihoods to local people with disabilities. Visit the studio to learn how to weave with a traditional handloom, or browse a selection of handmade goods, from t-shirts to handbags to placemats, perfect for gifts. www.hffcm.org
3. Care For Dogs
Adopting a pet should never be taken lightly, but if your family is ready, this is the perfect place to start. A rescue centre for Chiang Mai’s many strays, CFD helps get dogs off the street and provides vaccinations and food. If you’re not ready to commit, why not give someone special a day of free fun hanging out with the dogs at their shelter in Hang Dong? www.carefordogs.org
4. Documentary Arts Asia
Chiang Mai’s only non-profit theatre and gallery showcases and supports Asian documentary artists. Buy a year’s membership or tickets to an upcoming workshop for the burgeoning filmmaker in your life. All proceeds go towards helping to promote the artists by maintaining the theatre. www.doc-arts.asia
5. Daughters Rising
Fashion meets compassion at this local non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering women at risk of sex trafficking through training programmes and scholarships. Their Rise Up shop offers a wide selection of uber-stylish colourful jewellery and bags that are all vegan, fair trade and handmade. www.riseupshop.com
6. Baan Kingkaew
Forty years ago, a group of local women from Chiang Mai volunteered to look after Suan Dok hospital’s orphaned children. Today, they provide a home for 50 children, along with healthcare, education, safety and love. Their site offers a variety of sponsored gifts you can give in the name of your own loved one, from dessert for a day to diapers for a week. www.baan-kingkaew-orphanage.org
7. Child’s Dream
This non-profit organisation provides unconditional assistance and education to underprivileged children around the region. Their shop offers a number of unique gifts, from teddy bears to cookbooks to flip flops, all with their own small stories and meanings. www.childsdream.org