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Skip Black Friday and shop discounts at these companies making a positive impact on the world

Michelle Gant

11.27.19

Courtesy of DoneGood

While Thanksgiving is meant to celebrate all we have to be grateful for, it's also the unofficial kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Last year, Americans spent about $1 trillion on gifts. What if we all used that purchasing power to support companies that reduce inequality, alleviate poverty, fight climate change, and help make the world better?

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the coming days will have spending on everyone's brains. But in an effort to promote the companies doing good for the world, DoneGood founder Cullen Schwarz created Shop for Good Sunday (which falls on December 1 this year.)

Dubbed the "Alternate Black Friday," Shop for Good Sunday is dedicated to encouraging people to shop brands that do good for people and the planet. It also serves as a reminder to support local businesses making a positive impact in their communities.

While Shop for Good Sunday technically falls on a single day, this year, participating ethical and sustainable brands are running discounts for the whole week prior.

Where you invest your dollars matters, and there's great potential to put that money to good use if you know how. Check out these six brands that sell amazing products while also making a positive impact on the world. You'll not only be getting your loved ones meaningful gifts, but also making the world a brighter place along the way.

Isn't that what the holidays are really about?

Functional outdoor gear

Cotopaxi makes unique, sustainable outdoor gear, like this Parque rain shell, while keeping ethics at the core of its business model. The company gives 1% of its annual revenue to organizations that fight poverty and improve the human condition.

Modern furniture

Simbly is a direct-to-consumer furniture company that sells modern, sustainable products built in the U.S. made of FSC-certified wood. And for every product sold, the company plants a tree.

Beautiful jewelry

Hathorway is a jewelry company that handcrafts its accessories with materials like ethically-sourced up-cycled buffalo horns and handwoven rattan. Each item is designed and assembled in the U.S. with thoughtfully selected materials sourced from Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea. A portion of the company's profit goes to initiatives that empower young, underprivileged women.

Luxe linens

Ettitude crafts its home textiles from CleanBamboo fabric, a unique material made from 100% organic bamboo, the most resource-efficient plant on the planet. It also requires significantly less water to grow and produce than traditional cotton textiles. The products are also ethically made and come in packaging made from extra pieces of fabric.

Unique wood wares

Would Works creates and sells beautiful household wood products handcrafted by people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. The company works with its artisans to provide job skills, financial literacy, and an income so they can reach their financial goals.

Empowering candles

Prosperity Candle products are created by women refugees building a brighter future for themselves and their families. Each candle is made of soy-blend wax with essential oils hand poured in a well-designed container that is easily refilled or repurposed.

Find more of these great deals at DoneGood!

*Upworthy may earn a portion of sales revenue from purchases made through affiliate links on our site.

Business

Chill dude shares life-changing hacks he didn't learn until his 30s. Here are 11 of the best.

Now we all know the right way to use a sun visor in the car.

via Canva/Photos

A zipper, hard-boiled egg, and an Allen key.

Sidney Raz, stand-up comedian, author, and TikTok's favorite lifehacker, has a knack for taking things we use every day like cheese graters, running shoes, and propane tanks, for example, and revealing simple features that we never realized they had. If you watch his videos, you've probably felt the need to slap your forehead and exclaim, "How did I not know that?" If so, don’t be too upset. Raz swears he never heard about these simple hacks until he was 30.

“When I started making life hacks, I didn’t even intend for it to be a life hack,” Sidney admits. “It was just things I had found out, like how to use a can opener correctly or how to use a travel pillow more comfortably,” he told Net Influencer. “I struck a chord with everyone on the Internet who had been living in a world of finding information from people who talk down to them, but then also in a world where it’s cringy to admit you don’t know something.”

Four years ago, Upworthy compiled 11 of Raz’s best life hacks that he didn’t learn until his 30s, and it was a massive hit with our audience. We decided to revisit his work to see what else he’s learned and shared with his 4.6 million followers.

Here are 11 more of Sidney Raz’s best life hacks that he didn’t learn until his 30s.

1. How you're supposed to tie running shoes

Are you using the heel lock on your running shoes appropriately?

@sidneyraz
years of slipping in the shoes realized #tipsandtricks #learnontiktok #running #inmy30s #firsttime

2. The correct way to cut a hard-boiled egg

Evidently, you can roll it to slice it. The yolk just rolls right out.

@sidneyraz
the years of deviled egg prep @andrealanev #todayilearned #lifehack #tipsandtricks #cookinghacks

3. The correct way to dry your shoes in the dryer

Don't want to damage your dryer's tub by letting a bulky pair of shoes tumble around it for 30 minutes? Tie them together and hang the knot outside the door.,

@sidneyraz
years of noise changes to silence #inmy30s #tipsandtricks #learnontiktok #shoes #dryer

4. The sun visor in your car extends

Yep. Just pull it out and enjoy the enhanced shade.

@sidneyraz
fantastic #cars #sunny #firsttime #tipsandtricks #lifehacks #learnontiktok #inmy30s #todayilearned #todayyearsold #tips #themoreyouknow #tutorial #demo #carhacks

5. You can remove child-safety caps

All it takes is a twist of the wrist.

@sidneyraz
no words #todayilearned #tipsandtricks #lifehack #lifehacks

6. How to pour without spilling

If you keep rotating the bowl, nothing spills off the side.

@sidneyraz
the drip falls back into the bowl #inmy30s #cookingtipsandtricks

7. How to stop a can from exploding

Tap the side of the can. Not the top. Try it, if you dare.

@sidneyraz
scary to test, but helpful to know #inmy30s #soda #veryhelpful

8. How to use an Allen key

Next time you're putting together Ikea furniture, don't blow out your wrist on the mini-wrench. Instead, try your thumb.

@sidneyraz
so that’s why it’s like that #todayilearned #tipsandtricks #lifehack #protip #furnitureassembly

9. How to clean baking sheets

Put them in the oven and press self-clean.

@sidneyraz
i never thought it was possible #inmy30s #firsttime #cleaninghacks #bakingsheet #lifehack #learnontiktok #tipsandtricks

10. Zippers have a lock

Put the tab all the way down and it goes into a locked position. No more people yelling "XYZ!" at you.

@sidneyraz
i found this out yesterday #zippers #firsttime #test #testing #inmy30s #learnontiktok #greenscreensticker

11. How to check the level of your propane tank

It's easy: pour hot water on it and check the temperature. Where the tank is cool, gas remains.

@sidneyraz
it’s my first year with a grill #grilltip #tiktoktaughtme #bbqtips #tiktokpartner #todayilearned

Life is hard and we need all the help we can get. Thanks, Sidney, for making our lives a bit easier with your fun videos that expose the hacks hiding in plain sight.

baking sheets best life hacks childsafety caps cut an egg dryer shoes exploding can life hacks lifehacker net influencer sidney raz tiktok life hacks travel pillow use allen key

Learning

Older Millennials share 13 'crucial regrets' so younger people don't make them

"Being more focused on romantic relationships rather than good quality friendships."

via Canva/Photos

A woman in her 30s is sad.

For older generations, it's hard to believe the oldest Millennials, now 29 to 44, are already nearing middle age. The oldest Millennials could have kids in college, backs that aren't as strong as they used to be, and a real sense of nostalgia whenever they hear a stomp-and-clap song on the radio.

Millennials faced their own set of challenges: growing up in the aftermath of the Great Recession, seeing the cost of living skyrocket as they entered adulthood, and living through a global pandemic. But in their personal lives, everyone carries a regret or two that lingers in the back of their mind as they get older. You can see the moments in your life when things took a turn for better or worse. You compare yourself to friends and family members who may have taken a different route than you.

You see how your needs and limitations in youth led you to make mistakes you'd never make today.

depression, milennial, regrets, upset woman, sad woman, advice A woman in her 30s is sad.via Canva/Photos

The good news for Millennials is that even the oldest among you are just on the precipice of middle age, meaning there's still plenty of time to turn things around, right a few wrongs, or pursue your dreams.

Recently, some Millennials on Reddit came together to take stock of their lives and share some of their "crucial regrets" so younger people don't make the same mistakes. They've also found solace among fellow Millennials who may have made the same missteps.

Here are 13 "crucial regrets" older Millennials have that serve as warnings for younger people

1. Aging worries

"Worrying about aging in my late twenties. You still have your whole life ahead of you."

2. Focus on friends

"Being more focused on romantic relationships rather than good quality friendships. It can get hard to make and keep friends the older you get."

3. Approach them, darn it!

"If you have a crush on someone, just strike up a conversation. Don't be nervous. Even if the conversation doesn't work out, there will be a tomorrow, and life will go on."

sad man, man with regrets, hand on chin, man in denim shirt, thoughtful man A sad man thinking about his life. via Canva/Photos

4. Sharing your feelings

"Things I never said to my father. He died Monday, and I'm still ruminating over things I never told him."

"Just lost my dad a month ago. I have a lot of regrets. At times, I was rude, dismissive, generally a stupid sh*t to him."

5. Not buying Bitcoin

"Not buying Bitcoin early when someone advised me to."

"Think about this though... Say you bought 100 but coins at $1. Would you really be holding if the price went to $20 a Bitcoin? Or would you have sold that and fixed your car, or bought a new computer, taken a vacation etc...."

6. Having an attitude of gratitude

"The longer I live, the more I think gratitude is really underrated. So if I had to have regret, it would be not appreciating life more."

"Yep, I always try to count my blessings when I think I’ve got it bad. Just try to be thankful for everything I have still."

The poster who waited too long to fully embrace gratitude is correct; it's one of the most significant predictors of happiness. According to Harvard University, gratitude is "strongly and consistently" associated with greater happiness, and those who practice gratitude have better health, experience more positive emotions, handle adversity more effectively, and have stronger relationships.

7. Worrying about other people's opinions

"Worrying what others think. 30+ years old and closeted (hoping to come out soon). But I’ve put others happiness before mine, people pleasing, thinking I’ll be happier based on what they think/feel and it’s not worked for me."

"Currently struggling with breaking free from this. It’s a very hard journey but I believe you’ll get there."

depression, milennial, regrets, upset woman, sad woman, advice A woman contemplating her life.via Canva/Photos

8. Having kids too early

"Having my kids when I did. I don’t regret them, but the timing messed up how I also built my life. What most don’t understand about teen parenthood is how out of step you feel. I didn’t fit in with the other moms they were in a different part of life than I was. Now my husband’s friends have kids mine are grown and out of the house."

9. Sticking with things

"Not sticking with things, bouncing too much from career to career, hobby to hobby. I know a little about a lot of things, and a decent amount about a handful of things, but as I enter middle age, I'm not great at anything."

"I've turned this into my USP. Don't regret it all, generalists are needed all the time and everywhere to supplement the specialists."

10. Missed the signs

"All those signs from women who had an interest in me, sending me all types of signs, yet my dull a** never realized."

11. Didn't take enough chances

"My #1 regret is not taking chances/letting family talk me out of taking chances. This ranges from taking career chances all the way to not telling the first girl I fell in love with how I felt when I was younger. I have my own fears but then when I did get up the courage to try something I usually had family that would tell me every possible negative about what could happen that I would back down."

According to psychologist Jodi Wellman, there are two types of regret we can experience in life: regrets of commission (things we wish we hadn't done) and regrets of omission (things we wish we had done). The interesting thing is that regrets of commission may feel terrible at first, but they "cool off" over time. Regrets of omission can torment us for the rest of our days. So it's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do.

12. Listened to the wrong people

"I kept listening to others and not following my dream of being a writer. Now I’m in my 40s and trying to do it but I’m so stressed by life and finances and feeling like it’s too late for me that I may never do it. At the very least, I wish I could have decided on a career I enjoyed just as much, because maybe by now I’d have a house and a car and be in a better place. I kept searching for the career that I had the same passion for as writing, a SAFE career. But I never could find something that made me happy."

13. Throwing out my dolls

"Throwing out my OG dolls from childhood, bratz, american girl items (kept my doll), myscene, sailor moon, etc. Would be worth thousands to the right person today especially now that I’ve started doll restoration projects."

aging millennials aging worries change do over life experience middle age millennial mistakes millennial advice millennial history millennial regrets new start not buying bitcoin others opinions sharing your feelings millennials

Joy

Culture

Boomers and Gen Xers share the biggest differences between the early 1980s vs. the late 80s

Shriners Children's

Shriners

Weekly joy roundup!

The news can be bleak—so we’re here to brighten it up a bit.

Here are 5 joyful things that are making us smile this week

Joy has a way of finding us when we least expect it. Sometimes it’s as small as the sound of a contagious laugh. Other times, it arrives in big, unforgettable moments—like a stranger showing up with an unexpected Christmas gift for a child in need.

These moments of joy are everywhere online, quietly breaking through the noise. But with today’s nonstop news cycle, they can easily get overshadowed by stories that are heavy, dramatic, or discouraging. We’re here to change that.

We all need reminders of what joy looks like—and better yet, what it feels like. That’s why we’re highlighting the five best examples of pure joy we’ve seen on the internet this week. From small, everyday wins to life-changing acts of kindness, these moments are your excuse to pause the doomscrolling and soak in something good.

1. The biggest surprise ever

@michlivinlife The best day of my life so far 🤍 I found out at 8am and had to keep it inside until 6:30pm when he got home from work 🥲 #pregnancy #triplets #pregnancyannouncement #viral #husband @bradyfrags ♬ som original - Músicas Legendadas

In what she calls the “best day of my life so far,” content creator @michlivinlife found out early one morning she was pregnant after over two years of trying to have a baby. When her husband got home from work that evening, she led him into the spare bedroom, supposedly to show him how well she was able to clean it out. But once they went inside, the secret was out, thanks to a small sign she set up on a rocking chair, flanked by a baby blanket and a teddy bear. Watching her husband’s expression, and their hug at the end, shows you just how overjoyed they both are to share in the news.

Best of all, though? This couple is in for another big surprise — and a lot more joy — because they find out shortly after that there's more than one baby they're expecting. Like, several more. That's right — triplets. That's a lot to be joyful for!

2. The second best surprise ever (spoiler: it's a HOUSE)

@solpanozzo Everything I’ve done, has always been for you. We are HOMEOWNERS #FYP #foryou #homeowners #surprise #daughter ♬ original sound - Sol

Imagine having to keep a secret from your kid. It’s not easy — especially when it’s a happy secret and you’re bursting at the seams to tell. The joy at the end is worth it, though, and nowhere is it more evident than in this video, where a mom gets to reveal her long-kept secret to her daughter — the empty house they’re touring is actually their new house. Surprise! Cue all the happy tears.

3. George

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Upworthy (@upworthy)

Meet George. George was born with osteogenesis imperfecta type 3, a genetic condition that makes bones extremely fragile and easy to break. George has been getting intensive, specialized care for his condition since he was just 15 days old.

Here’s the joyful part: Thanks to years of surgical care, physical therapy, and bone-strengthening infusions he received at Shriners Children’s^TM, George is able to walk, run, sing, act in local plays (his favorite) and live his life to the fullest, despite living with his condition.

George’s story is truly amazing — and it also reminds us why supporting other people truly matters: Shriners Children’s is committed to caring for all children who need them — no matter how complex their needs are and regardless of the families’ ability to pay or insurance status. They’re able to do that through generous donations from people like you.

Want to learn more about helping children like George reach their greatest potential? Learn how you can support Shriners Children’s this giving season, here.

4. This kid nailing the "Whitney Houston Challenge"

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A post shared by NJ.com (@njdotcom)

Have you heard of the "Whitney Houston Challenge"? Long story short, in Whitney Houston's classic song "I Will Always Love You," there's a loooonnnng pause between the bridge and the final chorus. Just before Whitney starts singing the iconic "And Iiiiii..." part of the song, there's a single drum beat that interrupts the long pause — and apparently it's really hard to hit at the exact right time. It's such a challenge, in fact, that people have taken to holding friendly competitions where they line up and try to hit the drum beat, one by one.

Which brings us to this video, where students from Township of Ocean Intermediate School had their own Whitney Houston challenge and one of their own absolutely nails it. When he does, every student, teacher, and staff member is there to celebrate — and chances are, you're watching at home and celebrating right alongside them, because hitting that note is difficult. And there's nothing more joyful than watching someone absolutely nail a difficult task. Way to go!.

5. Gavin's new job

@shea_mchugh i’m speechless🥹 #littlebrother #specialneeds ♬ original sound - xavier

Getting a new job is always something to celebrate—but there’s something really special about this video from content creator Shea McHugh, who films her brother, Gavin, sharing the news that he’s landed a job working at his school’s coffee shop. (Even more exciting: he gets to SKIP MATH CLASS to work in the coffee shop, which is even more of a reason to celebrate, honestly.)

Gavin’s news is joyful in itself — but even more joyful is the obvious love these siblings have for each other. Have you ever heard more “I love you”s in a single TikTok? Or a brother calling his sister “divine” and “incredible”? The love just radiates off these two, as well as the supportive parent in the background. Brb, watching this video on a loop.

Shriners Children’s helps children heal and thrive so they can chase their dreams. Learn more about how they’re making it possible and share this article to inspire others to join you. Shriners Children’s relies on generous donors to make a difference.

Donate today during the 3X Match Challenge to make 3X the life-changing impact for patients.

Joy

True

CEO shares 5 things he's 'sick' of hearing from his staff and people are applauding him for it

"People are sick of being treated like children."

via Rob Dance (used with permission).

CEO Rob Dance holds a list of things he's "sick" of hearing from his employees.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted workplaces worldwide, there has been a greater push for improved work-life balance and many companies are taking notice. The exciting thing is that when companies become more flexible, their employees become happier and more productive. It’s a win-win for all involved.

Rob Dance, the CEO of ROCK, a technology consulting company in the UK, recently went viral for posting about his approach to work-life balance on Instagram. What, at first, appeared to be a CEO reprimanding his employees revealed a boss who knows how to get the best out of his team by treating them like adults.

The post was of Dance holding a whiteboard that reads:

Things I’m sick of hearing from my employees:

- Can I leave early today

- I’ll be late in the morning

- My child is sick, can I rush off

- I’ve got a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, is that okay

- I’m going to be late back from lunch, I’ve got some things to sort.

I don’t care.

I hired you for a job and I fully TRUST you to get it done.

I don’t need you to account for every single hour.

Times have changed, and the workplace is different these days.

People are sick of being treated like children.

All that should matter is that everyone is happy, and that the work gets done.

See on Instagram

He also shared his advice for companies on how to treat their employees. “Treat your staff like adults. That’s it, that’s the big secret,” he wrote. “Give them autonomy. Respect that they have lives outside of work. Don’t gaslight them into being grateful for not being fired every day.” Because in the end, the only thing that matters is if they get the job done. “Output should always trump hours,” he concluded.

Upworthy contacted Dance, who explained why managers still hesitate to treat their employees like adults.

“Many bosses don't trust their employees and keep extremely close tabs on them because of past experiences and a desire for control. They might believe that micromanaging ensures productivity and prevents issues,” he told Upworthy. “Additionally, the pressure to meet business targets can drive bosses to monitor employees obsessively, thinking it will lead to better outcomes. This approach, however, only undermines trust and destroys morale in the workplace. It creates a toxic environment where employees feel undervalued and stressed, leading to higher turnover rates and decreased overall performance. Instead of fostering a culture of accountability and growth, this behavior only promotes fear and resentment.”

See on Instagram

Dance says that technology has helped drive demand for improved work-life balance.

“Mobile technology definitely started to blur the lines between one’s professional and personal life, making it tough to switch off from work,” he told Upworthy. “As a millennial leader, I've always valued work-life harmony for my staff, helping them to achieve both flexibility and finding purpose in their work.”

The ROCK CEO also has advice for employees who’d like to gain their employer’s trust.

“Always deliver quality work and aim to meet or exceed expectations. Keep communication lines open by regularly updating your manager on your progress, challenges, and successes,” he told Upworthy. “Take the initiative to go beyond basic requirements, showing your willingness to contribute more. Act with integrity by always being honest and ethical. Seek honest feedback and make tangible improvements based on it, demonstrating your commitment to growth. Finally, a big one is building positive relationships with everyone you work with, as strong connections are what help to build real trust.”

In April 2025, Dance shared some additional wisdom that highlights the power of leaders prioritizing culture. He took a photo of himself holding a whiteboard with some more wisdom that all CEOs should take to heart: "An employee who leaves for the salary might return for the culture, but if they leave because of the culture, no salary will ever bring them back."

It makes you wonder, if the money was right, which previous jobs would you go back to, and which ones would you reject?

CEO Rob Dance holds up a whipe board with his culture philosophy. www.linkedin.com

This article originally appeared last year.

Joy