A Gift That Gifts: TOMS Shoes

A couple of years ago I was reading some magazine - either Vanity Fair or Vogue. They had a little blurb about a company that would donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes you purchase. Love it. I immediately went to their website and checked it out. My husband and I ordered 2 pairs that night; back when they only had a few colors available. Him a 14 in navy. Me a 9 in olive.

We thought for sure TOMS were going to be the hottest things around. Two years later, I can count on one hand how many times I have seen someone wearing a pair. I guess this is a good time to mention I'm not all that observant. Their website proves that; in 2006, they donated 10,000 pairs of shoes to children in need and in 2008, they have increased that number 2,000%. For a pair of shoes that retailed for $34 in 2006 and between $42 & $70 in 2008, that's quite impressive (the pair for $70 are suede on the outer and fleece lined). A new style of boots is also out this winter for women that retails for $98 (and are vegan friendly).

Point is, with the upcoming holiday season, a time for giving, there is no better time to give a gift that gifts, especially in this economy. I especially encourage giving TOMS gift to anyone under the age of 5, mostly because when you hold the shoe in your hands, you can't stop making baby noises while shamelessly uttering "oh you're so cute!!!"

Company: TOMS
Website: www.TOMSshoes.com
Price Range: $34 - $49 for children, $42 - $98 for adult