Gifting and giving are always top of mind during the holidays. We like to shop for a cause year round, but this time of year, it becomes more important to spend our dollars where they count most.

With the rise of socially conscious businesses and entrepreneurs, gifting with purpose is easier than ever. Here is a list of five holiday gifts that are heart-warming to give and receive.

For the book nerd: Esperos bag
When Oliver Shuttlesworth returned from travels in Central America, he decided to support impoverished children and urge people to "carry hope." So every time you purchase an Esperos backpack or tote bag, you help one disadvantaged child in Haiti attend school.

Esperos works with Fonkoze, a nonprofit micro-finance institution dedicated to empowering women and their families in Haiti. Backpacks are $70; totes are $60. Purchase both online.

For the serious man: Mizzen+Main dress shirt
Support U.S. veterans this holiday by giving the men in your life a Mizzen+Main sweat-wicking dress shirt. Kevin Lavelle started his men's line with a greater purpose in mind. A portion of proceeds from each shirt goes to A Shirt for A Start program, which helps an American hero make the transition from military service to the workforce.

The must-have shirts come in five colors — priced from $115 to $150 — and can be purchased online or at WAREhaus in West Village.

For the feminine girl: Abi Ferrin Freedom Project clutch
Dallas designer Abi Ferrin started the Freedom Project to empower women globally. The project works with women in the Sak Saum ministry in Cambodia, which provides fair trade work, education, counseling and more to victims of abuse.

The women in Sak Saum construct these handbags in their entirety. You can a bag — priced between $65 and $85 — at Piermarini, and soon they will be available on Abi Ferrin's website.

For the accessorizer: Water-Thirst Africa charm necklace
Jewelry designer Helen Ficalora created a silver Africa-shaped charm for Water-Thirst — a project of the local nonprofit Speak Hope — which is dedicated to providing clean water solutions on a global scale.

One hundred percent of proceeds from the sale of these charms goes to the charity. The charms, available on a silver chain or leather cord for $150, can be purchased online.

For the athlete: Equinox Staying Strong T-shirt
Equinox designed a limited-edition shirt to support victims of Hurricane Sandy, and all proceeds go to the American Red Cross. The nonprofit provides food, shelter and assistance to devastated victims.

These simple but powerful T-shirts, emblazoned with the word "strength," are available for $35 at both Highland Park and Preston Hollow Equinox locations.