Red is the color of emergency.
Global emergencies — whether HIV or COVID-19 — tend to hit the most vulnerable populations the hardest.
The nonprofit (RED) — co-founded by musician and activist Bono — works to fight these emergencies by supporting programs on the ground (via The Global Fund) that help millions of people impacted by HIV/AIDS by partnering with globally known brands to raise funds.
Thanks to the work of organizations like (RED), people around the world have access to life-saving medication.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (RED) is working closely with the Global Fund to help protect (RED)-funded HIV/AIDS programs and fight COVID-19.
(RED) makes it simple for you to support programs on the ground that help millions of people impacted by HIV/AIDS and COVID-19.
We've tried nearly every (RED)-branded product that's been released in the last five years — and we've collected our best recommendations for (RED) products to make a difference.
By the way, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
The Best Product (RED) Items To Shop and Gift
(RED) Apple Watch
Apple is one of (RED)'s longest-term partners — and the duo works together to create beautiful red-colored devices that fight global pandemics.
If you were already thinking about buying an Apple Watch (for fitness, easy access to music on the go, health tracking, or staying in touch), now is the perfect time to buy the (RED) version.
Right now, Apple is working with (RED) to redirect 100% of eligible proceeds from sales directly to the Global Fund's COVID-19 response.
(RED) iPhone
Every few years, most of us have to buy a new phone — and every time, it feels like a big chunk of change. Choosing to buy a (RED) iPhone instead of a different color ensures that your big purchase makes a difference. Plus, the red color feels fun!
PS: If you're in between phone purchases, check out their (RED) phone cases!
Theragun Mini
The Theragun Mini is your on-the-go massage device. It has three settings to help soothe cramps, knots, and tension. (There's a larger Pro version that's way more expensive, but unless you need the added reach, this smaller, cheaper option will be more than enough.)
These devices have been a massive hit among athletes in recent years, and now that they're partnering with (RED) to help make a difference in the world, it's the perfect excuse to pick one up.
Band Together Band-Aids
Here's the thing: You're probably going to buy Band-Aids sometime soon anyway. So you might as well buy some that support (RED)'s mission to end AIDS. Every box you purchase support's a day's supply of life-saving HIV medication that helps prevent the transmission of the virus from a mother to her child.
Morel Sunglasses
If you're in the market for some new sunglasses, look no further than Morel. Every Morel purchase helps fight global health emergencies. The brand has pulled out all the stops with a variety of styles to choose from — all with a little pop of the color red.
Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
These fantastic headphones from Apple's Beats brand offer Spatial Audio, 40 hours of listening time, and utilize Apple's W1 chip which allows you to connect simultaneously to your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. Plus, 5 minutes of charging will get you 3 hours of listening to your favorite music.
A member of our team has been testing these for almost three years — and they're still working great. The most sustainable purchase you can make is to buy something that lasts a long time — and these headphones fit the bill. Plus, of course, they help fight HIV/AIDS and are uniquely red.
(RED) Lokai Bracelet
The Lokai bracelet reminds us to stay humble and stay hopeful. This red, white, and black one has water from Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, and mud from the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
TRUFF Hotter Sauce
Luxury hot sauce? It exists, and it’s delicious. The vegan Hotter hot sauce from TRUFF packs a punch and goes with everything (really, everything). Once you get used to adding TRUFF sauce to your meals, you won't be able to quit.
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags
If you're a dog lover, you likely don't love carrying your dog's full poop bags around when you're on a walk. This poop bag dispenser has a handy hook that'll carry around your dog's doo-doo for you. (You might also like reading our deep-dive on sustainable dog poop bags.)
ADO(RED) Apparel
(RED) partnered with social media-famous pets to create a limited edition merch line featuring their adorable faces. If you want to support your favorite online animals, this is a great way to make a difference and make a fashion statement simultaneously.
Balthazar & Rose Hand Towel
This artisanal hand towel also doubles as a napkin or placemat — clever! It’s available as a set of two in herringbone and striped designs. 10% from every purchase will support the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response and critical HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
Closca Helmet
For the cyclist in your life, the Closca helmet is a stylish, safe, and portable option. It’s even foldable, so you're never without one. Whether you're a daily cyclist, like using city bikes when convenient, or looking for a perfect gift, the Closca helmet will turn heads (and save yours).
Closca Water Bottle
Another innovative Closca creation, the Closca water bottle is the last water bottle you'll ever need. Both ends unscrew, so it's easy to clean. It offers all the benefits of a glass bottle but is wrapped in silicone to ensure it never shatters. And it offers a unique strap design that makes it easy to attach to the outside of your backpack, suitcase, or purse. And of course, 15% of proceeds go directly to The Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other pandemics.
Vahdam Assorted Tea Sets
If you're looking for a fun, experiential gift — or you just love to try new teas, look no further than Vahdam's tea sets. They support the fight against global pandemics and taste delicious.
Durex Condoms
(RED) partnered with Durex to create (RED)-branded condoms with the fantastic tagline "Have sex. Save lives." If you're already going to buy condoms, buy these. Plus, they come in a cute and convenient tin.
Gita Robot From Piaggio Fast Forward
Okay, we'll be honest. This is the only product on this list our team hasn't actually tried. But we want to! This tiny robot will follow you wherever you go and help you carry whatever you need to be carried.
It travels at pedestrian speeds and can carry up to 40lb in its cargo bin.
Whether you use it as an accessibility tool or just think it's fun, it's an enjoyable and unique way to support (RED)'s work combatting pandemics worldwide. Live in the future while your purchase works to create a better future.
One thing we love about (RED) is that they're always partnering with new brands on products that make a difference. Check out this page for more products from (RED) and its partners.
Don’t just celebrate (RED) on World AIDS Day — we’ve collected all of each year's HIV/AIDS awareness days.
