Since October was established as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many companies have gotten on the bandwagon and developed “pink ribbon” products that are sold with a portion of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. While donating directly to the charity is always more efficient, some of us girls do like to shop! Why not do double-duty by choosing an item that donates to charity? To get you started, we’ve highlighted a few of the latest and greatest pink products here. A word of caution–we’ve been out in the stores and it’s like a pink avalanche out there! Be sure any pink product you’re buying is donating to a reputable breast cancer charity and specifies the amount (percentage or dollar amount) that will be generated by your purchase. 

Have a special birthday, girls night, or other occasion coming up? Consider one of these super-cute edible arrangements featuring pink chocolate dipped strawberries. Yum! Ten percent of the purchase price of both the Awareness Celebrations or Breast Cancer Awareness Bouquet goes to National Breast Cancer Foundation. www.EdibleArrangements.com

Need a new handbag? All year round, Ebags donates 10% of the sale of any pink product to breast cancer research. www.ebags.com

Promise Blend M&Ms are specially printed with a “for the Cure” message and 10% of proceeds go to Susan G. Komen For the Cure. These would make a great party favor for any October girlfriend gathering. www.mymms.com

Feeling sporty? Been meaning to take up tennis? Check out the Wilson Hope tennis racquet–it’s pretty and part of your purchase will go the the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I love mine! Wilson ‘08 Hope® Tennis Racquet

Coach Lexington watch This limited edition watch is priced at $398 but oh, it’s so pink! And $100 from each sale goes to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. If you’re in the market for a watch, that’s a lot of charity bang for your buck. www.coach.com

That’s just a few of the many, many products out there benefiting breast cancer research. But hey, it’s only October 1. Add your favorite pink products by using the comment form below!