We certainly learned the value of the dollar this year my friends, but if you’ve still got a few bucks burning a hole in your pocket, skip the ultra luxe items for that hard to please mother-in-law and give a gift that even she won’t have the heart to complain about.
GIFTS OF HOPE
Peruse Oxfam Unwrapped, a catalog full of school girl uniforms, Alpaca meadows and water purifiers that help transform the lives of entire communities. Suddenly your pressing need for designer goods seems a tad frivolous. Been racking your brain for that person on your list who doesn’t need anything? Donate an item in their name and let them know they’ve made a difference—who wouldn’t want that?
It may not seem possible, but one in every eight Americans is fighting hunger. As a result of our economic downturn, more families than ever are relying on local food banks to put dinner on the table. Feeding America has a donation program that allows you to give a gift in honor of a loved one—another good holiday idea. You can also find contact information for every food bank in America—they are always in need of volunteers.
Through Habitat For Humanity, you can give a family the gift of a brighter future. Shop their catalog for items that help build a decent, affordable house. From drywall to a hammer, or even the kitchen sink, each gift plays a vital role in making someone’s dreams come true.
Save the Children by stocking a library in a much needed school. Remember the books you read as a kid? Books have a lasting impression. With this gift, you can stock an entire library with brand new books and ensure that a whole school of kids is receiving a substantial education. ($100)
GIFTS THAT GIVE TWICE
A warm way to brighten up the holidays. This blend of mulled spices and zesty citrus burns for 60 hours. Best of all, fifty percent of the proceeds goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Brooks Brothers St. Jude’s Classic Holiday Spice Candle ($39)
Ditch the fruit baskets. This Award-winning Product Tote from Stonewall Kitchen makes a delicious gift for neighbors, bosses or anyone on your list that deserves a little something special. Complete with chutney, jams, relish and grill sauces, this gift will last long after the stockings have come down. Even better, a portion goes to the SPCA, providing shelter, adoption and education for animals.($84.95)
Made For the People By the People, this unique and gorgeous jewelry is sourced and created within disadvantaged communities across East Africa. A fair trade organization, they train local artisans in new skills and provide fair support and wages at every level. Wear it proudly. 1812 Multi Strand Statement Necklace (£70)
Teach your kids to be charitable from an early age and deck them out in a stylish hoodie from Baby Eggi. With designs by celebrity tattoo artist Mark Mahoney, they will be the envy on and off the playground. Twenty percent of proceeds are donated to participating charities: Kids Courage & Artists for a New South Africa. Peace Hoodie ($30)
Contributor: Elisabeth
