The holidays are a time of such abundance for so many people, including myself, and I always feel very fortunate. I also realize that while I’m deciding which gifts to buy, there are people in the world who don’t have even the most basic necessities. Because of that, I think it is important to include a post about charitable gifts for the holidays that can help others in dire straits.
Share of an alpaca, $25
In the Andes highlands, an alpaca’s cashmere-like wool can support an entire family. One animal produces 12 pounds of strong, warm, lightweight wool every year for 25 years. The wool fetches a good price, helping the family buy food, clothing and other essentials. You can buy a share of an alpaca (your share will be put together with the shares of others) to donate to a family in need here: Share of an alpaca.
Five ducks, $30
Give ducks to a hungry family today and they’ll benefit from hundreds of large, protein-rich eggs all year long. Extra duck eggs and hatched ducklings can be sold to buy medicine or help send a child to school. A duck also offers valuable down feathers, famous for their thermal insulation and padding — great for use in bedding materials and warm clothing, or to fetch much-needed income at the market. Ducks even produce fertilizer that can dramatically increase crop yields. You can find the ducks here: 5 ducks
Chickens give children and families a lasting source of nutrition and income. Fresh eggs raise the levels of protein and other nutrients in a family’s diet, and the sale of extra eggs and chickens can pay for vital basics. Your gift of chickens will also naturally multiply to impact generations of children. Each family that receives chickens can sell the offspring for extra income or share them with other families in need. Chicks require little money, space or food to thrive and grow — making them an ideal business venture for a single mom or vulnerable family. You can find the chickens here: 2 chickens
If giving livestock isn’t your thing, there are other ways to be charitable as well. With a monetary donation to the Maximum Impact Fund at World Vision, which provides for the needs of impoverished children and families worldwide, you receive a gift for yourself or to give during the holidays. Here are some of the things you can receive for your donation.
Gertie the Plush Goat, $25
Gertie will be a delightful memento of the hope you’ve given. At your request, the plush toy will arrive with a beautiful card explaining the impact of the donation. Approximate size is 3″W x 5″H. There is also a plush chick and a plush pig. Find Gertie here: Plush goat
Glass-bead Necklace, $60
Handmade in Thailand, this colorful necklace can be worn several different ways — even as a multi-stranded bracelet. Colors may vary. Approximate size is 44″ around (22″ long when worn as a single necklace). Find the necklace here: Beaded necklace
Zakale crafts are made from recycled materials by Kenyan artisans, who received a loan from World Vision to grow their business and lift themselves out of poverty. Approximate size is 4″ tall x 3½” wide. Find the ornament here: Star
After the harvest season, the hard-working women of Thailand’s Surin Province put down the tools of farming and take up the loom. These beautiful Sabai scarves are hand woven into distinctive striped patterns. Approximate size of scarf is 66″ long by 16″ wide. Each is unique – size and color may vary slightly. Find the scarf here: Thai silk scarf
Turquoise Jewelry Set, $100
With a donation of $100, you will receive a very chic, handcrafted Thai bracelet and necklace set. You can also buy the pieces separately: the necklace is $60 and the bracelet is $40, and they also come in coral and black. Talk about a gift that keep on giving – this jewelry was made in a project that helps protect vulnerable girls from exploitation. You can find the set here: Turquoise jewelry
24 oz. Water Bottle, $70
With a gift of $70, you will receive this handy stainless steel water bottle that is great for on the go. A map of the world on the bottle reminds the user of the meaningful gift given. You might think that $70 is expensive for a water bottle, but please remember that you normally don’t receive a gift for a charitable donation. You can find the bottle here: Water bottle
Rahel Doll, $125
Help a special girl learn about other cultures. With a gift of $125, you will receive this Hearts4Hearts Girls™ doll: Rahel from Ethiopia. Accessories include doll-sized hair comb with elastic, girl-sized H4H power bracelet and a mini storybook about Rahel’s life. Stands 14″ high. You can find the doll here: Rahel doll
Skyy Vodka, $18.49
SKYY Vodka and amfAR, one of the world’s leading nonprofits dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic, have partnered to launch the exclusive soft-to-the-touch SKYY Vodka Blue Velvet Limited Edition Bottle for the holidays. The 750 mL flocked bottle, a first-ever in the spirits industry, will be available at liquor stores nationwide. Proceeds from each bottle purchased will benefit amfAR, providing gift givers an easy way to show true holiday spirit in style.
FEED 8 Godiva Origins Collection, $25
GODIVA has partnered with FEED to launch the limited edition FEED 8 GODIVA Origins Collection that will provide school meals for children in cocoa-producing regions. Consisting of eight pieces, the four flavors include Ecuador Dark 71%, Costa Rica Milk 38%, Uganda Dark 80% and Venezuela Milk 43%, each using local beans from the country of origin to exude cultural flavor. Two flavors of each piece are included in every box. GODIVA will provide 8 school meals in the countries of origin for every box sold. This limited edition 8-piece set is sold in local GODIVA boutiques.
Jane Cosmetics “The Friends of Jane” Lip Collection, $9.99
Here’s another gift that truly gives back. With every purchase of the Friends of Jane lip collection, sit pretty knowing that 100% of the net proceeds support She’s the First, a not-for-profit that sponsors girls’ education in the developing world, helping them be the first in their families to graduate. Learn more about the difference each purchase makes at www.ShestheFirst.org. Each set contains a sheer gloss, a shimmery gloss and a rich, high-pigment gloss. Your lips will relish in the moisture-rich, Vitamin E infused formulas for a variety of gorgeous lip looks. You can find the lip gloss here: Lip collection
Please share this post with others to get the word out about some great gifts that can change lives this holiday season. Thanks for reading!
Illysia Neumann-Loreck