As the holiday season rolls around, it’s important to recognize just how fortunate many of us are. Most of us have all the things we truly need. It raises the question, “How do I give meaningful gifts to people who already have what they need?”
Get creative with your giving this year, and think bigger. Think about the impact your gifting money can have when you contribute to a worthy cause in honor of your dearest friends and family.
Giving Tuesday, coming up on December 3rd, is the perfect time to get some Christmas shopping done while making a global impact. Why not contribute your shopping budget toward the needs in the world, not just the wants? Here’s a list of thoughtful, creative gifts that will uplift the people in your life—and make a lasting difference in the world.
1. For the Well-Dressed Ladies
Consider browsing for gifts through a fair trade catalog such as Trades of Hope, where “every purchase supports a woman leading her family out of poverty.” You can order quality handmade items from clothing to home decor to jewelry and more. These gifts are crafted with care and intended to stand the test of time. Support a worthy cause while gifting your mother or mother-in-law something she can enjoy for years to come.
2. For the Golf Lovers
Gift your dad, boss, or brother-in-law (any and all who enjoy golf) with a donation sponsoring a young golfer somewhere following in their footsteps. Golf-related charities such as First Tee help develop young athletes’ character through the sport. Your gift can support mentoring programs, scholarships, and golf equipment for young players.
3. For the Kids in Your Life
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) offers “adoption” packages for endangered animals, where your donation to their wildlife conservation comes with an adorable plushy of the kiddo’s favorite animal. From axolotls to sharks to capybaras, WWF has nearly every animal you can think of available to choose from. This gift is sure to delight animal-loving kids while also helping to protect wildlife and their habitats.
4. For the Foodies
You can honor anyone who appreciates cooking or nutrition by donating to Feed My Starving Children on their behalf. A one-time donation of just $106 will feed a child for a whole year. Pair your donation with any thoughtful kitchen essential on Etsy to tie it all together.
5. For the “Used to Be Cool”
You know who they are. Former skateboarders might have hung up their snapback caps, but their hearts will be warmed to know that your gift will help promote the sport for youth. Nonprofits such as the Concrete Jungle Foundation and the Skatepark Project provide children and teenagers with safe parks and healthy habits in underserved communities around the world. Your donation can help provide someone’s first skateboard and contribute to building community-building skate parks.
6. For The GOAT
Gift your GOAT an actual goat; they’ll get the message. You can donate goats (and other livestock) on their behalf through Heifer International. This gift can help provide a sustainable food source for communities around the world, meaning you fight poverty with a holiday gift.
7. For the Bookworm
Support literacy by donating in their name to charities such as Books for Africa or World Literacy Foundation. These organizations provide books, educational resources, and support for children around the globe, bringing people out of poverty through literacy. Add a personal touch by writing a letter and pairing it with a thoughtful book you know your favorite reader will enjoy. Consider CEO William Vanderbloemen’s latest release, Be the Unicorn, to inspire this reader’s professional growth.
This season, gift-giving can go beyond the routine of simply exchanging items; gifting can be about making a lasting impact. If you feel the pull to just give out of obligation, consider how you can pivot and give in a way that reflects perspective and purpose. Be a cheerful giver, knowing that you’re giving more than a Christmas tree’s shadow can contain. Get active this Giving Tuesday to choose purposeful generosity.