As fun as it is to receive fabulous gifts during the holidays, its even more rewarding to give back to those in need. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we expect people to buy for us that we neglect to realize that people all over the world who cannot afford the basic necessities for life are in need of holiday cheer. It’s easy to give back in the name of someone for the holidays. Most charities this time of year have special gifts for sale with proceeds going back to the organization. I’ve compiled five of my favorites to give to friends and family.
M.A.C Viva Glam Sir Teddy: This go ’round, M.A.C’s special project for Kids Helping Kids is Sir Teddy – officially knighted as the international symbol of KHK, at the pleasure of Her M?A?C Majesty! All part of the big plan, getting bigger every year: Kids Helping Kids is a tale they’re thrilled to tell over and over. And for all the Bravehearts and beautiful souls that keep the M?A?C AIDS Fund flowing, the company says,
‘Tis Noble to Give. With every purchase of this gorgeous, grandiloquent world-clan collectible, you are helping to keep the coffers confident – because every cent from every M?A?C VIVA GLAM purchase goes directly to the women, men and kids affected by HIV/AIDS everywhere. It’s our heritage, our proud moment…and yours too.”
HSN Designer Ornaments Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital: HSN Cares is the network’s commitment to raise awareness and funds for trusted organizations that support local, national and global causes. As part of their promise, they’ve partnered with some of your favorite HSN personalities to create an exclusive collection of holiday ornaments. 100% of the profits, no less than 30% of the purchase price of each handcrafted ornament, will be donated to advance the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Heifer International Basket of Hope: The Heifer Hope Basket, with its chickens and rabbits, offers just that to Heifer’s project partners. What can be more hopeful to a struggling farmer than a gift of fast-multiplying livestock? Rabbits are easy to care for and reproduce quickly, allowing their owners to sell the offspring for extra income once they’ve fulfilled Heifer’s “Passing on the Gift” promise; and chickens lay eggs and provide manure for vegetable gardens. That’s why this gift of Hope goes on and on, lasting much longer and helping more families than the usual gift basket filled with pastries or presents ever could.
Same Sky Bracelets: Same Sky’s initial project employs HIV+ women in Rwanda who survived the 1994 Genocide. Instead of a hand-out, they offer a hand-up and a chance to rebuild their lives. The bracelets are handmade by these extraordinary women and very talented artisans. Buy a bracelet—and you will become a part of a movement empowering women everywhere… under the same sky.
Chocolates for a Cause by Compartes Chocolatier: Compartes Chocolatier has partnered with Relief Beads for Darfur to support the end to war and genocide in Sudan, as well as redevelopment of the country and people. To highlight this partnership, Compartes developed two new, special gift packs with a new mix of flavors that ‘foodies’ will particularly enjoy. The African Collection includes, “cardamom + coconut, Grains of Paradise + African Mango, Caramelized Plantain, African Cacao Bean, and Organic Red Rooibos Tea.” The chocolates are stamped with the continent of Africa on them, and come in either a 5 piece set ($20 USD) or 10 piece set ($30 USD). Each purchase provides enough money to send one child to school for two months or to feed one malnourished child for one week.
