Still scrounging around town, looking for that perfect present? Here are a few of the more charitable, 'feel good' ideas that have caught my attention over the last few months:
Buy a pair of TOMS shoes.
For every pair that you buy, the company will donate a pair of shoes to a child in need. They are modeled after South American sandals and are SUPER comfortable and come in a variety of styles for both men and women. In the past I have bought two pairs for myself and one for my sister for her birthday. Hi Abby!
Buy a gift subscription to GOOD magazine.
The $20 you pay for 6 issues goes to a nonprofit organization of your choosing. Past magazine themes include Food, Technology, Sustainability, and China, to name a few. It's a really interesting read - the information graphics that are scattered throughout each issue are worth every penny, trust me.
Donate specific goods and services to third world recipients.
Between World Vision's musthavegifts.org and Oxfam's ethical gift guide, you can buy a single goat, 10 fruit trees, meals for 90 children, the list is endless.
Become a philanthropic capitalist through Kiva.org
If anyone is looking to give me a gift, this is my first choice :) Literally, one of the most interesting social entrepreneurial ventures in a long time. Pay out micro-finance loans to individuals with specific projects and goals. Browse by geography and sector.
Other ideas:
-invest in one share of stock via oneshare.com - shares are muuuuch cheaper this holiday season
-books on tape
-create a calendar of your personal photos with blurb.com
-adopt an animal through the World Wildlife Federation - my dad adopted a whale for the family when I was much younger!
-become a "smarter gifter" by browsing and comparing non-profit organizations on intelligentgiving.com
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