I recently covered 10 Holiday Gifts for $10 or Less, but since the season of giving is upon and and ’tis better to give than to receive, why not consider giving a gift that gives back, too?
Check out 10 feel-good gift ideas >
As consumers reel from an uncertain economy, job losses, and natural disasters, it can be difficult to embrace the concept of holiday shopping when so many members of our communities and others around the world are struggling with basic, everyday needs.
There is a way to clear your conscious from the holiday shopping-induced guilt: Focus on giving gifts that give back. Not only will you feel good about supporting a cause you care about, but the recipient will appreciate the thoughtful and unique gesture.
Not to mention the charity you select benefits as well.
And just so you know, giving back is actually good for you.
According to Naomi Eisenberger, a UCLA assistant professor of psychology, “When people talk about the ways in which social support is good for our health, they typically assume that the benefits of social support come from the support we receive from others, but it now seems likely that some of the health benefits of social support actually come from the support we provide to others.”
Imagine if every gift on your holiday shopping list also gave back to a charity. That sure would result in a lot of feel-good feelings floating around — talk about embracing the holiday spirit!
If you are ready to make your dollars count and spread some extra holiday cheer, here are 10 holiday gifts that give back.
Endangered Animals
WWF Species Adoption – $50 to $250
Give a gift that will help protect the future of nature.
Your symbolic adoption supports WWF’s global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats.
Military Families
ONEHOPE Wine - $18.99 (for the Zinfandel for military families)
ONEHOPE Wine donates an astounding 50% of its profits to partner charities benefiting a variety of causes.
Their Zinfandel is paired with helping families of fallen troops attend Snowball Express to enhance the quality of life for post 9/11 service members.
Disaster Victims
Emergency Shelter from the American Red Cross – $50
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, this gift is the perfect way to honor those affected by the storm.
Disaster victims often have to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Just $50 gift provides urgently needed essentials for one disaster victim, including three meals, two blankets, one cot and personal supplies.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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