This time of year, the hustle and bustle of prepping for the holidays, traveling and finding gifts for loved ones can get really overwhelming. At the end of this semester, we are all too exhausted to shop for holiday gifts. While December isn’t all about gift giving, it is a fun and traditional way to show people your appreciation. To show your loved ones that you not only care about them but the world at large, here is a list of untraditional holiday gifts that you can acquire from your computer! Whether you just want to avoid the confusion of department stores or are addicted to online shopping, make sure to check out some of these sites for unique gifts that will make the receivers happy and will give to others as well.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) allows you to give “charitable gifts that save lives”. By spending anywhere from $18 to $500, you can help deliver things like solar flashlights, mini stoves, goats, GPS devices and mosquito nets to refugees in need of these supplies around the world. The website makes it easy for you to choose a gift and dedicate it to a friend or family member with a personalized card. While you will not be bestowing a tangible gift to your recipient, dedicating a essential entity in their name is sure to make anyone happy.
Similar to the IRC, The UNHRC allows you to support displaced peoples around the world though various monetary donations.
Another great gift that we all know about is TOMS Shoes! If you don’t already know, TOMS has a one for one program in which the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in need with every purchase made. This is an awesome gift for anyone because TOMS are super comfy, versatile and come in various prints and colors. TOMS now also offers a new product with the same concept: eye glasses! And if there’s a baby you need to buy a gift for, “Tiny TOMS” are the way to go!
The benefits of carrying a reusable water bottle are endless, so consider gifting the CamelBak Groove. The limited edition Groove is a BPA free, 20 oz water bottle that makes a great gift for anyone who needs water (i.e., everyone). $10 from every purchase will support Water.org.
FEED bags make a great gift for just about anyone who needs to carry things. The FEED company produces super chic burlap and cotton bags, as well as apparel that is very sturdy and versatile. I own one myself! With lots of space and super sturdy handles, a bag can be a great gift for a college student who has a lot of books to carry. A donation is set into the cost of each product. The donation helps feed children around the globe through FEED’s partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme’s School Feeding program, which raises funds for impoverished children in need of school lunches. While some of the products are a little pricey, like any nice bag, the price reflects how long the bag will last and again, the donation to WFP is set into the price. The splurge is well worth it!
SERVV is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of products that are handmade and fair-trade. Their mission is to “eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.” If you can’t find a gift for someone on this site, then good luck finding one at all. There are so many gift options at various prices that you are bound to find something!
There are also many awesome ways to give back through The Red Cross. While donating blood, volunteering and making a monetary donation are great ways to help the Red Cross all year round, the December Holiday Gift Catalog suggests additional ways to give back this season.
The American holiday season is typically celebrated with overindulgence, excess and material goods, but it can never been reinforced enough that not all people are as fortunate as many of us. Gift-giving is part of our culture, so consider stretching your dollar by giving back this season. And if you don’t do give gifts, try volunteering with family and friends at local charities. Happy holidays and happy giving!