Give Gifts That Make a Difference

by Erin Hagen

Sometimes it feels as if we are constantly jumping from holiday to holiday, always searching for gift ideas. If you’re like me, you’re probably looking for a better, more meaningful way to give gifts. Here are some charitable organizations that make gift giving easy.

TisBest allows you to either print out a charity gift card or send an actual gift card made of 100% recycled plastic. The recipient of the card can then go on the TisBest website and use the card for whichever national or local charity they choose. This is such a great gift for someone who is passionate about a specific issue. TisBest organizes all of its charities so that someone interested in animal rights can browse through all of the animal charities, or someone interested in environmental justice can search through the many organizations that help the Earth.

Just Give is another organization that allows you to give a gift card that can be used for any charity on its website. It also has a program that lets you register your wedding, so your wedding guests can give directly to a charity of your choice. Moreover, Just Give encourages you to make financial support just one aspect of your participation with a charity. Emphasis is placed on giving more than once a year and finding other ways to bring change to our world.

The Heifer Project is one of the most well-known gift charities and has won many awards. When you donate to the Heifer Project, you know exactly what you are giving. There is an online gift catalog that has everything from honeybees to water buffalo. After you choose what animal gift you will send to a family in need, there is an e-card that you can send the person who inspired you to give.

Now when you’re faced with your aunt’s wedding, Valentine’s Day, and your dog’s birthday all in one month, finding good gifts won’t seem so daunting.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikewade/ / CC BY 2.0