posted by admin on Dec 4
To be honest, I am a bit fed up with wandering around stores for Christmas looking for gifts for people I know, but who never seem to really appreciate their gifts. I almost end up buying them something that they either specifically told me to buy (great surprise) or getting vouchers.
But my ideas are changing.
If they aren’t going to really love my gifts - and it is estimated that over 50 million UK pounds worth of Christmas gifts are thrown away each year (!!!!!!!!!!!) then I am going to buy them something I want, or something that cannot be discarded - something that will make a difference.
And I don’t care if that difference is to someone else entirely - even someone I don’t know, or someone on a completely different continent infact!
What Gifts Are They?
Well, they are the gift of wildlife sponsorship, domestic animals such as a goat, pencils for 100 children, training teachers for schools, etc. They are not the non-convincing offers of buying a tree in a rain-forest that you can’t verify - these are serious gifts that will really make a difference with companies that are known world wide
Now these types of gifts have been around for a while, but they were always a bit dull sounding or were very expensive - but times are changing and there is a lot more to choose from and at more reasonable prices.
Why These?
Well, there are many benefits to these gifts, and not just to the cause they are supporting.
1) These gifts are good for the environment - they will be supporting communities around the world who are ‘in charge’ of wildlife or environmental areas that should be preserved and cared for.
2) They cannot be thrown away and wasted. The money you spend on these gifts will instantly go to work on your chosen cause whether your friends or family like it or not!
3) There is no wrapping involved, so less sticky tape, shiny non-recyclable wrapping paper and bows, etc are required, therefore even less waste and less time and energy spent on the whole thing.
4) They are totally different - a talking point. Get others to think about the causes that interest you across the globe, and maybe get your charity or cause more support.
5) They really will make a difference - a positive one. Rather than just lining big high street retail stores pockets with your reasonably impulsive purchases of gifts and wrapping, create a safe, healthy environment for people and animals in another country.
6) Feel good about yourself and the moeny you have invested.
Below are a few websites to get your search started. There is still time to get these to your friends before last post!
www.goodgifts.org- supporting African schools
www.worldlandtrust.org- protecting rain-forests
www.presentaid.com - supporting farmers worldwide
www.oxfamunwrapped.com - everything you could imagine
Alternatively, think of your favourite charity and just visit their site - I’m sure they are offering something as a gift.
