Gifts that Keep Giving

You may be at a point right now where you’re at a loss on what to give someone this holiday season.  How about  a gift that keeps on giving? I hate buying things just to have something for someone to open, but they’ll never use it.  There are tons of people and organizations in need this time of year and I thought I’d share a few that I’ve  personally invested in.

I learned about the organization Kiva years ago on the Oprah show.  You can click here to read about how it works. For as little as $25 you can invest in people around the world who are trying to grow their business and need a loan. You select who you would like to support. You get email updates from Kiva as that person begins to repay their loan and the money is deposited back into your account.  When borrowers repay you can use that money to empower another person, donate it to Kiva or withdraw it.   Years ago I had my son get involved in the process and let him choose the person.  We have since helped countless people with our same initial investment.  I just keep reinvesting in someone else. I love the fact that I’m not just writing a check, but actually learning about who I’m helping and helping people help themselves.  You can even buy Kiva cards as gifts.

Donors Choose is another organization that I’ve given to in the past. It helps teachers in low-income school districts provide supplies for their classroom. Teachers from across the United States post classroom project requests on their site and you can choose who you would like to help and the dollar amount.  You can learn more about Donors Choose here.  I have several friends who are teachers and I know many of them spend their own money for items in their classroom.  This is a great way to help those teachers who are trying to make a difference in a child’s life.

I have a few friends who have been involved with the Global Orphan Project and have visited Haiti and Uganda.  They returned having a greater appreciation for all they have and determined to help make a difference. My friend gifted me with these handmade ornaments from the GO Exchange Boutique.  The Go Exchange helps keep families together by supporting living wage jobs.  Their GO Jammies are a favorite of ours.

My daughter has a fondness for elephants and several years ago I learned about the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Africa’s elephants and rhinos.  I let her adopt an orphaned elephant.  For a minimum $50 donation you get to select the elephant of your choice and are given updates periodically on their care.  You can learn more about it here.  This makes a great gift for the animal lover in your life and a great virtual pet.

I hope these ideas have sparked your interest in giving a gift that keeps on giving!  Another great thing about these gifts is that they don’t require a trip to the mall!