The gift giving season is upon us. Honestly, it is one I dread because the love language of gifts is so incredibly foreign to me. I have to really work and think hard about it, it doesn’t come naturally.
Several years ago, Matt and I reconsidered traditional gifts we would give our loved ones for Christmas. While physical gifts can be wonderful, we also believe that there are eternal ways we can give as well. For example, Matt’s dad referees every sport possible. Sports are a big deal to them both. One year, we decided to donate towards a Compassion International Sports Camp in his honor.
Here are some ideas of gifts that can be given in honor of a loved one. Some even have printable cards that explain what this gift will do for someone in need, but you could always make your own.
Gifts of Compassion (My Personal Favorite)
World Vision Gift Catalog
A Gift from the Heart – Habitat for Humanity
Operation Smile Giving Catalog
Partner’s International Harvest of Hope
Changing the Present
Give-A-Tree
Heifer International
Donors Choose
Operation Christmas Child
Bible League
Any Soldier
Shop With Meaning
Maybe you’d still like to give a physical gift, but also like the idea of helping. Check out these organizations that give back when you purchase through them!
Amazon Smile – 0.5% of your purchase price goes to an organization of your choice — like Hearts At Home!
Toms Shoes – For every pair of shoes you buy, one is donated to a child in need
Fashionable – Beautiful products made by women who have overcome
Ten Thousand Villages – Your fair trade purchase of handmade jewelry, home decor and gifts helps improve the lives of thousands of artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East
Better World Books – Book for a book
CommonThreadz – For every tshirt you buy, a school uniform is donated in Africa
Any other ideas for Gifts that Give Back? I would love to hear about them in the comments below!
Please note, aside from Compassion International, I have no personal experience with any of these companies and cannot vouch for their integrity. If you are concerned about where your money is going, please do your research!
