How many times have you just stood in the middle of a store, scanning the surroundings and thought real hard about what to get for a friend or family member who is celebrating a birthday soon? This happens to me a lot. Eventually, something came to mind, something that was liked and appreciated, but in truth, all my friends pretty much have everything they need. Don’t yours?
This year, as the Holiday season was upon us, I had the same challenge, but in a different context this time. So I did some digging online and came upon the coolest and most useful gifts, perfect for anyone, that would absolutely put smiles on faces and give a nice all-over-warm-feeling. They are called Symbolic Gifts.
Here are 3 of my favorite organizations who offer these:
All three organizations offer unique and special gifts you can give to friends or family all the while helping women and men in developing countries reach a greater level of self-sufficiency and control over their own lives or aid in the efforts to save and protect endangered species and habitats… Such a great idea! Love it!
There are many gifts to choose from through Oxfam, like, bicycles, emergency kits, radios, tools and special training. Through the organization, you can even purchase a chicken, donkey or goat (from $15 to $120)! Your friend or family member receives a card detailing the present you bought in their name, and the actual item goes to a person or family who need it the most.
Through the WWF, you could adopt a sea turtle, an arctic fox, an Asian elephant or an owl (there are many others). You can even adopt the Arctic! If you choose a polar bear ($40) that money goes towards the WWF’s efforts to fight the impacts of climate change (in the Arctic and around the world); lobby to continue protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; work with Aboriginal communities throughout the Arctic to identify and protect key habitats. Your friend or family member receives an adoption kit that includes a plush polar bear, adoption certificate and report detailing the work that you are supporting.
So this year, won’t you consider Symbolic Gifts as an alternative to bath salts, scented candles, DVDs, video games, or CDs? You will be amazed at the response you will get. Who knows, you may even inspire someone to get involved in the cause!
Filed under: Environment, I love... | Tagged: alternative gift, Amnesty International Canada, climate change, education, endangered species and habitats, gift idea, Oxfam Unwrapped, self-sufficiency, symbolic gifts, World Wildlife Fund, WWF
