Charity Christmas Gifts Make Unusual Presents

Give Alternative Gifts This Xmas and Help Make a Difference

Oct 29, 2009
Carol Finch

: Charity Christmas Gifts Make Unusual Presents - NightLord

In the true spirit of Christmas giving many people opt to give charity Christmas gifts to friends & family. What are the benefits and the options to choose from here?

Giving gifts at Christmas has become much more commercialised in recent years. To combat this many people are opting not to give regular presents any longer and choose instead to give charity Christmas gifts. How does this benefit people in developing countries and how does the process work?

A Charitable Gift Really Can Make a Difference

Many charities have set up their own gift-giving plans. These allow an individual to pay for a specific item or to donate towards the cost of a practical plan on behalf of others. This is being used by many as an alternative way of giving gifts. They simply pay for what they want to give and get a card and gift information pack to give to the person they buy the gift for.

This process can make a real difference to people all over the world who need help from charities to survive and make a living. Plus, it is a great way of giving something worthwhile, especially for those who are hard to buy for. Many people would much prefer to be given this kind of gift than to receive something that they don't want, need, will never use or have the room for.

Give a Goat, Fund Fresh Water or Pay For a Teacher...

There are various gifts that can be given in the charity sector. These can give practical help to people in need or can be used to help fund the work of the charity on a more general basis. Popular options here include:

Animals: Here the gift given is an animal such as a chicken, goat or cow. This will give a family in a developing country access to much needed livestock. Sponsoring the costs of animal housing, care and food is also an option.
Teaching: This option also have many different uses. Individuals could, for example, fund a teacher on a training course or pay for books, equipment and supplies that could help build and sustain schools.
Building/supplies: Giving a family a bucket may not seem like much but this can make a difference. Helping a village build a clean water well, a grain store or get training in basic DIY skills could have a broader impact.
Business creation: People in developing countries don't necessarily want hand-outs but simply need the resources to make their own way. Funding training in business skills or giving the cost of setting up a market stall for a small farming family could help.

There are many different options to choose from in this sector. The aim with all of them is to help others to get a start and to give them what they need to make a better life for themselves and their communities. So, for example, just a few pounds spent on funding seeds for a farmer in Africa gives him/her the ability to turn a charitable gift donation into so much more. This can make a fantastic alternative Christmas gift.

Sources: Oxfam UK; World Vision