Gift Cards for Charity
from Washington Post
I like the idea of a charitable gift card because the recipient gets to shop for where the donation actually goes. The article mentions two good sites that they feel offer well vetted options:
Global Giving
Tis Best
Nicholas Kristoff's Suggestions
from New York Times
Any suggestions from this well known international aid journalist are bound to be worthy
Causecast
This site tells you what you can get for what dollar amount. For instance, $14.00 buys you school supplies for a former child slave in Ghana or $25.00 for immunizations for a child in Haiti. Also, includes lots of options in the U.S.
Change.org
I like how this charity gift giving guide is organized by the recipient's area of interest.
KIVA
I have wanted to give a microloan as a gift for years and have yet to do it. This is the year! I like this gift for two reasons. One, the recipient gets to shop for the loan they want to give. Secondly, when the loan is paid back, your recipient gets to loan the money again, and again.
Note: In another post on this blog there are several negative articles regarding microfinancing, but I am standing behind it's value when done ethically and with integrity.
12 Small Things
To purchase physical gifts from fair trade/socially responsible vendors check out this site. It was suggested by a friend of mine who is hired by foreign governments to increase the business of fair trade items to benefit their local communities.
Global Goods Partner
My friend, mentioned above, was also hired by this company to do trainings with women in some of the countries this site supports.
Trade As OneI liked this site because it gives you background on the communities benefiting from your purchase. It not only has a selection of nice gifts, but also alternatives to items you buy for yourself probably not fair trade, like soccer balls.
Nest
A beautiful site and is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses.
Global Exchange Fair Trade
You can google "fair trade gifts" and get numerous suggested. This was one that looked particular good.
