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For kids who have it all...

December 25th, 2011 at 02:07 am

...and even for those who do not, a donation to a non-profit organization may be the perfect gift. This year I gave my grandniece and two grandnephews a symbolic adoption of an endangered animal.

Text is World Wildlife Fund and Link is http://www.worldwildlife.org/home-full-5.html
World Wildlife Fund offers adoptions of 100 different species. The recipient gets an adoption certificate and a 12" plush animal in a gift box. I like this idea because the kids are young enough to still enjoy a tangible gift to open but old enough to understand that they are helping a cause.

For the grownups in the family, I will make donations in their name as we have done for the past few years. Favorite charities are
Text is American Red Cross and Link is http://www.redcross.org/
American Red Cross,
Text is Kiva and Link is http://www.kiva.org/
Kiva,
Text is Heifer International and Link is http://www.heifer.org/
Heifer International,
Text is Habitat for Humanity and Link is http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx?tgs=MTIvMjQvMjAxMSA4OjU5OjQ4IFBN
Habitat for Humanity,
Text is the Idaho Humane Society and Link is http://idahohumanesociety.org/
the Idaho Humane Society,
Text is Second Harvest Food Bank and Link is http://shfb.org/
Second Harvest Food Bank, and
Text is Idaho Horse Rescue and Link is http://www.idahohorserescue.org/
Idaho Horse Rescue. Family members are on board with this plan, it makes Christmas shopping easier, plus I get a tax deduction... so it's win-win.

Wishing everyone at SA a very Merry Christmas! May you make memories with those you love.

6 Responses to “For kids who have it all...”

  1. CCraw Says:
    1324780629

    Merry Christmas Analise!!

  2. MonkeyMama Says:
    1324822694

    Merry Christmas!

    I LOVE doing donations in lieu of gifts - most of my family is on board which makes it nice.

  3. Grace Says:
    1325174685

    Well, if you've been reading my blog, you know how strongly I disagree, especially when you make donations to YOUR charities, not to to those of the supposed recipient. It's not that I'm against charitable donations, but don't give to YOUR charities in MY name and expect me to be thrilled about it. Better you should just announce you aren't giving gifts this year. And then donate whatever you want in YOUR own name.

  4. Analise Says:
    1325177433

    To Grace: To start with, I have a great disdain for top-down decisions. I agree with you to the extent it is presumptuous to donate to MY favorite charities in honor of someone else if they are going to be disappointed or philosophically opposed.

    Fortunately, in my family we discuss the process and everyone selects a favorite charity (or two) for that year. Every so often, the charity or non-profit isn't one I would choose for myself but I still donate because it was a request. We talk about it BEFORE so there aren't hurt feelings or disappointments later.

    Personally, I would prefer to have a charity or non-profit supported, even if it isn't one of MY favorites, rather than getting another useless gadget someone thinks I must have or an ugly sweater I will never wear.

    BTW, I loved getting a pic of grandniece and grandnephew holding their WWF "adopted" animals. My niece said it was a favorite gift... even more than the UGG boots from their grandma.

  5. Jerry Says:
    1325336297

    I think that Grace came off a little harsh, here. Granted, a random donation ("Hey, Junior... Grandma donated $30 to the Westside Bowling Seniors IN YOUR NAME!!!") would lead to a raised eyebrow. However, if you have discussed it with the family in advance, and especially if there is a cool stuffed animal involved for the kiddos, then I would think you have some insurance of the gift being well-received. Just my .02.
    Jerry

  6. Grace Says:
    1325391684

    OK--I'll back off (after laughing at Jerry's bowling comment)--if the recipients get a say about the donations, then I'm all for it. Happy New Year, Annalise. May your family, your charities, and everyone else's prosper.

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