Twice the Giving for the Same Price :D

I loove Christmas!

I have never been a big fan of shopping for myself but I love buying gifts for the special people in my life. I am also very picky with the gifts I choose for people. I wouldn't be caught dead buying someone a gift certificate. In my opinion, the perfect gift is not necessarily expensive, but definitely personal. The more personal the gift, the happier the recipient. It makes them feel special and loved. The best gift I ever received was a card from my best friend. On the front was a black and white picture of two little girls. She had colored in their hair herself with a marker so that one had blond hair (like her), and the other had brown hair (like yours truly.) Next to them she put two arrows. By the first arrow she wrote "you" pointing to the brunette, and by the second pointing to the blonde she wrote, "me." Inside was a letter so long it could not fit on the inside and back of the card combined. In fact, it carried on for another page and a half of ripped notebook paper that had been tucked in the card. It was and still is the best gift anyone has ever given me, and ever since when Christmas comes around, I have done my best to get my friends and family something they would truly cherish. The old adage, "It's the thought that counts" is right on target.

Last year funds were a little short so many of the presents that I gave out were small or homemade. As a result of my lack of money in the bank I wasn't able to give money the way I usually do during the holiday season to my favorite charity. I never gave a ton of money but I would do my best to send $10 $20 to whatever non-profit sent us information in the mail. So this year, I decided that I was going to do all I could to make up for last year. However, I am still not able to afford giving a large sum of money to charity while buying gifts for everyone I care about. Luckily for me, many non-profits have recently found ways to allow you to give gifts to your friends and lend financial support to their organization at the same time. :)

Below I have listed some great organizations that will help you give your loved ones that special something that will make them truly happy and allow you to make the world a better place.

1. The National Geographic Society

Let's just say I am a big fan. They pay attention to the stories no one else cares about, inspire us to care more about our planet and the entire human race. But unlike the short segment on the nightly news you may see about an injustice occurring somewhere in the world, National Geographic always gives suggestions on ways you can help. In my opinion this is the most important part. Awareness is worth nothing if there is no action involved.

Not to mention the fact that they offer the most amazing gifts! One of my best friends is of Egyptian descent and I was able to get her a personalized silver cartouche with her name embedded in Hieroglyphics. I know she is going to love it and I am able to contribute to one of my favorite organizations. Win win. :D

Go to: http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/category/shop-by-catalog;jsessionid=4065218AEC4DD84111D920A326F4CD3F to

order the holiday catalog or download it

2. UNICEF- The United Nations Children's Fund

The entire idea behind this incredible organization is that a better future for our world is only possible when children are provided with an education and a peaceful home. The people behind UNICEF save children from hunger, violence and discrimination so that they may have the opportunity to grow and thrive in safety.

Every year I spend money on Holiday cards to send family and friends. This year I am getting them from UNICEF. You can get these cute and low-cost cards from your local Barnes & Noble.

3. Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive

At the checkout line at your local Barnes & Noble you will find a whole shelf of discounted children's classics. They are sold at such a low-cost you barely notice the amount that has been added onto your receipt and they are given to children in need. Not only can you pick the book you want to give but they also give you a small card to write a message to the child who receives it. <3

To See what kind of impact the book drive has made visit http://bgcnms.org/page34154519.aspx

4. Saint Jude

I can't imagine what it would be like to have a sick child. As a mother, it is one of the most terrifying things I can think of. I know that if I were in their shoes I would pray that the general public was doing everything possible to help fund the research and care that is done through their hospital. Go to http://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/shop.do?cID=12682 to find everything from kids toys to fine jewelry.

5. (Red)- Project to Eliminate Aids in Africa

This organization has been a major player in helping the funding for AIDS prevention, treatment, and research to go from $300 million to more than 13.6 billion. Top brands in both clothing and technology have contributed to this organization which means you can buy everything from a gap v-neck to an ipod from this website and know that it is going to benefit a great cause. How cool is that?

Go to: http://www.joinred.com

If you are still craving other ways to change lives around the world during this holiday season...have a party! If you are one of those people who has a big Christmas bash every year put out a basket for donations to your favorite charity. This year I am raising money to buy a goat for a poverty stricken family through Heifer(http://www.heifer.org). This non-profit allows you to buy bees, goats, chicks, and other farm animals for needy people whose survival depends on the productivity of their farms. It's cheaper than you think too. Bees are only $30 and a goat is $120. You get enough people over for a holiday celebration and you can make a huge difference in the quality of life of an entire family!

I hope this inspired you to find new ways to give this holiday season. If you have anymore suggestions please post them!

XO

~MIMI