It’s time for a green holiday gift guide! Now that your Thanksgiving leftovers are finally gone, your Black Friday bumps and bruises have healed, and your wish list has multiplied, it’s time to get some serious holiday shopping done. Ahhh where to start! Not to worry, holiday shopping is the best time to think green. If you want to make sure your gift isn’t re-gifted this year, give a gift that makes a difference. This year some of my favorite eco-friendly and community organizations offer you the opportunity to give a gift that makes a difference for someone in need, while giving your loved ones the priceless happiness of giving. So here’s to GREEN GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING!
KIVA
Kiva lets you lend to a specific entrepreneur across the globe. So far, over 500,000 have funded small loans on over 209 countries. It doesn’t take much to help change the lives of people all over the world: the average total loans of a Kiva lender is $219.91. Giving someone a loan can be just what they need to get their business off the ground and help themselves out of poverty.
HEIFER
From a flock of geese, to a swarm of bees, or even a cow you can give someone the happiness of making a difference in the world. “Purchased in someone else’s name, or as a kind gesture without the need for recognition, Heifer International lets you choose a donation that will give families around the world the training and animals the need to help them become self-reliant.” This gift is more than a donation, as it has the power to change someone’s life.
The MAKE-A-WISH Foundation’s SEASON OF WISHES
The Make-A-Wish Foundation teams up with Los Angeles business and communities for a five week season called the “Season of Wishes.”
CLAIRE WINELAND
Claire was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth but never let it stop her from being a source of light and inspiration to people everywhere, including us here at NorthStar Moving. We are grateful to the Make-A-Wish foundation for introducing us to Claire. Make a donation to the family of this inspirational little girl.
It starts as a virtual gift of a window or door in honor of a friend or family member. Your friend or family member receives a card explaining what their donation has done, and your money turns into a real window or door that is used to help build safe, affordable homes in the United States and worldwide. Make your gift a long lasting present as you help build a home for someone who needs it.
So how about it? I’ve once heard it said that the best gift worth giving is where you expect nothing in return.