'Tis (Almost) the Season

The holidays are right around the corner, and if you're anything like me you're already writing gift lists and making budgets. As I've gotten older, my taste in gifts has changed, both in what I give and receive. In recent years I've taken to making gifts, or even baking goodies for family and friends. I love giving people a "one of a kind" creation, or satisfying their sweet tooth with homemade cookies.


Another fun "gift" idea I've stumbled upon is donations. Last year I donated $25 to the World Wildlife Fund, and sent a turtle to rehab* in my sister's name. As an animal lover, she absolutely loved this gift, and still has the printable certificate hanging on her bulletin board.


This year I'm considering donating some animals through Heifer International, which battles world poverty and hunger by educating communities about sustainable agriculture, animal well-being, and micro-enterprise. You can donate an entire animal or flock, or chip in with other donors to give larger livestock to needy communities. These animals become sources of income for communities worldwide, even within the United States.



Another great way to help those in need is through micro-lending. Kiva is a wonderful organization that makes small loans to entrepreneurs worldwide to start or expand their small business or repair their lives. Micro-loans have an incredibly high percentage of repayment, and there's almost a 100% guarantee that you'll get your money back. Once you receive a repayment you can loan to another person, donate to Kiva outright, or withdraw your funds. You can also join or create online Kiva communities, and have some fun, friendly competition! (Feel free to join the Stuff You Should Know Team. We're kicking the Colbert Nation's butt!) I've already made a $25 donation to Ben Sochoeurn of Cambodia. She earns a living by making clay pots and providing decorating services for wedding parties. It feels good supporting indigenous arts and crafts, as they are a wonderful way to preserve a region's culture and heritage.

I hope this post inspires people to really embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season! Please leave comments if you donate to any non-profit organization, and link to it so others can help as well.

*The turtles are injured, not drunk! However, I will admit that I donated to this program simply because I knew the idea of a sea turtle singing Amy Winehouse would crack my sis up.