In my family we have a tradition of giving one another gifts that give back whenever possible. It started between my parents and myself when I hit my twenties and realized that the small token gifts I was able to give them were not necessarily the best use of my money. Each holiday season from that point on I began searching out causes to donate to and items that directly benefit the artisans that crafted them. The way I see it, the majority of people in my life have well above and beyond what they could ever need. Rather than give them yet another gift basket or more products that will sit in their cupboards, I would prefer to use the money I would spend on those items to honor them by making a real, tangible difference in the lives of others.
Now I know that not everyone appreciates that you bought a cow for a struggling family in a developing country rather than a physical gift for them. That’s completely fine. This type of gift giving isn’t for everyone but it is my hope that by sharing my family’s tradition, you might in turn be inspired to consider giving gifts that give back this holiday season.
Check out some of my favorite ideas for 2015 after the jump…