Gifts That Change the World

Show how much you care about your loved ones this holiday season by choosing gifts that speak to their passions and causes. A wonderful, new web site called Changingthepresent.org has over 1000 gift ideas representing 33 different charities including those that support disaster relief, HIV/AIDS, environmental issues, poverty and child welfare. For a fun and philanthropic gift guide, we bundled a few of their donation ideas with some of our top picks for presents that will really pack a feel good punch.

FOR THE SURFER:
Combine a pair of Quicksilver Streaker II boardshorts ($49.50) with a $20 donation to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) who notifies beach goers about contaminated waters through pollution alerts.

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER:
Combine a Wagwear Canvas Reflective Collar and Lead ($22/$40) with a $75 donation to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for essential exams and vaccines for animals at their shelter.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA:
Combine a pair of Manolo Blahnik Satin Cross D’Orsay sandals ($565) with a $14 donation to the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) who will outfit a young girl with a pair of shoes for her long walk to school each day, boosting her confidence and ensuring her education.

To shop for gifts on Changingthepresent.org, simply log on, select a personalized greeting card to announce the donation in the recipient’s name and choose a gift from the online catalog. All donations are tax deductible, incur a 3% plus 30 cents transaction fee and issue an online receipt making it an easy and cost-effective way to donate.

Just think, now you can shop to save the planet, one great gift at a time.