Shopping Alternatives: Ethical Christmas Gifts
It never fails – every year there is someone on the Christmas list that is virtually impossible to shop for. Everyone recommends giving ethical Christmas gifts for these recipients, but do you really know what an ethical Christmas gift is?
Ethical Christmas gifts are those that will help someone else just by using them. They can also be gifts purchased to support a cause or a donation given in the name of someone else.
Ethical gifts are best appreciated by someone who also likes to give to others in their lives. If you have someone on your Christmas list who is a regular volunteer worker or who donates to several causes during the year, they make a great candidate for an ethical gift.
Maybe you don’t have enough money to make a donation in the name of everyone that you know. If not, you can turn your donation into a family gift. For example, one of your good neighbors may like animals. Make a donation in their name to an animal rescue program or a wildlife fund. Present a plaque or card to the family stating that a donation was made in their name.
For a greater level of support this year, consider buying your gifts and cards from organizations that raise money for global awareness campaigns. For instance, you can purchase recycled greeting cards from an organization with the goal to save the earth. Profits from charities like the March of Dimes, The American Red Cross and UNICEF are used to help in relief efforts and research.
Many people want to get in touch with the real spirit of giving around the holidays. It is perfectly acceptable to give gifts when the spirit in which they are given is one of love and kindness. Ethical Christmas gifts have the distinction of being timeless. A lovely vase or figurine may sit in your living room and collect dust. A gift of new water wells for a poor village will continue to give even after Christmas is over.
Ethical gifts have the distinction of positive feelings tied to them. Parents know the frustration they feel when a toy that was begged for is tossed in the corner a week later. Instead of so many gifts that clutter up the household, you can teach kids how they can give to other kids that may need the basic essentials such as food or clothing.
Gifts are a large part of the spirit of the holiday. When we do something for another, it adds to our well-being. Giving to a worthy cause gives you a chance to help others. You are actively making a difference in the world by choosing to give an ethical gift and/or receiving one graciously from another. Who wouldn’t get a deep down good feeling from that?
Chele Neisler is your host for Moms Love Shopping. As a mother of three boys, Chele is happy to have Moms Love Shopping as an outlet and a connection to other women. Spending every moment with all males isn’t easy! Hosting the show also allows her the chance to return to her two first loves, shopping and chatting.
