11/28/2008
Stuff to Buy Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
The biggest trends in gift giving this holiday season are gifts that give. A hard-hit economy has made giving more thoughtful than ever before. Giving is more that just buying. Presents will reflect how you feel about your community and what is important you. Use this opportunity to make a statement and help those in need. We are shopping anyway, so why not spread the wealth or benefit a charity or cause? There are many to choose from and you are sure to find a cause that is close to your heart, or one that has touched the life of a loved one. Make a difference. Gifts that keep giving are hip and say that you care about your world and the special people in it.
If you are unsure about a charity, you can check on it through the California Attorney General's Web site, through GuideStar or through the Better Business Bureau. These sites will also allow you to view the charity's 1099 tax form, which shows you how much the organization raises, how much they use for the actual charity, and how much their management team makes.
Founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, gifts can be found at many retailers with proceeds of those sales to benefit African women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Look for (RED) partnered with iconic brands like Gap, Motorola and Apple among others. This is a well-recognized charity that has made huge progress in its effort to affect change. You can find items to benefit (RED) in almost every retail venue. Shop (RED) knowing that you are giving hope to millions. Check out the Web site and find all the products that give to Product (RED).
This site has links to all the hottest celebrity charities, and you can buy gifts designed by the stars or give a donation in the name of someone special in lieu of presents this year. Julia Roberts designed bracelets for Emporio Armani and 40 percent of the profits benefit (RED). All proceeds of the Killers' single, "Don't Shoot Me Santa," go directly to the Global Fund.
The online holiday issue of "Marie Claire" features 31 gifts that benefit charities and causes world-wide. Choose from jewelry and clothing to home items to assist worthy recipients this holiday season.
T-shirts, jewelry and handbags, as well as many other items, go to support hunger, breast cancer research, animal rescue, children's health, literacy and rainforests. There is a cause for every interest and great gifts to promote fair trade and self-sufficiency around the globe.
Proceeds from sales of the super sexy, high-style handbag benefit a children's charity in Uruguay that houses young children who suffer abandonment and abuse.
The Body Shop offers "Stop Domestic Violence Lip Balm." For $8 you can support this cause, and $2 of every sale goes to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Buy cards, toys for children and more at UNICEF's online store. This charity benefits children around the world and is highly recognized as a leader in advocacy for children.
Kmart, Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, Target and many others participate in the Thanks and Giving campaign, which benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can also visit the online gift shop and find the "Give Thanks" T-shirt from DKNY, a teddy bear and plastic tote. o find great gifts the support this amazing cause.
The gift shop has fun, practical, inexpensive items that support the Save the Children cause. This is a great site for kids to shop for stainless steel travel mugs or ties or baseball caps for dad and more.
Shopping with benefits offers a directory of charitable shopping sites from which to choose. This is also a great place to get started on a lifestyle of good works.
This "green" eco-friendly company is donating 100 percent of the sales from Charity Pot cream to benefit a handful of concerns including the Unite Against AIDS campaign, UNICEF, Water Can and more.
About.com's Top 10 Holiday Gifts that Give Back are fun and practical. The women of Magdalene support their shelter by selling skin care products and beautifully scented candles. Find something to believe in and gifts with a soul, while making the world a better place one dollar at a time.
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Lip Balm sells for $1.50, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the cause. What better, cheaper and practical way to make a difference?