Charity Gifts for Friends and Family: Give Back this Christmas
Things. Stuff. Clutter. Shoved to the back of a cupboard, left unused on a shelf or added to the hardly ever used pile of quirky mugs they already own. We are a nation that is drowning in belongings and let’s face it, we don’t need any more.
Giving the gift of charity this year seems more apt than ever. It’s us being able to give back to the many charities and organisations that have gone above and beyond throughout this difficult year on increased need and cut resources. So if you’re looking for what to buy friends, family or work colleagues then hopefully this little guide on charity gifts for friends and family will help you on your quest to find the perfect gift.
It’s hard to find the perfect gift, the one that says both ‘I love you’ and ‘I know you’. Spoiler alert for my friends, but this year, my sisterhood circle will be receiving gifts of charity. Donations made in their name to causes that are close to their heart.
There are also some perks to gifting charity, It’s perfect for that person who you never know what to buy for. For the person who lives far away and you have to post a present to (often you can get the ‘token’ thank you sent straight to them, or just need to print off the donation and pop it in their Christmas card.)
For the many, many people who after this year especially understand now more than ever the true worth of charities and the amazing work they do, it’s a way to quietly say thanks for helping us keep the world propped up.
I’ve rounded up my top 5 favourite charities, and the gifting options they are offering, so you can see if they match a friend or family member too. The best thing about these is that there is one to fit every budget, and buying them at the start of December- because they are easy to wrap, keep and aren’t perishable- will make the run-up to Christmas as stress-free as possible, so in a way it’s also a gift to yourself.
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Animal Adoption: £32
You may be familiar with the name Durrell from the TV show The Durrells on ITV. Based on a true story, the young Gerald Durrell portrayed in the series went on to start The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and on Jersey you can find a zoo he started and that continues this day to be a world leading conservation trust.
Adopt a bear, lemur, flamingo, otter, orangutan or gorilla- this gift is perfect for an animal lover or eco warrior. You also have the option of getting a stuffed animal or you can choose to not receive this and make the money go a little bit further. You can adopt an animal here
Save The Children, Virtual Gift: £8- £158
With an option for every budget, there are a lot of choices on virtual gifts you can give. Whether you send an email with the gift image to it’s recipient for a paper free, post free christmas or print it off to tuck inside a christmas card this is a great way of showing you know someone enough to match a present idea, while also giving the gift of charity.
£8 will give the gift of toys, £15 a birth kit for midwives, two goats are £78 (a great present for a whole family?!) and £158 gives the gift of a year's education for a child who otherwise could not afford it. You can get your virtual gift here
Oxfam, Charity Gift Card- £5- £250
There are so many different options, all at different price points, but my favourite is the £10 option ‘Equal Voice For Women’. Oxfam describes why this gift is so badly needed: “Today, you’re more likely to be poor if you’re a woman. But we’re working with communities to change that. We’re helping more women to understand their rights, challenge discrimination and to take up leadership roles within their local communities.”
Refuge, Buy A Gift- £5- £100
Refuge is a national UK charity that helps women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Throughout lockdown, they have never been busier. When women and children flee abuse, they often have to leave everything behind.
Refuge offers a great gifting option, where you can buy a teddy bear, a set of books, a winter coat for a child or a scarf, sanitary products or cold winter set for women. There are a lot of different options at different price points. If you want to take a look, here are the options.
I hope I have inspired you to give a gift this year- or maybe swap all of your gifting!- to show a little love to charities that really need our support. Whether you adopt an animal, buy a coat for a child, or help fund a programme that will raise women's voices, you are helping to build a better 2021.
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Written By Rachael Mole
Blog: Sick In The City
