Gifts that Give Back
Buying gifts when we seem to have it all is tough. It is hard in many ways: what to buy someone who has everything; how much to spend; and how can we spend so much money on "wants" when others struggle to buy "needs".
Each year we try to give back as much as we can and cut back on the amount of "stuff". It can easily get out of control because all we want to do is please and make people happy. If only we would realize that its not "stuff" that makes us happy, happiness is in "us".
With that said, it is nice to give a gift. So, we try to think of ways to "give back" also. Here are some ideas that we've used in the past and we are using this year:
I hope some of these ideas inspire you too. Of course there is also donating to the Food Bank or participating in other organizations, such as "Out of the Cold", "Operation Christmas Child", etc.
I am just loving this feeling of "Christmas Giving"! It is one of my favourite times of the year! I hope you are enjoying the holiday spirit too.
Merry Christmas!
~Jen
Each year we try to give back as much as we can and cut back on the amount of "stuff". It can easily get out of control because all we want to do is please and make people happy. If only we would realize that its not "stuff" that makes us happy, happiness is in "us".
With that said, it is nice to give a gift. So, we try to think of ways to "give back" also. Here are some ideas that we've used in the past and we are using this year:
- Adopt-a-family (we adopt a family through Family and Children's Services, and buy their Christmas gifts, and donate a grocery gift card) ~ We have done this for 5 years now, but the last two years we have taken on larger families and split the cost with our in laws instead of exchanging gifts. We all go out and shop for the gifts together and then have a nice lunch or dinner.
- World Vision Gifts ~ This is a popular one for me. I usually make a donation in my grandparents name. This year I am donating money for blankets and also buying them each a blanket as a symbol.
- Toy Drive ~ Each year we take our kids shopping to pick out a toy for the Angel Tree or a toy drive. This year my oldest is picking one out on behalf of his teacher as part of her Christmas gift. We will take a pic and put it in a card for her.
- Toms ~ Toms are quite the popular shoe, but they also have accessories too. For every purchase they match a donation (e.g., one pair of shoes bought = one pair of shoes donated).
- Me-to-We ~ There is an online store to buy gifts made by artisans in various countries and the money earned goes towards their community. I have purchased Rafiki Friendship Necklaces for the boys' teachers and daycare providers.
I hope some of these ideas inspire you too. Of course there is also donating to the Food Bank or participating in other organizations, such as "Out of the Cold", "Operation Christmas Child", etc.
I am just loving this feeling of "Christmas Giving"! It is one of my favourite times of the year! I hope you are enjoying the holiday spirit too.
Merry Christmas!
~Jen
Comments
Post a Comment