Now that Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have passed, you might have a few people left on your list that are a bit harder to buy for. Yes, sometimes I end a sentence with a preposition --- sue me.
Below is my tried and true list of gifts that give back and may speak to the passion or interest of those hard to buy for loved ones:
* Kiva is a rewarding and interactive way to help those who want to help themselves but need a little financial boost to get going. The money gets repaid and can be re-gifted to another person in need, making this a gift that truly keeps on giving.
* One of my dearest friends helped to start Drop in the Bucket, an organization that builds water wells in Africa. Every person on this planet deserves clean drinking water and giving a donation in someone's name will make everyone feel great. Give the gift card inside the sleek and attractive Drop in the Bucket glass bottle.
* I am super passionate about the rescue, protection and preservation of elephants and one of the best gifts I have ever received is the ongoing sponsorship of a sweet ele named Sities, through The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. A sponsorship of an ele or rhino would make a memorable and inspiring gift for an animal lover, especially when gifted with Dame Daphne Sheldrick's book, Love Life and Elephants, an African Love Story. Since I have your attention, please take a moment to read and sign the petition to halt the destructive ivory trade once and for all by visiting iWorry - Say NO to Ivory.
* Common Threadz is a non profit that focuses on helping children by supporting them and local communities in the developing world. The online shop has gobs of cool t shirts for sale that help fund their mission.
* Donors Choose is another fantastic and interactive way to give back because every single donation goes directly to a classroom project of your choosing. The recipient can narrow down the selection based on state, city, school, teacher and/or project. After the money is given to the project, the recipient will receive at least one letter from the teacher and classroom, expressing thanks or updating the progress or impact of their funded project.