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Christmas gift idea

November 2nd, 2009 at 02:22 pm

So DH and I would really like to go "non-material" this year with our gift giving. We'd like to donate money to charities in honor of our family and friends. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on junk that no one wants or needs, we just would love to have our money go toward the causes we feel are important this year.

Then, we woke up to reality. There is absolutely no freakin' way that our families would accept this kind of gesture. Unfortunately, both our sides expect nice gifts under the tree for Christmas... a card or certificate acknowledging a donation just wouldn't cut it.

We'll still donate to our charities this year but alas, we'll have to just conform and buy more junk again as always.

7 Responses to “Christmas gift idea”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1257171922

    Even though you have to give a gift, consider whether it could be an experience gift. Money towards dinner out, a play, a movie...or some other appropriate experience.

    Good luck!

  2. momcents Says:
    1257174345


    Can you give gifts associated with a foundation or charity group? My relatives are going to get some jelly and jam made by the friars at a Franciscan monestary in addition to some coffe/tea and nice new mugs (purchased last year on sale after Xmas).

    Let us know what you decide on for those relatives!

  3. LuxLiving Says:
    1257176735

    We have the same desires and came to the same conclusions a few years back. We've gone to giving dining gift cards or gifts of food, no need to add more to everyone's clutter.

  4. Ima saver Says:
    1257178458

    I love getting restaurant cards!

  5. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    1257181282

    Momcents' idea sounds good. Something sold by a charity or a fair trade shop, maybe? What is the name of the shop the Mennonites have in some cities? Something like, "One Thousand Villages." They are volunteer staffed (I think), so the money raised goes to people who actually made the very interesting, sometimes even luxurious gifts. Things like silk scarves, totally hand made woollen hats, one of a kind flutes, drums, chess sets, small pieces of furniture, jewelry, toys. All of it handmade and unique. Online, National Geographic has a shop called Novica.com that does the same thing. They also will convey messages from you to the original artisan, and you can read a short very personal autobiography of each artisan on the site.

  6. boomeyers Says:
    1257222201

    I love Momcents' idea! What about a "family" gift, where it is one larger gift for the whole family? Could save some in the long run!

  7. monkeymama Says:
    1257538162

    I prefer to give to charity for Christmas. Thankfully, my family and many of our close friends are open to this.

    Sometimes I take a guess based on someone's personality, and usually they are so surprised and thrilled to get such a thoughtful gift. (IT's rather unique!)

    Dh's family? Pffft. I would never do that to them - they would flip out. HEck, I brought it up to his mom thinking she may be open, and she said, "Save your money.!" She is a giving person, why I tried, but Christmas to her is all about material crap.

    Momcent's idea is excellent for middle ground.

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