Gifts That Keep Giving

Do you want to give a gift that’s thoughtful and is certain to be put to good use? Instead of giving a token trinket that may end up on a shelf, give one of these green gifts that support communities in need, give back to the earth and make the world a better place.


Empower somebody with microfinance Microcredit is an extremely effective tool to help individuals improve their lives. Kiva is a non-profit micro-loan organization that helps alleviate poverty by putting lenders in direct contact with entrepreneurs in the developing world. You can purchase a gift certificate for a minimum of $25 from their website and the recipient selects which entrepreneur they want to support from Kiva’s website. Once the loan is repaid, the funds can also be re-loaned to another entrepreneur. Give two gifts in one Computers enable people to more easily and quickly learn and make connections with others than ever before. For kids in developing countries getting regular access to a computer is difficult. A not-for-profit project lead by MIT faculty called One Laptop Per Child has created the XO Laptop designed especially for children to use in places that don’t have regular access to electricity or the internet. For $399 you can donate a laptop to a child in the developing world and get one for a child in your own world. Buy fair trade gifts The Fair Trade movement helps suppliers in the developing world rise above poverty by enabling them to better compete in the global market. The movement’s principles include fair terms of trade, decent working conditions, fair prices, community development and environmental sustainability. Make sure the gift you give is also giving back fairly to the people who produced it by looking for the Fair Trade Certified label. For a list of fair trade products visit TransFair USA or the Fairtrade Foundation. Support wildlife Send a turtle to rehab, give a polar bear a tattoo or share the gift of elephant-protecting dung with your loved ones. The World Wildlife Fund has several gifts that keep giving by educating people, helping animals and humans co-exist in harmony and protecting wildlife. Read more at the World Wildlife Fund’s website. Toast with organic wine Biodynamic, sustainable and organic wines and spirits will bring joy while giving back to the earth. Three favorites are Fleury’s Champagne Rosé Brut, a biodynamic pink champagne with a taste of strawberries and praline; the fruity, zesty Domain des Granges de Mirabel 2005 from Rhone Valley’s biodynamic pioneer Michel Chapoutier; and the award-winning organic Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2005 from Sicily’s COS winery. These fantastic wines can be purchased at Saf London or finer wine shops. Offset a carbon footprint Looking for the perfect gift for a frequent traveler or heavy commuter? Help them offset their carbon footprint by planting a tree or buying a low carbon-emitting present from the Carbon Footprint website.