For the record

Normally my posts are aimed at finding the perfect gift for a certain type of person, but there are a few items out there that I just have to mention before Christmas and I will run out of time to do so without this post. So, for the record, these are some of my favorite gifts this year (if anyone needs gift ideas for me, feel free to use this as a guide!):

I have been wanting to learn more French for awhile, and I think Rosetta Stone is the best choice to help me do just that (unless someone wants to send me to France, of course!). My father thinks I want to learn French so I can move to Paris... not a bad idea, pops!

I know these pink glitter Toms (available in more sizes at Nordstrom) are a bit self-indulgent, but I love them and don't care who knows it.

Apple's iPad (shown here in 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G model) is one of the hottest gadgets on the market this year; unfortunately, my MacBook uses an older operating system than the iPad requires for syncing, so this indulgence will have to wait...

...unless someone also wants to get me a new MacBook Pro! Mine has been through 3 years of law school (a miracle in itself) plus another year of miscellaneous use, which is quite impressive. It deserves a break.

The iPhone 4 has great new features like video and a 5 megapixel camera and is one of the best selling phones on the market. I have wanted an iPhone since I first heard rumors of its existence. Now that it seems a Verizon model is looming, maybe the time has come for me to take the plunge!

Sadly, my favorite show is over, but Lost will live on in the hearts and time-traveling minds of fans everywhere.

I recently discovered the show Lie to Me, about deception experts, and I am a bit obsessed. Telling Lies is the real-life inspiration for the series, and I can't wait to start reading it.

The Louis Vuitton Speedy is a classic - I prefer to think of it as an investment rather than a bag. Available from Louis Vuitton and LV boutiques in 4 sizes (25, 30, 35, 40), shown here in 35.

These rubber mocs from LL Bean are perfect for rainy days (or just because). I love the khaki/navy version, but there are also more colors to choose from.

The Trackstick Mini is a tiny, USB-like device that tracks your journeys and allows for geotagging photos, retracing your route, and marking favorite spots for easy return. Just turn it on and go on your merry way. When you get home, plug it into your computer and upload your travels. Perfect for travelers and outdoorsmen. There is also an iPhone app called Walkabout that does the same thing.

This sterling silver fingerprint signet ring is a unique gift that would be perfect for moms or even as an engagement or wedding ring. Submit your desired fingerprint and the artists will transform it into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Also available in gold and platinum.

I don't usually get excited about furniture, but this map chair caught my attention. These made-to-order chairs feature the location of your choice in decoupage, ready for duty in your home or office.

Every worker needs a nameplate - and what better way to introduce yourself than a whimsical version you won't find elsewhere! The Scrabble letters nameplate is a great choice for a new hire or for a home office.

• Pink peacoat: I don't have a certain version in mind, but you can't go wrong with Gap!
• Nap blanket (or nap snuggie): this is seriously the most comfortable blanket you will ever feel. And right now, Brookstone has them buy 1, get 1 half off!
• Decision Points by former President George W. Bush: love him or hate him, this is a rare chance to see inside the mind of one of the world's most powerful people. In case anyone is concerned about partisanship, I also own Bill Clinton's My Life.
• Ireland: you can buy a square foot of Irish countryside for only $49.99. It comes with pictures and directions in case you want to visit your domain. I think I would like to be called "Queen Gift Guru" among my woodland subjects.
• T-shirt blanket: take old t-shirts and make them into a comfy blanket than you can use or display. This makes a great graduation gift. Available from multiple sellers around the web (Google "tshirt blanket") or make your own!
• The Book of Awesome: this book, from the author of 1000 Awesome Things blog, is a blend of childhood memories, witty observations, and general feel-good sentiments that would suit almost any recipient. 

What's on your list this year?

For the greater good

When you think about gift-giving, your focus is naturally on your recipient - what are his interests, likes and dislikes, and needs. But gift-giving is also an opportunity to make an impact on someone other than your recipient. The next time you are brainstorming for a gift, consider choosing something that will benefit the greater good. Charitable gifts are especially great for recipients who are socially conscious, dedicated to a cause, or already have everything (and thus present a unique challenge in gift-giving).

If you want to give your recipient something she can use, decide on an item and then search the web to see if anyone offers the same or similar items attached to a charitable purpose. For example, if you want to give her shoes, consider Toms instead of a normal shoe store brand. But don't be afraid to give a gift that doesn't put anything in your recipient's hands - most people will care more about the donation in their name than about having another item in their lives.

If you just want to make a donation in your recipient's name, your possibilities are endless. Most organizations (even businesses) will accept donations on your recipient's behalf, even if they are not the traditional "charity" group. Just call their office or visit their website for more information. They will probably provide you with documentation of your gift (a letter or certificate) acknowledging the gift on your recipient's behalf, which is great to present to your recipient as his gift. Choose a group that is meaningful to your recipient, such as an animal shelter for a pet lover, the American Cancer Society for a cancer survivor, or the local arts council for a ballerina or musician. Some charities are primarily research or grant organizations, while others provide tangible items to the people they help. Whatever your fancy, you can find exactly what you're looking for.

A word of warning: do a little research into any organizations you aren't familiar with. Most charity groups are legitimate, but some are only in it for the money. Check out the organization's operating expenses and the percentage of funds they use for charitable purposes at Charity Navigator, which is also a great resource to help you find the perfect charity to receive your donation.

There are tons of worthwhile products and causes for you to choose from. Here are some of my favorites from around the web:

Toms Shoes are one of my favorite products these days. For each pair you purchase, Toms gives a pair to a shoeless child in a foreign country. There are lots of different colors and styles, and you can even get white ones and create your own design for your recipient! I especially love the yellow wedges (I am wearing these in my brother's wedding!) and the classic red canvas (I have owned them for 2 years and they are still going strong!), and I've got my eye on a pink glitter pair (so fun!).

FEED bags are roomy, durable, and reversible burlap bags that use money from your purchase to provide meals to school children around the world through the UN World Food Programme. You can buy bags, clothing, and jewelry, and can even order customized products. My FEED 1 bag stood up to a year of abuse from law books and is still in good shape.

These gorgeous bracelets from Same Sky are made by HIV+ Rwandan women who survived the country's 1994 genocide, and the profits benefit female artisans worldwide. They come in a variety of colors that are great for mixing and matching.

These cute animals are just a few of the many gift options available from organizations like Samaritans Purse and World Vision, which offer critical supplies to people in developing nations. You can give animals, wells, medicine, food, vocational training, and freedom from sexual exploitation, among others. These organizations also offer disaster relief, sponsorship of a needy child, and many other worthwhile causes.

Adopt an Animal programs - whatever your recipient's favorite animal is, you can find a group that rescues, protects, fosters, or prepares them for adoption. Gorillas, polar bears, tigers, pandas, sharks, butterflies - you can find anything you're looking for from the World Wildlife Fund or one of many other great preservation groups. One of my favorites is the WWF's Tub of Cubs, which lets you adopt a tiger cub, a cheetah cub, and a snow leopard cub, all for only $50! (Photo from Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International)

Humanitarian organizations receive an influx of donations when a disaster occurs, but they need funds in between those times as well. Consider making a donation to a group like the Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity. The Red Cross also offers the ability to provide specific relief supplies and purchase  products for your recipient, like first aid kits and emergency preparedness packages.

Local Opportunities
Don't forget about your/recipient's local organizations. These groups often need the most help, especially around the holidays. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Soup kitchens
• Goodwill/Salvation Army
• Religious groups or houses of worship
• Schools
• Animal shelters
• Scholarship funds
• Camps
• Vocational training groups
• Battered women's shelters

For more charitable gift ideas, check out Charitable Gift Giving Blog and Shopping for a Change. 

What are some of your favorite charitable organizations and/or gift ideas?