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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?

For the exam-taker

For college and graduate students everywhere, the start of the Christmas season is a double-edged sword. It's almost Christmas break and you get a whole month off. But that month off comes at a price - exams. Weeks of studying, stressing, and drinking so much coffee that your local barista starts your order as you walk in the door. Cramming more knowledge in your brain than you knew was possible, praying that your professor has mercy and asks the one question you actually know the answer to, and trying not to break down every time your parents tell you how their Christmas decorating is progressing. It seems like exams will never end - and then you get a care package. Suddenly, things are a little better. You remember that there is life outside of exams, that the stress won't last forever, and that someone is thinking about you.

This year, take a moment to be that someone for your favorite college or graduate student. Here are some ideas to brighten his day and take her stress level down a few notches.

• Coffee or a coffee gift card. My favorite coffee spots are Starbucks and Panera Bread - they have lots of locations and offer food and coffee. If your exam-taker prefers tea, you may want to choose a caffeinated version.
• Clif Bars. These pack a serious protein punch and are very tasty!
• Popcorn. A great study snack that's quick to make. My favorite is the movie theater butter version!
• Candy bars. Who doesn't love to indulge in their favorite guilty pleasure when they're stressed?!?
• Christmas candy. Preferably something with peppermint and/or chocolate.
• Chewing gum. Because sometimes you just need to chew on something while you're studying. Gummi bears also fulfill this desire and are more fun!
• Energy drinks. Love 'em or hate 'em, they work. Red Bulls seem to be the most popular, but there are some higher-octane choices too, such as Monster and 5-Hour Energy.
• Quick-fix meals. Studying requires sustenance, and time constraints require that it be quick. Some of my favorites are easy mac, frozen pizzas, and single serving soups.
• Highlighters, pencils, and pens. You can't ever have too many of these, especially during exams. Plus, if your recipient is anything like me, she hates switching colors midway through a book or document, so a stash of yellow highlighters is essential. I prefer the Sharpie Accents.
• Bluebooks and liquid paper (or some form of correction fluid). These things are easy to forget about until you are sitting in the exam room, and your exam-taker will thank you for remembering on his behalf.
• Earplugs. Silence is golden and very hard to find. Let your recipient create her own and maximize her study time. The foam ones, like Hearos, work best.
• Pain killers. Because exams = headaches, period.
• Post-it notes and flags. The more colorful, the better!
• A coloring book and crayons. Sometimes exams make you want to revert to childhood - and this will allow your exam-taker to do just that.
• A Slinky or some other frivolous toy. Just make sure it will provide a fun (but brief) distraction.
• iTunes gift card or a CD. Some people prefer to study with sound, some like complete silence, but everyone loves music at some point during their day.
• Something to look forward to post-exams. From a movie gift card to a massage voucher, anything that provides something fun or relaxing to look forward to will be a big hit.
• A note or card. You can't have too much encouragement or humor during exams, and your exam-taker will appreciate a reminder that you care about him.

There are several sites offering pre-packaged exam care packages (as well as packages for other occasions). Some of my favorites are Hip Kits, Care Packages, and Gift Baskets. What were/are some of your favorite exam treats?

Good luck to everyone taking exams!

For the college loyalist

In honor of my home state's (SC) big day today (Carolina vs. Clemson, generally referred to as "The Game" with no further explanation needed), I thought that gifts for your college loyalist recipient would be appropriate. Most of these items come in a wide variety of schools - check the links to see if your favorite school or team is available!

For the Carolina Gamecock:
As a holder of 3 degrees from the University of South Carolina, I am naturally biased toward the Gamecocks and that beautiful garnet and black. Here are some of my favorite USC products:

Game day pants (also available in black, red, and shorts) from Pennington and Bailes

Hot dog grill topper from Football Fanatics

The Coach's Shirt from Pennington and Bailes

Football purse from Football Fanatics

Game day skirt from Pennington and Bailes

Men's Bulova logo watch (other brands and women's styles available) from The Class Watch

For cheaper alternatives, visit Football Fanatics

Authentic full-size USC helmet from Football Fanatics

College desk box from Orvis

Plaid stadium blanket from The Stationery Studio

Locker room bedroom set from Football Fanatics

For the Clemson Tiger:
My grandfather played football (for Frank Howard), basketball, and baseball at Clemson and my grandmother was an IPTAY member and had season tickets to the football games for over 50 years, so I know a thing or two about Clemson. My grandmother even gave me issues of "Clemson World" my entire freshman year at USC, and several of my favorite Clemson fans reminded me (until my last semester of college) that it wasn't too late to transfer. Here is my ode to them:

Game day shorts (also available in khaki and long pants) from Pennington and Bailes

Women's classic button down from Pennington and Bailes

Ice cube tray from Football Fanatics

Monogrammed scarf in Clemson colors from Marley Lilly

iPhone cover from Game Time Geeks

Women's replica jersey from Football Fanatics

Campus word cloud framed print from Football Fanatics

BBQ steak brand from The Stationery Studio

Flat note cards from The Stationery Studio

Faux leather tote from McAuley's

For any college supporter:

• Autographed sports memorabilia is always a hit. Extra points if it is signed by the coach considered by fans to be "the great one" and/or the players of an extra-special season, preferably one that ended with a championship.
• Framed print depicting a campus landmark (such as a stadium, the library, or an academic building) or a special achievement for the university (a championship or some other milestone)

If your favorite fan isn't much for these types of gifts (or maybe already has them all!), you might want to consider giving a less-tangible present. Some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• A brick or other personalized item to be placed somewhere on campus (usually with the recipient's name and class year, and often their degree)
• A donation to the school's scholarship fund or a subdivision special to your recipient (such as a Greek or other extracurricular organization or their degree program). If you have lots of money burning a hole in your pocket (think $25k or more), you could even endow a scholarship in your recipient's name.
• A membership to the alumni association

Do you have your own favorite collegiate gifts? Please share them in the comments!

Go Gamecocks!

New Addition to Tips Page

Check out the Tips for Gift-Giving tab for lots of tips, suggestions, and rules of gift-giving. Think I left something out? Leave me a comment or email me at scgiftguru@gmail.com!