Donations as Christmas Gifts

[happybratpack]

Everytime I think about this I think of Seinfeld, but thought I'd ask for other opinions.

Several friends are very involved in different causes and I'm considering instead of a tangible Christmas gift to donate or sponsor towards their cause. (only organizations I know of personally, I'm non-profit paranoid) For example, a couple adoptive Moms would be sponsoring a child in an orphanage, my dog lover friend would be something from Best Friends or the SPCA, that kind of thing. Most come with a certificate from the agency, etc so I can package like a regular gift.

Would you not like this? Does it seem cheesy? It's not that I don't want to buy them something, but was hoping to find something more meaningful to each of them than another piece of clothing or figurine. However, if it comes across as a "cop-out" kind of gift to people I don't want that either.

I'm sure I am worrying about this much more than I should.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I like the Make a Wish Foundation and give to that every year and would never mind receiving a gift from someone who made a donation in our name....also St. Jude Childrens' Research Hospital is another one that comes to mind and if people would rather donate to that in lieu of a gift to me or us, I think it is a great idea.. I also give to PanCan myself, but that is because it is near and dear to our hearts, but I have not given that as a present to someone.

I do not think it is cheesy, I actually think it is pretty cool that you would donate in someone's name.. I think they might send something out to the person who was getting that as their gift this Christmas Holiday.

 

[Hedy]

Sounds great to me. My sister did this last year, but I think we did it backwards-she picked the charity she donated to in our name, we donated to the food pantry my dad worked at in her and her SO's name.

 

[Belle2667]

I think it's an awesome idea!

One year, my husband donated a goat in my name through WorldVision for a family in Africa. I still think that's the best gift I ever got.

Last year, our extended family requested a family through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and instead of doing our $20pp Secret Santa, we each bought gifts for this family with the money we would have spend on something not needed. We are trying to get the same family this year. It was much more enjoyable because we knew the family needed to have a Christmas while we didn't need (nor did we miss) anything.

I think spreading the joy of Christmas and giving is much better than receiving!!

 

[rkrivas]

I think it's a wonderful idea, especially for people where you're not sure what to get them.

One of my prior managers has been in remission from breast cancer for several years. Five of her direct reports made a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation and she was very touched by it -- we also felt it a lot more appropriate and heartfelt than something would typically be given to a boss.

 

[salmoneous]

I think it's a fantastic idea. If somebody gave me a gift that was just a card saying they knew how much I loved my dogs and made a donation to the rescue group where I got them, that would easily be the most meaning gift I recieved all year.

But, you need to be very careful. It has to be 100% clear that you are giving to a charity based on the desires of the person getting the gift, not your own. Giving a gift to your favorite charity and claiming it as a gift to someone else is tacky.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

I think this is great!

 

[magicmato]

I think it's a fantastic idea. If somebody gave me a gift that was just a card saying they knew how much I loved my dogs and made a donation to the rescue group where I got them, that would easily be the most meaning gift I recieved all year.

But, you need to be very careful. It has to be 100% clear that you are giving to a charity based on the desires of the person getting the gift, not your own. Giving a gift to your favorite charity and claiming it as a gift to someone else is tacky.

This I agree with.

My uncle gets everyone in the family something from the Heiffer Project through his church. While it is a nice thought, part of me keeps thinking what a nice tax write-off it is, not to mention that I am not sure it is truly made in our name, since he just sends a sheet that he printed off their website of what it is he donated and he writes a hand-written note that says "Merry Christmas! Someone will have a goat (or whatever) this year!"

Now, if he gave to a group in my name (and they sent me a card letting me know), and it was something I personally supported and was passionate about, I would think it was very thoughtful.

 

[happybratpack]

I think it's a fantastic idea. If somebody gave me a gift that was just a card saying they knew how much I loved my dogs and made a donation to the rescue group where I got them, that would easily be the most meaning gift I recieved all year.

But, you need to be very careful. It has to be 100% clear that you are giving to a charity based on the desires of the person getting the gift, not your own. Giving a gift to your favorite charity and claiming it as a gift to someone else is tacky.

Oh yea, I wouldn't do that at all. I'd definitely gear it towards their interests and all of these people donate their own time/money to certain places so that's the direction I would go in.

Thanks for everyones input!!!