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Giving gifts can often become nothing more than exchanging money for a glossy picture on a big box. However, the true spirit of giving doesn't have to be measured in gold. Sometimes it truly is the thought, care, and compassion behind the gift that makes it something so very special.

Gifts that give back are ideas and/or items that help brighten the life of more than just the gift recipient. Gifts that involve some sort of charity or donation enrich the lives of not only everyone directly involved in the gift exchange, but enriches the lives of complete strangers as well. The gift doesn't even have to be boring; there are tons of great presents out there that help everyone!

Animal Art Gifts

Many zoos and other animal care facilities, especially ones that house elephants or chimps, sell some of the most wonderfully unique art in the world. To help keep animals stimulated, and to raise money for their care, zoos are letting their creatures paint pictures. These primitive pictures are then sold as true pieces of art, with all funds going to the facility.

Donation Card Gifts

It may seem like a tired, old tradition, but donation cards are always thoughtful gifts. Let someone know a tree was planted in their name, or a homeless shelter filled their pantry shelves with the donation. Though the gift doesn't go directly to them, it's always nice to know someone else's life was made a little better in honor of them.

Stuffed Animal Gifts

Many animal charities have decides to add a little something to the basic, donation card idea. Instead of just a certificate, they are now giving away little stuffed animals that look like the creature you donated to. Nothing gets to a cat lover quicker than a stuffed tiger with a note that a donation to tigers in India
was made in their name.

International Culture Gifts

There are endless charities from around the world that offer a glimpse into their unique culture. Let a friend enjoy a CD of some native African songs while helping support African orphanages. Give a sweater knitted by villagers, chopsticks hand carved by an old artisan, or earrings crafted from native beads by native families. These global products are wonderful, as long as they help support the creator and their culture.

Museum Shop Gifts

Though presents from your typical museum gift shop tend to be expensive, they can end up being worth the cost. Museums tend to get much more diverse and educational products then most stores. They bring in the rare and unique, setting them apart from a regular gift shop. This makes their products great gifts for curious kids.

The extra profit from a museum gift shop purchase goes to help support the museum in general. Just remember to include a note, tickets to an exhibit, or museum brochure, in the present so the recipient knows the gift helps support a local museum.

Learn more about this author, Aysha Schurman.
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