by Kantha Wijeratne

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

Gift giving is something that affects us emotionally and financially. An important consideration when choosing a gift is the recipient. Age, relationship, interests and financial security of the friend or family member are carefully taken into account in the gift selection process. While material gifts appeal to most, there are some adults as well as kids who seem to have everything they need. How do you give them gifts that they would truly appreciate? A gift that gives back can be a wonderful way to spread your love and caring.

There are two main types of gifts that give back. Donations to causes and charities benefit both the recipients and your loved ones. Volunteering for a cause by giving of your time or skills can also be an emotionally gratifying experience.

Do you have a loved one who is passionately interested in contributing to a cause? It may be to fight poverty, contribute to breast cancer research, conserve the environment or to help victims of natural disasters and political upheaval. There are many charitable foundations such as Habitat for Living, Arbor Day Foundation and Mercy Corps that welcome donations to do their work. On receipt of your donation, your loved one will receive a card with your message. Your loved one would value this gift that helps to fill a need and bring hope to those less fortunate.

Kids also can benefit from gifts that give back. Rather than give a child yet another electronic toy or gadget, why not show them the value of sharing a gift with others less fortunate? Mark Makers and Donors Choose are two organizations that will let a child choose items that can be bought with his donation to help other needy kids. A gift of this sort can help a child learn the joys of giving and sharing at a tender age.

Volunteering is another gift that gives back. Whether it is taking an elderly parent for an outing or reading or writing letters or giving of your special skills to an organization, these are gifts that help to fill economic and emotional voids and help build better relationships. Volunteering means you care enough for a person or cause to give of the precious gift of time.

In conclusion, a carefully thought out gift is one that should provide happiness to the recipient. It does not necessarily have to mean a gift wrapped box or basket. Giving your loved one a gift that give back, either as a charitable donation or by volunteering, has immense benefits. It adds to the spiritual well being of both you and the loved one you give to. The charity or cause you serve receives help to progress in its work. It is a gift that will not diminish with time but help instead to enhance the quality of life of our loved ones and society at large.

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