8 of 15

Write now Article Tools

My readers have been pressing me for a good Christmas shopping advice article, but I am afraid this year I am going to have to disappoint them. Due to the state of the economy and raging gas prices during the summer months, I had to enforce iron-clad financial discipline and didn't really do much shopping in the traditional sense. That said, it doesn't mean that my friends and family are going to end up giftless this year - not at all. It is just that I had to re-think the concept of a gift and put it in the context of the times we are currently experiencing.

Having been an active contributor to many charitable organizations, I had no problem with wrapping paper and greeting cards. I am sure many of you know that World Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Fund, CARE and other organizations will send you free gift wrap and cards, even if you have only made one donation. Both the paper and the cards are of good quality and very nicely designed, so I kept most of them (I gave away holiday cards that had a too-pronounced Christian religious message on them, because I wouldn't feel comfortable sending them to people, considering I am not a Christian).

World Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Fund were also of great help to me in finding gifts for children in my family. Both of them offered an adorable toy (usually representing an endangered species) as a free gift with a donation of $15 - $20. Many people disregard these offers because they believe that anything free equals cheaply made and of poor quality. I decided to be brave, plus I was going to donate anyway, so why not check out what they had to offer? As a result I have a selection of excellent adorable toys, colorful fluffy towels and even an umbrella with butterflies on it and a good feeling in my heart having supported a worthy cause.

I bought some additional toys from another old favorite - Coldwater Creek. The outlet section has some very cute little beasts for as little as $12.50. Incidentally, the same section has many other gift options for people on your list, and you can feel good about spending money there, because many of the Coldwater Creek stores are powered by wind turbine, and a share of all proceeds is donated to breast cancer research.

Several catalogues I received offered free products with an order. Sometimes there was a qualifying amount in order to receive the freebie (i.s. free "something" with the order of $60 or more) and sometimes there wasn't - I zeroed in on the latter. So,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Helpful holiday shopping hints?
We want to hear your view. Write now!