GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

As the Holidays are fast-approaching, here are some fun gift ideas that bless the person you're giving too and also help someone else in return. These are gifts that GIVE BACK to other organizations, causes and people in need. Check them out ... another edition to come in a few weeks.

#1: Beautiful hand-made cards, jewelry, gift bags, photo albums, etc. - to benefit the Tamar Center in Pattaya, Thailand (which rescues, provides a job/shelter for former bar girls. This ministry literally saves their lives and works towards restoration and salvation through Jesus Christ). I have purchased lots of this stuff in person! It's gorgeous and made with time, talent and determination. Here's the storefront: http://www.tamarcards.com/about.php

#2: Buy a Thai hand bag and change a life - "Freedom comes with every bag"
Storefront: http://stepahead.myshopify.com/
"The handmade beauty of ITSERA fine woven leather, or Thai Totes products delivers not only excellent quality and amazing value, but also new lives, hope, and dignity with increased economic opportunities for women at risk of sexual exploitation in Thailand."

#3: This website is run by people who lost their jobs during the recession - you support people who lost their jobs by making a purchase (via a recent news article). They have some beautiful hand-crafted work. Storefront: http://www.etsy.com/

#4: Here are a TON of great gift ideas that Give Back to multiple organizations/causes: http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/85/15-great-gifts-that-give-back.html

#5: "TOMS" Shoes - with every pair that you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need - WOW!! Storefront: http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=nonprofit&cdn=b2b&tm=12&gps=108_13_1680_935&f=00&su=p284.12.336.ip_p554.18.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.tomsshoes.com/

#6: Jedidiah Clothing - "Fusing the beauty of art with the fabric of clothing for a greater good" Storefront/Information: http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=nonprofit&cdn=b2b&tm=91&gps=29_9_1680_935&f=00&su=p284.12.336.ip_p554.18.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.jedidiahusa.com/

#7: St. Jude ADORABLE Collector's Bears! Helps St. Jude continue helping and saving children. Storefront: http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=nonprofit&cdn=b2b&tm=161&gps=36_2_1680_935&f=00&su=p284.12.336.ip_p554.18.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/shop.do%3FcID%3D12721%26pID%3D15101

#8: I love this one! "Build-a-Bear" special edition that goes to help endangered species! Storefront: http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=nonprofit&cdn=b2b&tm=233&gps=267_24_1680_935&f=00&su=p284.12.336.ip_p554.18.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.buildabear.com/shopping/productDetail.jsp%3FproductId%3Dprod10300265%26selectedParentCategoryId%3Dcat110056%26categoryId%3Dcat110062%26dressMeMode%3Dtrue

#9: "BEAUTIFUL FEET" - beautiful collection of shoes who also donates to people in need of shoes ... "BUY ONE, GIVE ONE." Storefront/more information:
http://nonprofit.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=nonprofit&cdn=b2b&tm=354&gps=35_64_1680_935&f=00&su=p284.12.336.ip_p554.18.336.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.beautifulfeet.org/store/


Lastly, check out this article from ABC with several gift ideas for "GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK" and make a difference this Holiday Season: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/JobClub/gifts-give-holiday-presents-charity/story?id=12271463


Thank you for making a difference.