Holiday gifts that give…

It’s that time of year again and if you’re like me you’re wondering what the heck to get for the people you love. If you’re looking for some unique gift ideas – that you can feel good about giving – here you go…

Give the Gift of Mentoring

Donate to a Big Brothers Big Sisters program in your home town – and help change a kid’s life. I mentor two girls in Lane County (Oregon) and I’m also the board president of the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters (this is me disclosing).

Click here to make a donation the the Lane County Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Click here to make a find a Big Brothers Big Sisters in your area to donate the gift of mentoring to.

Give em the Beef!

(that is, the antibiotic-free, grass-fed, healthy beef)

Okay – this may piss-off the vegetarians and environmentalists out there, but I’m someone who loves a good healthy piece of meat, fish, pork, chicken, etc.

This site allows you to search for local meat farmers in your area. They also provide links to read about the benefits to the animals (I know, they still get eaten), the environment, the farmers and the health benefits to you.

I’m also a fan of the Farmer’s Markets – so for my fellow Oregonians, here’s a link to find your local farmer’s markets.

Have an Merry Etsy Christmas!

Two years ago I had a total Etsy Christmas – where I used the Etsy Local search option and purchased handmade items for family and friends from their own back yard! It’s a great site and it supports all individuals who create their own items.

Just enter your City and State in their “local” search field and browse away! There are some really beautiful products on this site – and some of the photography is spectacular!

Happy Holidays!!!

Have a “one of a kind” holiday…

I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Web site ETSY, but it’s really great. It’s a site that buys and sells all things HANDMADE. Their mission is “to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect the makers with the buyers.”

Last Christmas I purchased 60% of my gifts from Etsy, and I used their SHOP LOCAL search function and was able to support artists that live near my friends and family. It also saved on shipping costs. You can also support different locations using their GEOLOCATOR - and it’s fun to use too! They even have a handy GIFT GUIDE – to help you search by price, gender, gift type, occasion, etc.

And I know what you may be thinking about “handmade” items – well this site will change your mind. Sure, there are some crafty items that look like they’ll fall apart in a day or two, or look like your kid made it in daycare – but there are MANY handmade items on this site that are truly beautiful. Here are some of my favorites….

These beautiful crystal pear earrings for $13.60. Now there is only one pair available, so this link to these earrings may only work until they are sold.

The artist is malves1009 from Jackson, New Jersey

And this clutch bag for $43.00 (also only one in stock).

The artist is LaVitaLola from Los Angelas, CA

Give the Gift of Mentoring

I’m on the board of directors of a non-profit organization in Eugene, Oregon called Committed Partners for Youth (CPY). CPY provides caring adult mentors to the highest needs kids in Lane County – especially kids that have one or both parents in prison. This is a social issue I don’t think many people think about – and they should. Mainly because these numbers are not shrinking – and we need to intervene before they follow their parents footsteps…

You can support these kids by joining the “Mentor Kids With A Parent In Prison” Cause on Facebook. You can then make a secure online donation (click image below) and give the gift of mentoring. Your donation will help match a kid who has a parent in prison with a caring adult mentor. Oh – I’ve also been mentoring a female youth for 4 years now who has a parent in prison and a mother who struggles with drug addiction. It’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. But I understand that not everyone can mentor a kid, but perhaps can support this important cause through their dollars. This is a gift that definitely keeps on giving and is truly priceless!

If you’re one of those amazing people – please consider donating to a worthy cause. Instead of buying some cheap crap from China this holiday season, show your appreciation for your friends and family by supporting a cause in their name.