The weather outside is frightful, but this year, holiday gifts to family and friends don’t have to be. The holiday season is filled with stress and craziness, but the true meaning of the season is spending time with friends and family and giving back to those in need. This year, Bear Facts has found presents for all your love ones that will live brighten their spirits while contributing to greater causes such as the preservation of the environment, the support and research of cures for cancers, and give back to others. With the help of donating websites, your gifts this year will have a double impact on its recipients. For sites that directly affect the lives of others, visit http://charitynavigator.org and http://worldvision.org. These sites offer gifts card for any money amount, and the recpipant can choose a cause, like Make a Wish or Chrohn’s and Colitis foundation, to donate to.
Give back to: CHARITIES THAT PROTECT ANIMALS
Mom: Candles in scents such as Jasmine, Vanilla and Passion fruit are decorated with pictures of adorable rescued animals and give 10 percent of the profit to organizations (Animal rescue corps, Best friend’s animal society) that work towards preventing animal cruelty.
Dad: Give your Dad something as meaningful and simple as a leather journal or a picture frame (with a picture of you) from the animal rescue site, which takes a portion of proceeds to fund the food and shelter of rescued animals.
Siblings/Friends: The next best thing to a pillow pet, PB teen’s “pet pillow” features a picture of a rescued animal, and $5 of each purchase is donated to ASPCA, the American society for the prevention of animal cruelty.
Grandpants: Give your grandparents cozy knit scarves and hat sets for this harsh Chicago winter. Proceeds help support the preservation of the rain forest and the animals that live there.
Give back to: THE ENVIORMENT
www.royaloak.org $$$
Mom: Cozy woven blankets in unique designs are made from 100% recycled wool and give a portion of the proceeds to the Royal Oak foundation, which spread awareness on conservation issues.
www.orvis.com $$$$
Dad: This sites features all kinds of outdoor wear for Dad, from boots to jackets and gives at least 5 percent back to protect places like the Everglades and endangered animals like the Black Rhino.
Sibling/friends: Alapca socks aren’t only softer than silk and warmer than wool, they are made from 100 percent recycable products and support local buisnesses like Clare Limerick Alpaca and Produce Ranch.
Grandparents: Give your grandma and grandpa unique gifts from http://ecoist.com, which feature various collections of home decorations and bags, all made from 100% recycled materials.
Give back to: CHILDREN WITH DISEASES
www.smashbox.com $$$$
Mom: This professional makeup set includes 12 eye shadows, four cream eyeliners, mini lid primer, mascara, and a step-by-step look book. By purchasing, you can help a child fight a life-threatening illness through the Children’s Miracle Network.
Edwin Jagger features a wide range of sophisticated shaving creams and travel kits. $1 of every $5 spent goes to fund research for kids with cancer.
When you buy earphones and Iphone cases from www.giftsthatgive.com, you can choose a specific children’s charity to donate a portion of the proceeds too.
Your grandparents will love Life soap company’s fresh-scented organic bar soap, in which 90% of the profits goes to children’s clean water projects in Nicaragua.