Holiday Gift Ideas :: Giving Twice as Much

With the Holidays coming closer and closer, here are some tips in which you can get some goodies to friends and family, whilst giving back at the same time and helping those who are less fortunate or in need of help.

Every year during the holidays, I know MAC has a few items out that help support men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Also don't forget they also have their year-round MAC VIVA Glam collection that also helps benefit HIV/AIDS victims. All proceeds will go to the MAC AIDS Fund.

Viva Glam Melt Your Heart Lip Bag - $36USD

Kids Helping Kids Tree Teddy
Holiday Ornament - $18USD

Illustrated by children affected by HIV/AIDS
Kids Helping Kids Holiday Gift Cards
$10USD for 6 Cards + Envelopes

Links of London also teamed up with FEED this year. It's a little price than the other items mentioned here at $125USD and is available at the Links of London website. FEED is dedicated in fighting child hunger around the world. Every purchase of a bracelet helps donate meals to individuals of need. On the sterling silver adornments on 5 of the 6 bracelets will have the word "FEED" engraved on it and a number on the back that indicates the amount of meals that will be donated with the purchase of the bracelet. I think I read somewhere that 50 meals will be donated per bracelet! My personal favourite is the bracelet with the silver dove on it ^___^ (see at the website!)

TOMS is a shoe brand which promises to give a pair of TOMS shoes to a child in need in 3rd world countries with every purchase made. They also have some really cute sparkly ones! It's like gifts for 2 for the price of 1! Prices range depending on the style but they are typically $55CAD.

Aldo is another company that I'm also aware of that has charitable gifts for youth AIDS relief. I'm not quite sure what it is this year, as the website isn't updated since 2009 for the AIDS section, but I've previously purchased dog tags and jewelery from them to help fight against AIDS. Just stop by the store and see what they have! ^___^ Typically Aldo charity items don't cost more than $10USD. The tote bags that they showcase online are only $3!

Lastly, don't forget about your local hospitals. I know hospitals around this time usually have nice gifts to help raise money for their foundations. Previously, I've received a sterling silver heart chain bracelet to support the Vancouver General Hospital. Another example are Bravery Hearts which are sold by the Hospital of Sick Children which help support children with life threatening illnesses. What's really meaningful is that each bead on the Bravery Heart necklace/bracelet, represents a child's medical journey. A child is given a bead for each of their treatments (ranges from chemo to surgery) to place on a string to commemorate a milestone. It's a sad, but goes to show how strong these kids are! Bravery Hearts are not just sold at SickKids, but are also sold at various hospitals in Canada and the USA. If there aren't any hospitals near your area, you can also get Bravery Hearts online. Necklaces are $23CAD and bracelets are $18CAD. [Note: you don't get a child's actual bracelet/necklace - they keep their own!]

Happy Holidays!
elle xx