"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal."
- Pamela Starr
Get Involved
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"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal." - Pamela Starr
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Get Involved
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December 1, 2008 | |||||||
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 Give Gifts That Light You Up Our Picks of Good Gifts and Good Shopping gift n. Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation. --dictionary.com Sure, you can ask your family and friends what they want as a holiday gift. Sure, you can get them a pre-packaged gift basket. And of course, what child on your list wouldn't be thrilled with cash or a gift certificate? But what good does that do either one of you, really? We believe that gifts are goodthings when both the giver and recipient are inspired. And that means that the giver felt good about shopping for the gift and anticipating the recipient's delight, as well as actually giving the darn thing. Here's a list of both products and retailers that have the power to make everyone involved happy about the experience. Our Favorite Charity Mall 4charity.com Shop at more than 90 stores in their online charity mall. Yes, there are a lot of charity malls, but this one's different: 4charity.com doesn't keep a cut of your donation. When you shop, a percentage of the purchase price is donated to your favorite cause (which you get to specify) at no extra cost to you. Our Favorite Catalogs Heifer Project Catalog Twelve ducks a-quacking, 11 goats a-bleating. You don't know that version of the song? Well, the holidays are a great time to give livestock. That's right. Help hungry people become self-reliant by giving the gift of livestock. Gaiam The source for people interested in natural health, ecological lifestyles, personal growth and sustainable commerce. A few of our favorites: Food that is as good to eat as it is to give. Handmade cards with embedded seeds--you "plant" the card when you've read and enjoyed it. Signals Their motto is "Gifts that inform, enlighten, and entertain," and they aren't kidding. Thoughtful assortment of beautiful and inspiring merchandise from all corners of the globe. Here's a sampler: Aesthetically pleasing products based on Frank Lloyd Wright's designs. The Out of Africa collection. Commemorate the holiday by giving a gorgeous Raku menorah or Nativity scene. Wireless Too This site, with its often nostalgic and sometimes wacky collection of gift ideas, is clearly aimed for the eclectic public radio crowd. (Motto: Gifts for Fans & Friends of Public Radio.) You can get witty T-shirts, historical posters and home accents, and all manner of collectibles. I never fail to find something to "feed" a friend's passionate hobby. Life Stories: A Family Game. Perfect for holiday get-togethers. Balducci's Balducci's is a New York City institution, now available to far-flung fans via its Web site and scrumptious catalog. The food is first-rate and the quality of every detail (including the packaging) is unbelievable. My parents are still talking about the food I sent from Balducci's last summer, after my mother broke both her arms. (I was trying to help Dad out in the kitchen. What a hit the Balducci's package was!) Yes, much of it is pricey (cavier, Beef Wellington, etc.!), but here are a few tasty deals for under $30: Chocolate-covered biscuit assortment A selection of savory sausages Tart red cherry preserves Home Improvements Practical gifts for homeowners. Give a gift that promotes safety and well-being in the New Year--something that we don't tend to buy ourselves, but always want to have. SlimeŽ Tire Repair Kit No jacks, no aerosol cans. Just a fixed tire in 10 minutes. Digital Carbon Monoxide Detector for every bedroom's nightstand. Multi-Powered Emergency AM/FM Radio for any weather or power-related emergency. Fire Escape Ladders for 2- and 3-story homes and apartments. Want to Shop Locally? We like the convenience of catalogs, but also love the personality and relationships with hometown retailers. Some of our Seattle favorites. Portage Bay Goods "Handmade Gifts for a Healthy World" A gift store that features recycled and reused materials, as well as stories of international artists and artisans. They also donate 10% of their profits to non-profit organizations. ShopLocal.com A new Web site that brings favorite local shops online. REI Quality outdoor gear from a 60+ year old co-op. Fran's Chocolates Exquisite. 'Nuf said. City People's Mercantile. Read this customer's review. Want to Know More? Responsible Shopper Want to know how popular consumer companies rate on important social issues? Compare companies and investigate industries with this tool developed by the partnership of Working Assets and Co-Op America. |
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