Whether you spend a little or a lot, these gifts will make every person on your list happy…and help make the world a better place.
1. Time With The Children You Love: Endow a “Philanthropy Fund” with an appropriate amount for each child to choose how to spend in order to make the world a better place. Take time with them discussing and exploring options.
2. A Fabulous Family Vacation: Stay in one of the world’s finest resorts and make time for community service. The Four Seasons Resort on Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica offers an award-winning social responsibility outreach program, Growing Together. Bring a backpack filled with supplies for local school children, join them for arts and crafts or reading time, or perhaps paint a school…you can even “adopt” a family, which could become a long-term relationship.
3. Safety And Peace Of Mind: Give Red Cross backpack safety kits and personal emergency kits to every young adult at college or living away from their family home. Basic backpack, $55, deluxe personal emergency kit, $16, Red Cross Store
4. A Better Life For Sea Animals: Promote animal conservation around the world, and adopt a beluga whale, penguin or dolphin at the Shedd Aquarium. $25, $50 or $75
5. A New Puppy: Create more opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities by adopting a rescue puppy at Lambs Farm in Libertyville. Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, 847-362-4636
6. A Unique Luxury And/ Or Celebrity Experience: Be the highest bidder in a charity auction to give an incredible celebrity or luxury experience to a loved one. From lunch with Hollywood’s A-list to the ultimate Las Vegas vacation or football bowl trip.
7. Good Cards: The easiest gift for the most challenging people on your list: You set the price; recipients pick the charity. Charities earn 100 percent of the amount you spend.
