Have you grown tired of wasting money on gifts that are not wanted or needed?
While the gift industry is booming, there is a feeling in the air that many of these so-called “meaningful” and “heartfelt” gifts are actually just a way for major retailers to make more money.
If you are more than ready to start giving meaningful gifts that mean something and contribute to doing something good in the world, the below gift-buying guide is exactly what you need.
1. Make a donation in someone’s name
If you do not want to purchase a physical gift for a loved one but still want to do something meaningful on their behalf, why not make a donation to a charity in their name?
This can be particularly poignant if the person in question has experience with a particular organization either directly or via someone they love.
2. Give your time to a charitable cause
If you are short on cash but still want to make a difference, you could give your time to a charitable cause. For example, you could volunteer for a local food bank, soup kitchen, or animal shelter.
For those that have specific skills such as social media marketing or website design, you could offer your services free of charge to your preferred charity.
3. Purchase a gift that directly benefits a cause
Another option is to purchase a gift that directly benefits a cause. For example, you could buy a subscription to a fair trade coffee company supporting a developing country or buy a piece of jewelry where some of the proceeds go to a charity.
Alternatively, you could make something for a local charity to sell, such as a knitted scarf or a selection of cakes.
4. Take part in a fundraising event
If you want to get your loved one involved in giving to a meaningful cause, why not sign yourselves up for a fundraising event such as a charity bike ride or a marathon?
Charities such as Macmillan are always on the lookout for people to sign up for their charity events, providing the perfect opportunity to have fun with a loved one and give something back.
How to choose a meaningful gift for a loved one
Consider their interests
When picking a meaningful gift for a loved one, consider their interests and, more specifically, what charitable causes they might be interested in supporting.
Choose a unique gift
Look for a special and unique gift rather than one commonly given, as this will show the recipient that you have put time and effort into the selection process.
Don’t spend more than you can afford
Do not feel pressured into spending more than you can afford on a meaningful gift for a loved one, as they wouldn’t want you to get into debt for them. As you can see from the above, there are lots of ways that you can support a meaningful cause without breaking the bank.
