Find out how you can get the” feel-good gift of the year” this Christmas!

Shopping for the perfect gift is one of the best ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday. But as much as we’d like to think that we buy our family and friends everything that they would like, that’s sadly not the case.  Many times the gifts we give others become a re-gift, or they just end up lost in a box somewhere in a closet. They just aren’t wanted.

Well, there’s a new online gift campaign that just launched this holiday season that offers everything from 100% recycled bags to handmade dolls. The campaign even gives you the choice to make a money donation to an international charity organization. It’s called Global Gifts That Matter, and believe me, these are definitely some cool and inspirational gifts that people will want.

According to the Global Gifts That Matter (GGTM) website, “Americans spend over 400 billion dollars on gifts” during the holiday season.  An even sadder fact is that “83% of American adults said they received unwanted gifts during the holidays.”  So how does GGTM make sure that you are buying someone a gift that matters? Proceeds of every gift or donation that you buy go towards a grassroots, nonprofit or social enterprise organization.  The organizations use the money to help strengthen and repair underdeveloped communities that are plagued by war, poverty, genocide and other horrific conditions.

These are truly amazing philanthropic gifts that will inspire peace around the world.

Here are a few of my favorite gifts from the website:

Helping Hands for Africa - Elephant Photo Album

By purchasing this album you will help support the hard work of women artisans from Zimbabwe.  You will have the pleasure of owning a beautiful recycled photo album, as well as the good feeling of knowing that you’re helping the women gain the skills they need to generate income.

GreenSoul Shoes – The Alpha Model 100% Recycled Rubber Shoes

Whether it’s a car tire or an inner tube, you’ll find them both in these very cool recycled rubber shoes that are handmade by local artisans from Cambodia.  For every pair sold, GreenSoul Shoes donates a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Women’s Peace Collection – Tibetan Necklace of Strength

This is a great gift because you’re buying a beautiful handcrafted bead necklace, but you’re also helping Tibetan women support their families and livelihood as jewelry makers.

Don’t forget that you can also make a donation to a worthy cause as a gift that really matters.  By donating money to Development in Gardening (DIG), you’ll help patients affected by HIV/AIDS and malnutrition to gain skills they need to improve their health and well-being.

A super cool website wouldn’t be the same without hosting a super cool socially conscious holiday party.  Right?  I think so, and that’s why the folks at Global Giving Circle are hosting (takes breath):

ChrismaHanuKwanzakah: A Holiday Anxiety RELIEF Spectacular

This is the holiday party of the year, taking place in Dumbo, Brooklyn on December 16! For $25 a ticket you get: The Upright Citizens Brigade as entertainment.  Holiday treats and beverages.  The opportunity to shop at the Global Gifts That Matter Emporium.

Oh, and you’ll help support the building of arts programs for underserved inner city New York schools.

Global Gifts That Matter is truly an amazing campaign that offers eco-friendly gifts and opportunities to strengthen global communities.  I think that if you’re looking for a gift that won’t wind up in the abyss that’s called “under the bed” or “inside the closet,” then you should check out the GGTM site.

A big thanks to Shana Dressler, Founder/Chief Activator at GGTM, for sharing this great information with the Greenopolis team!