Three Charitable Gift Ideas for Mother's Day
Help non-profit groups with your Mother's Day gift
This Mother's Day, why not give mom a gift that has meaning not only to her, but also to the wider world at large? In this time of tightened wallets and lighter piggy banks, people often forget the charitable organizations that also need money to keep running. I've found that some of the best gifts are those that thrill the recipient, while also benefitting a charitable effort.
Some Gifts That Keep on Giving
There are many ways to look for charitable gifts. A simple Internet search will yield many choices. If you have specific groups or causes that you like to support, you should start your search on their website. If you need some ideas to get you started, I've got plenty of them. Here are three:
1. St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude's is an amazing hospital in today's no-insurance, no-treatment world. The hospital, which is at the cutting-edge of research and treatment for many childhood diseases, accepts all patients regardless of their family's ability to pay. Because of this, St. Jude's relies heavily on donations. One-hundred percent of the profits (after any related expenses) from their online shop goes back to help their pediatric patients.
There are plenty of wonderful Mother's Day present ideas in St. Jude's hope gift book including a selection of big-name purses and totes. Moms will love the daisy-adorned, limited edition Kate Spade handbag and wristlet. Or choose from a variety of Liz Claiborne totes, great for every day shopping and summer trips to the beach. The shop also carries many Liz Claiborne jewelry pieces for less than $20.
2. The Humane Society of the United States
If your mom, grandmother, wife, or other female relative is an animal lover, she'll love the items for sale at the HSUS's online shop, Humane Domain. One gift is cuter than the next. I especially like the two-toned Big Kitty Totes, but there are also many other cute apparel items and jewelry pieces for cat moms and dog moms. Whether the gift is from you, or the dog, you'll find it here.
3. Defenders of Wildlife
If your mom loves wild animals, then consider a gift from Defenders of Wildlife. The group promotes "adoptions" of wild animals, and uses the funds to protect imperiled wildlife and wild lands. Ninety percent of the money they raise goes back to their programs and services.There are different "tiers" of animal adoption, and the $100 level includes a Mother and Baby plush animal set that makes a cute Mother's Day gift. Your adoption of a Mom and Baby wolf, penguin, polar bear, snow leopard, or sea turtle will get you the plush animal pair, a framed certificate and photo, and a kid's wildlife activity book.
If these charities don't interest you, look online for some that do. Your mother will be pleased that you not only remembered her this Mother's Day, but also remembered others in need.