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On a recent episode of the Marilyn Denis show their tech expert, Nicholas Montgomery, was doing a list of gifts to give the teen in your life for the holidays. Amongst the usual iPod/iPhone accessories, video game systems and books there were charitable gifts. These were socially responsible presents that would make a young adult think about the impact of simple things and the world beyond their daily life.

The first present on the list was something the tech savvy teen could do for others. The holidays are a time when people feel the need to give back, as a way to show how appreciative they are for all they have. Many times it’s money that stops people, especially teens and young adults, from giving to charity. Time is something that anyone can give and getting involved is a great way to give back. There are charities that allow you to help out with just a few clicks of your mouse. Koodo, a cell phone provider, has deemed themselves a hub online that connects tech savvy people with non-profits this is called koodonation.  They call it microvolunteering, as people can give a lot or a little of their time. Non-profits sign up with things they need help with like: logo design, setting up websites, facebook pages, twitter, etc…and koodonation matches them with volunteers who have that skill set and time required.

Another NPO they suggested was charity: water who give people the chance to raise funds themselves through their own activities to help solve the lack of available clean drinking water around the world. This charity helps provide clean water to over 20 million people in 19 countries. As little as $20.00 can provide one person with clean drinking water. This is affordable enough to add to another gift, so they get an item they asked Santa for or wanted for Hanukkah and they are helping others. On average a project costs $5,000 dollars and can give water to 250 people. This might be a great project for an office or school to get involved in this holiday season.

Another gift idea that many may be familiar with is World Vision animals. For example a goat costs $100 dollars. That goat can provide both food and income to an impoverished family. A female goat can give over 20 liters of milk a month and help breed a herd for its owners. For $50 you can pay for a family to receive two chickens and a rooster. The trio can also provide an entrepreneurial head start and nourishment to a family. The two hens can lay eggs not to mention more chicks. Often, families will share the offspring with their neighbors, so this gift can impact an entire community.

These are ways to say thank you for the blessings in your everyday life, and to help make others see the impact they can have on the world. As previously stated, these can be used to supplement a gift or in lieu of a trendy and expensive gadget they don’t need. So when you are finishing up your holiday shopping and are stuck on that hard to buy for person think outside the big box stores and give a socially conscious gift.
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