The Rabbit Hole

Posted in Rabbithole, charity, shopping, video |

The holiday shopping season officially started last friday, and gift shopping is on everyone’s mind. With the poor economy, most people are looking to cut back on holiday spending this year. There are many affordable gift options available, but in these shaky modern times it’s good to not only give to those you love but also give a little back to others in need. Luckily there’s an abundance of websites available where your purchases benefit non-profit organizations, individuals, and even animals across the world. Here’s five websites where you can find affordable and meaningful gifts for everyone on your list.

1. For the Book Worm

Better World Books began with a single book drive started by three college friends and has grown into worldwide bookseller. What makes this site different is their partnership with non-profits like Books for Africa, Room to Read, and National Center for Family Literacy. Through those partnerships, they’ve made a huge impact, raising money for literacy and education through their book sales and also helping the environment.
On the site you can search new and used books or browse lists (Oprah’s Book Club, 2008’s Top Fiction & Non-Fiction). Check out the Bargain Bin for used books at $3.48. Shipping is free in the USA and only $3.97 worldwide. If you want to make a local impact, enter your zip code to browse online sidewalk sales in your area and the proceeds will go directly to that library.
Get the book lover in your life some books for less (or more books for the same amount you planned to spend) and take pride in knowing your purchase did more than just buy a gift for a loved-one, but is helping improve global literacy as well.

Have some extra books around? You can also help by donating your books.

As a bonus, check out this video about the history and impact of Better World Books.

2. For the Art Lover

New Mexico Creates is a store that features unique items by New Mexico artisans. The Museum of New Mexico Foundation Shops in four museums in New Mexico and their online store, and the purchases benefit the Museum of New Mexico and the artists who create the items.
From jewelry and wall art to Native American crafts and pottery, you’re sure to find a special, one-of-a kind gift. Many of the pieces are expensive, but a search for gifts under $50 pulled up 400 results. Some great buys under $10 include a teddy bear candle ($5), 100% Pure Natural New Mexican Honey ($6), and a hand carved toy roadrunner ($8).

3. For the Animal Lover

The Animal Rescue Site sells various items and the proceeds help feed and care for the millions of unwanted animals in shelters in the US. Many of the products feature their purple paw print logos on clothing, jewelry, and even gifts for your pets. You can also select Gifts that Give More to give money for a specific purpose like caring for two rescued rabbits or feeding a US Family for five weeks–there’s over 125 ways you can help.
Even if you don’t find something you’d like to purchase, you can give back by visiting The Animal Rescue Site daily and click their “Click here to Give–it’s free button. Each click gives the value of .6 bowls of food to rescued animals.

4. For the Budding Computer Geek

The organization One Laptop Per Child has launched a campaign called Give One, Get One where if you donate one to a child in a developing nation, you can also can purchase a XO laptop for yourself (or as a gift for a love one). The cost is $199 for the donated laptop and $399 for the pair. That price is unbeatable when it comes to a laptop, and this would make the perfect gift for any child.

Here is part one of their mission video. You can view part 2 here, which explains why give a laptop to a child who may not have electricity.

5. For Everyone Else on Your List

Giftback.com offers a variety of gifts for every occasion, and 10% of every purchase goes to a charity of your choice. You can buy gift baskets, flowers, baby gifts, or something for the special guy or gal in your life, and shop with the warm fuzzy feeling that comes with doing something good.

Posted at 1:09 pm, December 2, 2008