I’m gonna cut right to the chase here - I’ve always gotten the idea of giving a charitable donation in lieu of a material gift to people on your holiday list, however, I was never really sold on the fact that the receiver would feel like I really gave them something for Christmas (you know, like those times where you “buy” someone a magazine subscription, but then conveniently forget to order the subscription).

Anyway, I’m not trying to be a Grinch here, Aunt Beep is all about doing good and giving back - I’ve just never done it on other’s behalf.

This year that is gonna change.  Lynda from Delight.com directed me to OxFamAmericaUnwrapped.com and I am in LOVE.  OxFam has created the cutest sub-site dediced just to giving charitable gifts. You can purchase a cow, or camel, or crocodile or even plant a garden, help start a small business, or install water pumps and bathrooms in areas of the world where these things can be used the most.

The best part?? Their gifting is so flapping cute, you’ll want to buy cows (a mere $75) for the whole family. In return, OxFam America will send the recipient a photo card with said cow on the front, and details explaining your gift and exactly how that money will go to use. 

SOOOO much better than a gnarly fruit basket. 

Choosing a charity based on it’s ‘packaging’ may not be the best way to save the world, but hey - you’re still helping save…somebody.  And that’s the greatest gift of all.

* need more ideas?  bookmark the full shopcast >>  Holiday Gift Ideas on ThisNext 

Shopcasting isn’t just about buying things, y’know. It’s about the things that are important to you – the products, the tools, the places, the people. Ann Douglas, the Mother of All Bloggers, understands that: one of her lists (she’s got ten of ‘em!) here is The Best Things in Life Are Free, and it talks about exactly that: everything from Blogher to The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation – items on the net and in the real world that, as Ann says, “won’t cost you one sweet dime”…but really will make your life more worthwhile.

Bikinis, skinny jeans, bridesmaid dresses…

We know many designs created by fashion aren’t very forgiving, but the industry itself can be charitable:

Reports The Runway Scoop:

“Today via Fashion Week Daily I learned about Hugo Boss’s sponsorship of a basketball boot camp called “Extreme Basketball Camp”. 250 inner city kids are taking part in this week-long event where some of the NBA basketball icons have made an appearance.

Also via Fashion Week Daily, I found out about Jones New York’s “Shop For Education” week. The company will be donating 10% of their sales (up to $500,000) between October 14-21 to their “In The Classroom” program supporting teachers and children’s education.”

Why we love Plates With A Purpose from the Riverside Design Group

1. Riverside donates 15% of proceeds back to local Pittsburgh chapters of organizations like Alzheimer’s Association, Habitat For Humanity & AIDS Task Force.
2. Each of the 5 designs reflects the missions for the organizations they are helping
3. All the plates are made and handcrafted in Pennsylvania
4. They’re really pretty.

Planet Lactose has proven itself an invaluable resource for the lactose intolerant, spreading the word on the use of lactose in medications, milk alternatives, and remedies for healthier digestion. Now, to help the 12 million Americans with lactose intolerance or other food allergies, Planet Lactose has tipped ThisNext off to the third annual nationwide Walk for Food Allergy, happening August 19 through November 18. Check the post for info on how you can help “increase awareness and raise research funding for a disease that currently has no cure.”