Give the gift of giving: Five ideas for giving hope, not just stuff

NEW YORK -- This won't help our struggling retailers much, but I say this is the year to rethink the traditional holiday gift.

More than ever, I really think this should be a "giving" holiday. I don't mean your normal gifts. I mean presents for those in really in need; those struggling for life's basic necessities. Not to mention those great causes such as the arts that have trouble raising enough funds even in a good year.

 
So, should you rethink the traditional holiday gift list and scale back a bit? You bet. I believe everyone should turn a part of their gift list, maybe 20%, into some kind of donation. Why not? First, the receivers will understand. Second, you'll feel better about the whole holiday thing. And third, you might get a tax break, too!

Here are five options to consider:

1. Charity gifts and cards

Give a charity gift card in someone's name. You can pick the charity, or they can. Check out CharityGiftCertificates.org or JustGive.org. Another idea: Sponsor a charitable act in an underdeveloped part of the world - check out ChangeThePresent.org. Lots of ways to do it; it's easy!

 
2. Make them a member

They love their local theater organization, but just don't seem to come up with the extra $50 for an annual membership. You're looking for an easy, fast gift really synched with something they're interested in. So buy that membership in their name and send them a nice card. Simple.

 
3. At a retailer near you

Check with your favorite retailer - they may have some charitable programs. Target Stores is pretty progressive this way, with several local initiatives and their "gifts that support a cause" option. See the site.

4. Shop at a 'gifts-in-kind' store

A sort of United Way for corporations, the "gifts-in-kind" idea enlists manufacturers and retailers to donate merchandise to charity, sometimes tied to specific amounts you spend. Retailers such as Bed, Bath & Beyond and manufacturers such as Hewlett-Packard and Dell are here -- check out GiftsInKind.org.

 
5. Change for charity

It might seem like nickels and dimes, but some $36 billion in loose change is projected to move each year at retail sale. An organization called The Retail Equation started "change for charity," a brand-new program to make donations easy from this pile of coins. See the site.

And don't forget: Most programs work through the rest of the year, too. It's a great way to do good -- even if you aren't doing so well this year.