Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Gifts that Give Back

When you think of it, all this stress we feel about finding the right present for the right person is really just a First World problem.  It seems almost indecent to be thinking about buying so much STUFF when people all over have so little -- and yet we find it difficult to let go of cherished traditions like gift giving during the holidays.  Luckily, there are ways you can give your loved ones a beautiful present AND help out the less fortunate at the same time.  Here are some gift ideas that give more than what you're buying:

	Monkeez Makes a Difference stuffed animals ($7.99 and up) do more than just give you child a new friend to hug and love, they teach your child that he can make a difference.  A portion of the proceeds from each stuffed animal (and boy there are soo many cute ones!) will be donated to a worthy charity -- and best of all, your child gets to choose which one! ** Discount Alert: Use code REMARKABLE to get a 20% discount on anything at the Monkeez online store, good thru 12/30/2012 ** Giveaway Alert:  Enter to win a Monkeez Makes a Difference stuffed animal below!
	The World Vision Gift Catalog has unusual items like goats, pigs and sheep -- except your gift recipient doesn't receive them, a person in need does.  You can choose gifts that benefit people all over the world -- including victims of Hurricane Sandy -- not just with doleouts, but with opportunities for a livelihood and newfound independence. It's a wonderful way to share the true spirit of the holidays ** Giveaway Alert: don't forget, you can enter my giveaway for an Artisan Beaded Necklace from the World Vision Gift Catalog until November 29!
	My boss Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks recently went on a trip to Africa to with the humanitarian organization ONE.  It was a journey of discovery for her and all her followers in more ways than one, not the least of which was the discovery that moms everywhere can help women in Ethiopia through the purchase of a beautiful scarf from FashionABLE ($28 and up).  Each scarf has a direct impact on the life of the woman who made it.  It's beautiful in more ways than one.
	Lonesome George & Co. tees ($24 and up) are so cute. I reviewed one of their shirts last year and their collection keeps getting better and better.
	I love seeing TOMS on kids' feet because I know it means that somewhere in the world, another, less privileged child also has a pair of TOMS on his feet.  What a great way to give twice!
	Hearts for Hearts Girls features dolls ($28) from all around the world. The dolls have ethnically correct features and wear either traditional costumes or typical clothing, which help girls learn about other cultures. What's more, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each Hearts For Hearts Girls doll is donated to programs that support girls in that doll’s country. The Pea has Nahji from India and we love her!

Win a Monkeez & Friends animal
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a small or medium Monkeez & Friends animal from Monkeez Makes a Difference.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me which Monkeez animal you would most like to receive

Bonus Entries

1) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

2) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

3) Pin this giveaway on your Pinterest board (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

4) "Like Bonggamom Finds" on Facebook and tell me which item on my Gifts That Give Back gift guide you would most like to give/receive (1 entry)

5) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
RT @bonggafinds Check out the Bonggamom Finds Holiday Gift Guide for 2012: gifts for all ages & stages (plus giveaways!)   http://ow.ly/fezLR

6) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
RT @bonggafinds Enter to win an adorable sock monkey animal from Monkeez & Friends! Giveaway ends 12/2 at  http://ow.ly/fiDBQ


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Dec 2, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on Dec 3 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US  residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

Disclosure: I have reviewed select items in this gift guide in the past.  Inclusion in this guide was based solely on my personal preferences; no review samples or compensation were received for this gift guide post. Giveaway prize is provided by Monkeez Makes a Difference.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.


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