We have just a few short weeks until the end of the year, which means now is peak giving season. And while it’s easy to assume that everyone will be receiving sweaters, books, and bottles of wine as gifts this season, in reality, each of us has a very specific person on our gift-giving radar. Whether your co-worker, friend, or family member is into art, animals, or sports — there’s likely an organization that fits their interests. Why give a charity gift instead of something more personal? Well for starters, it’s tax deductible! But beyond financial benefits and peace of mind when filing taxes later in the year, charity gifts allow you to show someone you care about them without going overboard on a material present. Plus, if you know what their interests are there’s bound to be a perfect fit out there!
Finding the Right Charity to Give To
To start your search for the ideal charity gift, first, decide what you’re hoping to give. Are you looking for something sentimental, like a personalized gift that is specific to the person? Or are you searching for something more general, like an organization that provides food for those in need? Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can start your research. For sentimental gifts, it’s important to find an organization that truly speaks to you and that you can get behind. You can generally find this information on the organization’s website or by doing a quick Google search. If you’re on the hunt for something more general, like a food bank, you can find information on any number of charity websites, such as Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GiveWell.
What You Should Know Before You Shop
Most people giving gifts, including charity gifts, prefer to shop online rather than head out to the mall. That’s because online shopping is convenient and often more cost-effective. Plus, online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and iTunes all offer gift cards, so you can get the perfect gift delivered directly to the intended recipient. However, before you start clicking away, there are a few things to know. The first is what type of gift card you should be purchasing. There are three types of gift cards: – Traditional gift cards: These are issued by retailers where the person receiving the gift card can redeem it for anything in the store. – Digital gift cards: These are issued by a store but the recipient redeems the gift card via an app or website. – Charity gift cards: These are available for a specific charity like Feeding America or UNICEF.
Digital Only Gift Cards
As mentioned above, digital gift cards are issued by an app or website and are redeemed through that medium as well. Digital gift cards are a great choice if you’re shopping for a last-minute gift or have no idea what to get someone. Many digital gift card providers, like Gyft and eGifter, offer gift cards for many retail stores, restaurants, and even travel. However, it’s important to note that while the gift card may say “Amazon,” the recipient will have no way to redeem it in the Amazon store. Instead, the gift card will be added to the recipient’s Amazon account, but can only be used to purchase gift cards from other retailers.
Traditional Gift Cards
If you’re purchasing gift cards for a specific store, it’s important to note that these cards come in two varieties: – Discounted gift cards: These cards are purchased at a discounted price, which means the store won’t make as much money off the card as it would if you bought it at the full price. – Full-price gift cards: These gift cards are purchased at the full price the store would normally make off the gift card, so they are a good option if you don’t have the money to purchase a discounted card. While some people prefer discounted gift cards, which can be found online and at a variety of retailers, full-price gift cards are typically better, especially if you’re shopping for a specific retailer. Full-price gift cards are purchased at the full retail price but can be used for a longer period. For example, a $50 full-price gift card can be used for up to one year from the date of purchase, whereas a $50 discounted gift card has a shorter, 60-day expiration date.
Charity Donations
Finally, gifting a charity donation is a great option for someone who would prefer to receive a gift that helps others. There are a variety of charities that accept donations online, like the American Red Cross or UNICEF. You can also donate in someone’s name if you’re shopping for a specific organization. If you’re shopping for a specific charity gift, be sure to do your research so you know your money is going to a worthy cause. You can start by looking up the organization on Charity Navigator or Charity Watch. You should also check to make sure the charity is authorized to receive gifts via credit card. Finally, you can also shop for specific causes like supporting clean water or providing food for those in need by shopping on the Amazon Giving website.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, charity gifts are a great way to give back while also giving something special to someone you care about. No matter what your gift recipient’s interests are, there is likely an organization that supports their passions. From art to sports to animal shelters, there’s sure to be a perfect charity gift out there for each of your loved ones this holiday season. If you’re shopping online, keep in mind that most charity gift cards are not special gift cards. They are regular gift cards that are used just like debit cards. Many charity gift cards can be redeemed online or by phone. With that in mind, be sure to read the gift card terms carefully to ensure you know how it works before you buy it.
ALSO READ
