It is not long now till Christmas, and I don’t know about you, but I can almost smell it in the air! Maybe because it’s suddenly turned cold, or perhaps it’s just the feeling you get around mid October, but it’s nearly that time of year most of us love (and some of us dread!) because it’s time to start thinking about Christmas!

I personally love it, as it’s a great time to get back in touch with the family and to draw everyone close to the fire metaphorically speaking. It’s the time of a christmas knees up (British Colloquial: for party) with friends and work colleagues and of perhaps capturing again those youthful days coming back to the family roost in the early hours of the morning as the skies turn inky blue.

It’s also a time for presents Yippee!

A time for giving (and receiving of course!), and also a time to find something a little different from your average Yuletide fayre. After all, haven’t we been given enough socks, bars of soap and chocolates to last a lifetime?

So why not think about purchasing a charity gift for a friend or loved one this year? There are absolutely loads to choose from, they’re for a great cause, and you won’t have to get stuck in the Christmas queues to buy them. In fact most charities are very internet savvy and so you can usually buy charity gifts directly from the web (in other words, from the comfort of your own home!)

The majority of charity gifts purchased online arrive within 2 weeks so a little bit of forethought is needed. Although some charities have instant delivery gifts with all the materials sent via email immediately following purchase. If you are running out of time though, you can always purchase a ‘virtual’ charity gift, which will deliver an e-card within seconds of your purchase. These are perfect for last minute presents. Not saying you’re forgetful, but we’ve all been there!

Most organistations that produce charity gifts do so in an ethical manner, and are careful to offer environmentally friendly, fair trade products. Remember that when you purchase a charity gift, not only are you giving an interesting and innovative present, you are also providing much needed funds to help people who need it most. When people say ‘it’s the gift that keeps on giving’, it’s true. You could be providing funds for children in Africa, or homeless people in the UK, or saving a Panda, or helping to beat Cancer.

There are so many charity gifts to choose from and you can spend a couple of hours browsing online at what Christmas goodies you could purchase. You can even buy tree decorations, wrapping paper and Christmas Cards from charitable organisations, with many of them giving 100% of profits to the charitable causes they are managing.

It’s quick, easy and an amazing way to give a gift. So before you get crushed in the stampede of the shopping centre, why not look online and see what charity gifts you could give to your friends and loved ones this year.

You never know, you might rethink your whole Christmas shopping ethos all together, and that will bring a smile to more than just the recipient this year.

Author's Bio: 

Giving a charity gift at christmas is one of the best ways to make a real difference at a time of the year when so many gifts are given and thrown away. Charitable animal adoptions are also another great way to give to charity and make a difference during the festive season.