The Christmas season is officially here and many people are in the midst of their holiday shopping. While I am guilty of buying in to some of the consumerism of the holiday season, I also try not to overspend, put a lot of thought into what I buy and try to, when I can, give gifts with meaning, and gifts that "give back" in some way.

Since becoming a transracial adoptive parent, I have become very convinced of the necessity for us all to look beyond our own lives and remember others who are less fortunate, especially around the holidays.

You can read all of my posts on this topic below.

My gift idea for today is Kiva. Kiva is a wonderful organization that provides loans to people all over the world living in poverty, who need money to start, maintain or expand a business. The programs help people in developing countries gain financial independence, and the money given is truly a loan, that is repaid over a designated period of time. During the period of the loan, you will even be able to receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. Once your money is repaid, you can choose to "cash out" of Kiva, or you can reinvest it into a new business.

These microfinance programs are great because it allows you to not just simply donate money to a large organization or make a one time donation to an individual or family, but it allows you to provide a way for an individual or family to earn longterm financial stability. Instead of encouraging people who are poor to rely on charity, you are providing them a way to support themselves and their families.

Kiva allows you to give gift certificates to family, friends, employees or anyone else you want to give a gift to. The recipient of your gift certificate then gets to choose what business or business he wants to invest in.

I love looking around on the Kiva website, and I think for those people on your holiday shopping list who "have everything", this is a wonderful gift idea that can truly change the life of someone this holiday season.


Other suggestions for "holiday gifts with meaning":

Faces of Layla Book

AHOPE for Children

Heifer International

Angel Covers


*If you have not yet participated, make sure you visit this post and enter the fun giveaway for National Adoption Month thanks to Curls.