On an old episode of Seinfeld, George made up a fake charity and gave his coworkers cards that said a gift had been made in their honor to this made up charity. Okay, that's a pretty lame gift. Especially since the charity didn't exist. Even if it had, it meant nothing to the recipients.  

There is a meaningful way to give charitable gifts to friends and family. As the adopted mother of two rescue dogs, animal rescue is my pet charity (pardon the pun). People tell me I am hard to shop for. I guess they're right. I like to pick out my own clothes, videos, and collectibles. If I want something, I usually go out and buy it. So when someone asks what I want for Christmas or my birthday, I don't know what to say. Unless it's my husband, in his case I have a long list.

This year I've asked for dog and cat treats and toys. After Christmas I'll donate what I receive to my local animal shelter. When I told my friends this, they wrinkled their noses and said they didn't like that idea. Why not? They still get to buy an actual gift and watch me unwrap it. It won't get returned or re-gifted, and best of all, I'll feel like a million bucks when I take my basket of goodies to the animal shelter.

Don't make up a lame charity and tell someone you've made a donation in their honor. Ask what matters to them and shop accordingly. This gift won't be appropriate for everyone. Lots of people want personal gifts. But for that hard to shop for person on your list who seems to have everything, ask if it sounds like something he or she would appreciate.  

Happy gifting.

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