Green Daily

We've all received them - whether to Best Buy or The Olive Garden, gift cards are a favorite choice for the giver who lacks time (or, in some cases, imagination). This year, it is predicted that we will spend more than $26 billion on gift cards.

But there's a new gift card in town: the charity gift card. And, according to a recent NPR piece, it's catching on.

Websites like 'Tis Best, Global Giving, Heifer International and Just Give allow the giver to choose a dollar amount, and the recipient gets the fun and rewarding task of choosing what organization receives the money.

Instead of trying to explain the magnitude of this great gift idea, I'll let 10-year old Isabel Conrad, who was interviewed for the NPR story, tell you:

"Whoever gives it to you gets the gift of giving, you get the gift of giving and receiving, and the charity that you donate to gets to help people - or, animals, or..."

Couldn't have said it better myself, Isabel.

Depending on what website you use, your tax-deductible donation can go to any one of thousands of charities, listed in categories such as Animals, Peace and Non-Violence, and Women and Girls.

...I'm going to go purchase one right now.



We're full of tricks, tips, and ideas for making your holiday season as green as possible. Check out our Green Holiday Guide and have an eco-friendly season!