While many of us bemoan the heightened consumerism of the season and the proliferation of stuff in our homes, it can seem like a stretch to give a donation in a child's name. Create a teaching opportunity by giving a donation and a thematically linked small toy to spark conversation that will resonate with kids. Here are a few ideas:
Give a trio of rabbits through Heifer International along with Ittybit from Bunnies By The Bay.
Pair donation to Habitat For Humanity with a tool kit.
A donation to your local food depository can be accompanied by play food.
Contribute to Doctors Without Borders and give a doctor's kit.
The World Wildlife Fund makes it easy with adoptions for over 100 species. Each adoption kit includes a plush toy, gift box and framed certificate and photo.
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Our kids have enjoyed choosing something from the World Vision catalogue. Our 4 and 6 year olds have chosen gifts online (art class and goats!) and it seemed to really impact them.
Our daughter chose from some animals through Plan Canada. She enjoyed looking at the animals and hearing the descriptions of how they'd help the family that receives them. And in the end, she went with rabbits. Because she picked the animals to send, we didn't really need to have a card sent to her saying we'd donated in her name. But we chose to anyway. She's only 2.5 years. Although the card hasn't arrived yet, we think it will be a good opportunity to remind her of the rabbits she picked and talk again about what the season of giving means. Just to reinforce it.
we have done both Heifer International and World Vision in years past. my 4 year old LOVES animals, so she thinks it's really neat to be able to give the animals to someone to take care of.