Perhaps no characteristic better describes a mother than her endless ability and willingness to give. This year, choose a Mother’s Day gift that will give (almost) as much as she does.
A wide range of gifts gives back to local and national charities. Whether you choose a cause near and dear to your mom’s heart or to yours, show her that you were listening when she said, “Give to others.”
Gifts for a cure
About 30,000 people in the United States (70,000 around the world) suffer from cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that affects the digestive and respiratory systems. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation e-cards are designed by people with CF and are completely tax-deductible. Proceeds go towards efforts to find a cure for this disease. Visit cff.org/Gifts/SendCard to purchase.
Fund a business loan
Women’s Opportunity Network (WON) of Opportunity International celebrates Mother’s Day 2010 with a Global Opportunity Quilt. You can purchase virtual patches for the quilt online for $25 each and personalize a tribute to a special woman in your life. Your gift recipient will then be sent an OptINnow gift card, which can be used to fund a business loan for a mother in a developing country. Find out more at optinnow.org.
Light up her life
Who doesn’t love a deliciously scented candle? Pamper mom’s senses with a gorgeous soy blend candle from Altru ($55). Each candle has an inspiring name (such as Harmony, Integrity and Appreciation) and an exotic scent (such as Tanenashi persimmon, Persian lilac/bamboo and white clove/wild ginger). Each comes in a hammered copper vessel and a beautifully designed box (forget the wrapping paper). Proceeds from these candles support the In a Perfect World Children’s Foundation.
Pick your cause
Most of us are going to shop at least a little bit this Mother’s Day. Why not give to a charity of your choice at the same time (without spending more)? GoodShop.com has joined forces with 1,400 online stores to offer you exclusive coupons, discounts and sales. The best part? The organization gives a percentage of every purchase to your favorite charity.
Mend a heart
Invisible Children is an organization dedicated to helping innocent people, especially child soldiers, caught in the middle of war in northern Uganda. “Mend” bags ($76 to 86) are made by women whose lives have been turned upside down by the war. Each bag has the name of the seamstress inside of it, so your mom can read about her story via the woman’s online profile. Every time your mom uses her new bag, she’ll think about a Ugandan woman who is “on the mend” because of your purchase. Visit InvisibleChildren.com/mendbags.
Love bubbles over
Beauty powerhouse Philosophy is offering a special edition She Colors My Day bubble bath ($20). It’s a reasonably priced, adorably decorated, well deserved treat for mom. All net proceeds for this clean-smelling bubble bath go to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund.
Nurtured love grows
If your mom loves her skin but loves the earth just as much (or more), consider a gift box from Pangea Organics. This company makes artisan, small-batch, hand-blended beauty products using botanicals of exceptional quality. Choose from a wide range of products, including body lotion, lip balm, facial wash, balancing oil, bar soap and eye cream. A portion of profits helps fund the Pangea Institute, an emerging non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable living and business practices.
More Mother’s Day gift ideas:
- Unique out-of-the-box Mother’s Day gifts
- 5 Mother’s Day crafts for kids
- 8 Ways to make a new mom feel pampered
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