Giving a Gift of Sustainability

https://www.heifer.org/

Have a friend or loved one that wants something unique for Christmas? Visit heifer.org to view and purchase some of the most helpful and generous gifts that can be given- but they don’t fit in a box and they won’t arrive on your friend’s doorstep.

Heifer International is an organization that works with communities to end hunger and poverty by providing sustainable agriculture and animals to families in need. You can “purchase” a goat for $120, a flock of geeses for $20, or a hope basket for $50, or browse the website for other options. These gifts are priceless (figuratively) and won’t go unappreciated or unused. Think about the positive impact you can make on a family-a world difference,  actually!

Giving a Gift of Sustainability

    Have a friend or loved one that wants something unique for Christmas? Visit heifer.org to view and purchase some of the most helpful and generous gifts that can be given- but they don’t fit in a box and they won’t arrive on your friend’s doorstep. Heifer International is an organization that works with communities to end hunger and poverty by providing sustainable agriculture and animals to families in need. You can “purchase” a goat for $120, a flock of geeses for $20, or a hope basket for $50, or browse the website for other options. These gifts are priceless (figuratively) and won’t go unappreciated or unused. Think about the positive impact you can make on a family-a world difference, actually!

Show Someone You Care

Collect or buy some items to make a care package for someone, such as a soldier serving overseas or a child in need you have found through an agency.



I have two shelves in my closet where I stash stuff I know will make a difference in someone's day. I picked up this wonderful habit from my mom and ladies at her church. They have the knack of knowing just what people want.

Gifts That Give Back: The Feed Project

Now that October is here, are you thinking of making a holiday shopping list?

My favorite kinds of gifts are the ones who keep on giving. The FEED project has many cool options that are made-in-America and crafted with love and pride.  By presenting a beautifully carved wooden cutting board for your best friend’s birthday from www.FeedProjects.com, that gift will help feed the hungry.  I love their FEEDbags, which are a handy way to ditch the plastic and the paper, too.

Compassionate Crafts

Some of my friends love to knit and crochet. Everyone I know already has a colorful throw given to them. So now what to do with the products of all that handwork? Look no further!

www.woolworks.irg has a section on knitting and crocheting for charity listed by state, with links for organizations that make donations to U.S. troops; to centers for battered women and children; to Native Americans Reservations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah; and to the homeless in cities all over the U.S.

www.newbornsinneed.org would love clothing and bedding items for newborn, sick, needy, and premature babies. You can donate blankets, hats, booties, and afghans. All they ask is that you use the softest yarn possible.

www.warmingfamiles.org is a 100% volunteer project that delivers donated blankets and other warm items to the homeless and displaced while strengthening families with their charity work. They supply to local shelters and nursing homes.

Mother's Day Gift Guide From Viva Editions

Viva Editions would like to make a toast to all of the moms and inspiring women in the world! To show mothers how much you care this Sunday, bring them one of a book written by a mom for moms on Viva’s gift guide.

1. Toasts by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling

Life’s special moments deserve special words. And the special women in your life deserve a toast just for them.  Cotner and Ling deliver with a section dedicated to motherhood, and “A Mother’s Day Grace.”

2. Girlfriends are LifeSavers by Reeda Joseph

 This is truly a celebration of women’s friendship with rare vintage art and bold bon mots. Show that special lady in your life that she is more than just your mom; she’s your friend too. And you value that friendship.

3. She: A Celebration of Greatness in Every Woman by Mary Anne Radmacher and Liz Kalloch

Mothers are among the strongest and smartest women we know. So inspire the woman who has so inspired you with this celebration of women’s strength and wisdom. 

4. Getting Laid: A Grow-You-Own Guide to Raising Chickens, Gardening and Preserving with Over 100 Recipes by Barb Webb

The extraordinary woman behind the top country living blog Rural Mom, shares her trade secrets for living a healthier, happier lifestyle.  This Mother’s Day, share with your mom the joys of gardening and sustainability.

5. Veganish: The Omnivore’s Guide to Plant-Based Cooking by Mielle Chenier-Cowan Rose

This fact-filled and fabulous cookbook on how to get all the nutrients you need with a plant-based diet was inspired by Mielle’s own child. When you’re a mom, you know the importance of providing your family with proper nutrition.

6. Love in Every Stitch: Stories of Knitting and Healing by Lee Gant

 The power of knitting can transform your life and heal your heart, mind and soul. If your mother or grandmother loves to knit or has ever made you a crocheted scarf, give her the gift of uplifting knitting stories carefully crafted by one mother for another.

7. Crafting Calm: Projects and Practices for Creativity and Contemplation by Maggie Oman Shannon

Moms are always busy! We know that better than anyone. Reward your mom for all of her hard work by crafting something for her, or helping her find inner peace and a quite mind by putting those busy hands to good and creative work. 

8. Lemons and Lavender: The Eco Guide to Better Housekeeping by Billee Sharp

Mother and eco-extraordinaire, Billee Sharp shares with you her tips and tricks for eco-friendly housekeeping.  The perfect gift for all moms who want to keep their families happy and healthy!

9. The Grateful Life: The Secret to Happiness and the Science of Contentment by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons

We are all grateful for the strong women in our lives! What better way to show mom that we care then to give her a book full of inspiration to live to the fullest through daily gratitude.

10. Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People by Polly Campbell

Though moms are always extraordinary in our eyes, Polly knows that even they need reminders! With this guide, moms can learn how real-life moments create opportunities for growth, ultimately leading to a stress free and enlightened life.

11. All You Need is Less: The Eco-Friendly Guide to Guilt-Free Green Living and Stress-Free Simplicity by Madeleine Somerville

 Mom’s are always on the go. Share this book of stress-free simplicity with the woman who has given so much! She’ll save the rainforest and the whales along the way.

12. Getting to 50/50: How Working Parents Can Have It All by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober

These two moms, wives, and professionals have five young children between them. They understand not only the challenges and rewards of motherhood, but also the importance of tapping into your best recourse and powerful ally – the man you married. They know that you can have it all: a great careers, a great marriage, and be a great mother.

13. Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions: How to Survive and (Enjoy) Your Baby’s First Year by Blythe Lipman

All veteran moms know that newborns are both a delight and a test of strength.  Well Blythe is here to help with her parent-tested, expert-approved guide to the art of infant care! This is the perfect gift for all of your friends and loved ones expected an addition to the family. 

14. Everything I Needed to Know I Learned Through My Six-Month-Old: Awakening to Unconditional Self Love in Motherhood by Kuwana Haulsey

If you’re a mom or know somebody who is, then you know the difficulties of caring for yourself while caring for others. Give the gift of self-love to a mother you love, or give that gift to yourself! 

15. Jump-Starting Boys: Help Your Reluctant Learner Find Success in School and Life by Pam Withers and Cynthia Gill

These moms offer positive, practical, and powerful solutions for parents of underperforming pre-teen and teen boys because they want to see all young boys, and mom, success!

16. It’s Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been: A Guide to Getting the Life You Love by BJ Gallagher

BJ Gallagher knows that being a mom doesn’t mean sacrificing your happiness. Instead, motherhood enhances it! So whether she’s a new mom or sending her kids off to college, this book will offer her advice, step-by-step guidelines, and pure inspiration to listen to her inner voice, and live the life she truly loves.

17. Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers by Kate Hopper

We can learn so much from mothers, so share this book with a mother in your life and encourage her to share her wisdom and story through writing.

18. Mom’s The Word: The Wit, Wisdom and Wonder of Motherhood by Allen Klein

You don’t have to be mom to appreciate motherhood. This inspiration for Allen Klein’s book was his mom; he wanted to write a wise and witty tribute to the heart of every family – mom.