A Gift, Defined.

What is the true definition of a gift? A source I love to quote from, and encourage people to donate to is Wikipedia. Here is a portion of their definition of the word "gift", along with the link so that you can read more on the topic.

"A gift or present is the transfer of something, without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free....

By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift

Great gift ideas:

The Gift Of Safety...
Safety Basket Gift Idea
http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/saftybas.html
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggests giving the gift of safety for a loved one this year for a birthday or any special occasion. If you know a child or an adult that rides a bike, scooter, skate board or uses in-line skates, give them something they really need. Instead of using a basket to hold gifts and goodies, make a basket out of a bike helmet. To be sure your bike helmet meets CPSC’s standard, look for the CPSC sticker inside the helmet."

A Gift Of Groceries...
Commissary Gift Certificates
http://www.commissaries.com/certificheck/index.cfm
"Commissary Gift Certificates are a fast, easy and convenient way for anyone, service member and civilian alike, to support our troops by “Giving the Gift of Groceries”, which can be redeemed at any commissary.

Commissary Gift Certificates can be purchased by either:
Ordering for A Special Patron
Ordering is a considerate way to personally give an authorized patron a commissary gift certificate.
Donating to Support Our Troops
If you don't know a specific service member, donating to your choice of one of five non-profit organizations is an ideal way to support our troops."

Give A Gift In Honor Of Someone...
Gifts of peace and justice -food, shelter, trees, water, medicines- around the world since 1986.
https://www.alternativegifts.org/
Alternative Gifts International
"The global mission of AGI is to send authentic, life-giving gifts to a needy world--gifts that build a partnership with people in crisis and that protect and preserve the earth's endangered environment--to nourish and sustain a more equitable and peaceful global community.AGI is a nonprofit, interfaith agency. AGI provides education for people of all ages about global needs and raises funds each year in its Alternative Gift Markets and from individual donors to respond to those needs. Designated grants then are sent to the established international projects of several reputable nonprofit agencies for relief and development."


I am truly enjoying the research for this gift-giving season. There are so many thoughtful options and opportunities.

Have a wonderful evening!