Gifts that Really Give

My brilliant sister-in-law, Shelly, took top honors this year in the gift-giving awards arena. Enclosed with her holiday card was a tiny little gift card that packed a powerful punch. 

Charity Choice gift cards are the holiday present that keep on giving. It works like this: Donors (my sister-in-law) select the dollar amount that recipients (my husband and me) then give to the cause of their choice. Charity Choice has partnered with 100 nationally recognized charities. Categories include hunger and poverty, children, animals, environment, elderly, disabilities, disaster relief and many more. 

I went to the Web site, typed in my redemption code, selected my charity (you may choose up to three) and clicked the button. Simple. Effective. Powerful. 

'Tis the Season...

 

Christmas, cookies and those of us who don't bake

Another Christmas has come and gone and with it a slew of cookies, sweets and treats. For whatever reason (okay, for the simple reason that they're fabulous and organized and super-thoughtful), our friends loaded us up with shiny gift bags and colorful plates packed full of chocolates, sprinkled cookies, syrupy morsels and other yummy, can't-say-no goodies. And while I was absolutely thrilled to receive them all, I was also a bit unnerved. How could I possibly reciprocate? I'm not a baker. I love, love, love to cook, but baking just isn't my cup of tea (and by the tastes of it, it isn't exactly my forte). Yet, I needed and wanted to do something. 

So, my question is this - What do you non-bakers do/give/exchange at the holidays? Wine, poinsettias, a good book? I'd love hear your comments and suggestions. 

In the meantime, my answer this year was a batch of homemade carrot-cake mini muffins (a bit too sweet, but it's the thought that counts, right?) divided among gift bags, a sprinkling of chocolate kisses and a bottle of wine or an organic chocolate bar. I'll be waiting for your suggestions for Holiday 2009!