Charity gifts that will make a difference this Christmas
If you're looking to make Christmas truly special this year, discover the gifts that are giving back to those in need.
Christmas is the perfect time to offer a helping hand and spread some cheer, and there has never been a better year to do so than 2020.
From helping local businesses that have been affected by bushfires and COVID-19 to supporting the rights of Indigenous Australian children, there are plenty of great causes that you can get behind simply by making a purchase.
Read on to find out how you can make your dollar count this festive season.
Spend With Them
Earlier this year, Turia Pitt kickstarted an Instagram page called Spend With Them to highlight bushfire and coronavirus-affected small businesses. Now, Spend With Them has partnered with VISA to encourage shoppers to be "small spenders" and support other Aussies this Christmas.
From scented candles to custom-made surfboard covers, there are plenty of great gifts to be found, making it easy to shop local and show your support.
Head to the Spend With Them Instagram page or VISA's #whereyoushopmatters directory to see a full list of stores in need of your business.
The Body Shop
Cruelty-free cosmetics store The Body Shop has once again partnered with Amnesty International to launch speciality 2020 Christmas gift tags, which feature a handpainted design by Indigenous artist Rachael Sarra. 100% of the proceeds go to Amnesty International to support equality, justice and freedom for Indigenous children.
The gift tags can be purchased both online and in all Australian stores for $2 each. You can also grab a pack of 3 tags for $5.
The Body Shop will also be donating a portion of sales profits from the festive season (up to $35k) to Launch Housing. The charity supports women and children experiencing homelessness, giving you plenty of incentive to pick up a gift pack or two from the store.
Monopoly
Monopoly recently launched a brand new limited-edition board game titled Australian Community Relief to support Australian communities that have been impacted by bushfires, floods and COVID-19.
The game features affected communities such as Gippsland and the Blue Mountains in place of the usual themed squares, helping to shed light on struggling communities. $5 from each game sold also goes directly to The Australian Red Cross to further assist Aussies in need.
You can purchase the board game from retailers such as Amazon, THE ICONIC, eBay, QBD Books and Catch.
Make-A-Wish Australia
If you're tired of the question, "What do you want for Christmas?", consider asking friends and family to donate to a good cause instead of buying you a gift.
Make-A-Wish Australia has just launched its Gift A Wish initiative, which sees every dollar raised put towards granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Rufus & Coco Tuff Fluff Snuggle Toys
If you're looking for the paw-fect gift for your four-legged pal this Christmas, grab them a durable Rufus & Coco squeaky toy. Not only will your furry friend love it, but it could also help to save the life of another animal in need too.
5% of every sale is donated to the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, which aims to reduce unnecessary euthanasia in shelters and pounds.
You can shop the toy both from Woolworths and the Rufus & Coco site.
Woolworths
Along with wildlife rescue organisation, WIRES, supermarket Woolworths is encouraging shoppers to support native wildlife this Christmas. Following the devastation caused by the bushfires earlier this year, Woolworths is supporting WIRES ongoing care, rescue and feeding of native Australian wildlife by bringing back its Australian-grown Reindeer Carrots.
Not only are the carrots perfect for your little ones to leave out on Christmas Eve, but 10 cents from every pack sold will also go directly to WIRES to help our furry friends have a great Christmas too. Customers will also have the option to make a further donation when shopping in store.
Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife
To help our national parks and wildlife recover from bushfires, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is asking Aussies to give the gift of a new tree this Christmas.
Whether you're asking for a donation gift yourself or giving it as a Kris Kringle present, the charity will plant and maintain a tree on your behalf for just $10. A $100 donation plants and maintains ten trees, while a $500 donation plants and maintains 50 trees.
Looking for Christmas bargains? Check out Finder's regularly updated list of the latest deals or get inspired by our gift guides.
