Gifts are wonderful, no question about it. Looking into the shining eyes of your favorite person when you fulfill a special heartfelt wish undoubtedly makes you happy.
But the topic of “giving gifts for a specific occasion” is often associated with many question marks – in the sense of: “What on earth should I give xxxx this year?” (you can choose to use grandma, dad or the husband here). Chris and I decided many years ago not to give each other gifts for Christmas or birthdays. However, if we know how we can make the other person particularly happy, there is a material gift for this occasion – or we can simply use it to make ourselves happy every now and then, without any special reason.
You don’t want to give anything (large) material to your family for Christmas? A nice idea: Everyone chooses an organization to which they donate the amount that they would actually spend on Christmas presents. This means the money gets to where it is needed much more urgently. A positive side effect: “Donations instead of gifts” also works last minute on Christmas Eve, and you save time shopping for Christmas presents.
Many fundraising organizations also offer personalized cards so that you can donate in the name of the person you want to give the gift to and present them with the certificate in a beautiful envelope under the Christmas tree.
But which organization is the right one? Which topic is particularly important to the person receiving the gift? We have put together a list of some organizations that are worth supporting.
Donations instead of gifts – you can do good at Christmas with these organizations
1. Welthungerhilfe
Welthungerhilfe supports the countries in the world where hunger is greatest. In the annual report, the organization clearly publishes where the donations go.
2. Plant for the Planet
The goal: plant 1,000 billion trees. This could capture a quarter of the CO2 emissions caused by humans. Tree planting projects all over the world are supported –> go to the website!
3. UN refugee aid association
Millions of people are fleeing around the world and urgently need support. This year, a humanitarian catastrophe occurred in the middle of Europe in Ukraine, forcing a third of the population to flee. The UN Refugee Aid eV helps people on the run and supports refugees worldwide!
4. SOS Children’s Villages
The SOS Children’s Village is one of the best-known aid organizations on this list. Children and families in need in Germany and over 100 countries around the world are supported.
5. betterplace.org
Lots and lots of great projects bundled together that are waiting for support. On betterplace.org you can choose a very personal project that is close to your heart from a wide variety of categories.
6. German Animal Welfare Association e.V
The organization works to end animal suffering worldwide by creating a livable environment and nature for all animals. –> Click here to go to the website!
7. DKMS
The DKMS arranges stem cell donations for blood cancer patients and this is known to save lives. On the website you can register as a stem cell donor and also donate money.
8. atmosfair
At atmosfair you can compensate for your flights, but you can also donate money to numerous climate protection projects independently.
9. Global H2O
The non-profit organization Global H2O is tackling the serious water problem in Africa and creating access to clean drinking water by building wells.
10. Doctors Without Borders
This also very well-known organization should definitely not be missing from this list. Doctors Without Borders provide medical aid in crisis areas.
11. German Environmental Aid eV
The DUH also offers various animal and environmental protection sponsorships as gifts, so that certain topics and projects can be specifically supported. Here you can find an overview of possible sponsorships!
12. Children’s Aid Afghanistan
When I asked on Instagram for organizations you could recommend, Children’s Aid Afghanistan was mentioned several times. The organization, founded in Augsburg, supports women and children in Afghanistan with medical and school projects.
13.UNICEF
UNICEF also wants to combat global famine. Not only can you make a one-off donation, you can also become a sponsor.
14. WWF
WWF is active in more than 100 countries and is committed to preserving our planet’s biological diversity.
15. WDC
The WDC (Whale & Dolphin Conversation) is committed to protecting the world’s oceans, but especially whales and dolphins.
16th Federal Association of Children’s Hospices
There are over 50,000 terminally ill children living in Germany. The non-profit Federal Children’s Hospice Association represents numerous outpatient and inpatient children’s hospice facilities and also carries out educational work.
17. YOUR MUNICH
The local organization DEIN MÜNCHEN eV helps disadvantaged children and young people in Munich with free access to education, sport and culture. In this way they are integrated into society and can take part in city life.
18. Save the Children
The organization Save the Children is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their place of birth, can grow up safe and healthy and have access to education.
Do you know a special organization that you would like to recommend at this point or do you even work for a foundation that urgently needs support? We look forward to your additions in the comments!
