Give a Real Gift this Christmas

With the days getting colder and the evenings darker we are all starting to get into the Christmas mood. I have already started planning gifts for my friends and family, so when an e-mail about Christmas presents of a different kind dropped into my inbox today I felt compelled to post about it.

The International Rescue Committee is offering gifts that your dearest will love while making a real difference to the lives of refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At the IRC store, you can purchase critical items for those in need in honor of your loved ones. The IRC will even send recipients a beautiful personalized card in your name.

They offer a great selection of gifts ranging in price from $18 to $5,000. 


For $20 you can provide a child with a backpack of school supplies, which will aid the poorest children in continuing their education. 

While for $52 you can provide a year of school. In Afghanistan, girls’ education has traditionally been undervalued and restricted – during the Taliban era it was outlawed entirely. Yet educating girls expands economic opportunities for themselves and their families. Your gift can provide hope and promise to an Afghan girl.

For expecting mothers who must give birth in the wake of crisis, there may be few medical resources to adequately support them. Your gift can provide essential items such as blankets and clothing to ensure a safe birth for a child born in a crisis zone for just $24.

If you wish you can also make a single donation, or set up a regular donation. This organisation really does strive to help people and reassuringly 90% of their income is spent directly on helping those in need (4% is spent on fundraising and 6% on management and general admin). Please do have a look at this website whether you are in the US or the UK. I think a donation makes a wonderful Christmas present and would feel honoured if someone made a donation in my name.

If you have particular recommendations for similar charities please leave them in the comments below. Thank you my lovelies! xxx