At this time of year, I like the idea of making charitable donations in honor of someone along with, or in place of, other gifts. Many people have causes that they clearly support so it is easy to choose an organization. If I do not know someone’s interests, or favorite causes, there is a great aggregator site for giving called JustGive.
JustGive is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase charitable giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care most about. A great gift idea (especially last minute!) is a GiveNow gift card. The recipient can use the GiveNow Card to donate to any of more than 1.8 million charities working throughout the world! (And if you print it yourself, there is no fee and you can get it in time for the next occasion!)
Want to get the younger set interested in charity? Consider a GiveNow cards (in addition to their “regular” presents), discuss why you are giving it to them and let them choose what they would like to support. I have done this with my niece and nephew with some level of success. When kids are older, you can also suggest that they give one (or several) of their presents to charity for “kids who don’t have as much as they do.” My step mom used to to this with my little brother. At first he was unable to understand it, but after a few years, we all tried to be sure to get him “keepers.” He is a very charitable you man, now!
Another fun idea for giving is Donors Choose. Donors Choose is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on our site, and you can give any amount to the project that most inspires you.
When a project reaches its funding goal, they ship the materials to the school. You’ll get photos of the project taking place, a letter from the teacher, and insight into how every dollar was spent. Give over $50 and you’ll also receive hand-written thank-yous from the students.
You can give Donors Choose gift cards so the recipient can fund projects that move them. You can send gift cards, gifts via email or print them out at home. I have supported teachers I know and teachers I don’t in my community and in other places. The thank you cards are priceless.
The last gift I recommend is your time. Volunteer, help a friend, pay it forward. You’ll make it a happy holiday for you and everyone else!
It’s been a while since I have posted a Ted Talk! Don sent me an inspiring one that is great for those of us resolving to have a better 2015. It is entitled “How to Know Your Life’s Purpose in 5 Minutes” by Adam Leipzig at MalibuTedX. Adam Leipzig has overseen more than 25 movies as a producer, executive and distributor. and has produced more than 300 stage plays and live events, and he was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Theatre Center. His simple approach here reminds us what we do/love to do, who we do it for, what those people want or need and how it changes others for the better. Ah ha! Take a listen and remind yourself of what you do and why it is important.
His “outward facing” approach reminds us that happy (and successful) people “focus most on the people they serve.” I love that! Here is to a purposeful and happy 2015! Spend the 10 minutes to listen to this one and chew on it!
OK – tick tock folks. Time is running out, but there are still great deals for the holidays. Don’t forget to check ebates (lots of extra cash back deals) and Active Junky before you buy! Also check Amex and Paypal for immediate cash back offers when you use their payment method.
- Check out (or gift) awesome, healthy foods The FEED + get $5 for checking it out + $10 free goodies if you spend $25. Plus, right now, get $10 credit for every gift card you buy or gift a new “starter pack” of 5, 10 or 25 awesome fitness, new products. Your athlete will LOVE it, I promise!
- Save $25 on any purchase from Kore Fit with code START15.
- Extra 20% off plus free shipping, up to 70% off on great bags from eBags. Offer must be launched from ebates – bonus, you get 12% cash back.
- Enter to win a holiday gift box from Modern Oats
- Save 50% on 100s of styles at ModCloth – no code needed – through 12/30.
- Free 2 day shipping on gift guide items from Nike with code ULTIMATE. Plus 6% cash back if you start from ebates.
- Get 20% off online or in stores from ULTA with code 204816. In store coupon here.
- Get 15% off on your order from Viewsport with the code holidays2014 and free shipping over $30 through 12/20! Seriously, these sweat activated ts are such fun gifts. Go get some!
- Get 15% off on new Finds’ fave Wrawp raw wraps with code Holiday through 12/31. Get the seasonal Persimmon Delight wraps before they are gone!
- Check out awesome sportwear deals at Active Gear Up. New customers get $10 off with this link.
- Get 20% off your purchase of eco friendly recycled running gear from Finds’ Fave Atayne with the code ericafinds-2014.
- Get 20% off at Finds’ Fave Apera bags – no code needed.
- Get 20% off all Infinity Straps and DVDs with the code ERICAAGRAN.
- Get 20% off on FlipBelt with code CHIC20 through 12/25.
- Save 15% at prAna with code pspf14ef.
- Get 25% off on an order from Clubs Galore – great holiday gift ideas at many price points with code BF25OFF through 12/31.
- Get $15 off your first order from Goldbely – great regional food gifts – with code friedtwinkie2. Then refer friends and get $15 more in credit, too!
- Check out awesome, healthy foods The FEED + get $5 for checking it out + $10 free goodies if you spend $25
- 20% off all online purchases from Newton Running with discount code BCORPHOLIDAY at during checkout any time before December 22. Newton Running will donate $5 to B Lab for every pair purchased with this code.
- Gilt City has awesome national and local (major city) deals at the moment on many things. Keep an eye for fun/different holiday gifts!
- Get groceries delivered in one hour from Instacart and get $10 off first order + free delivery. (Plus $5 for every friend you refer up to $25, too!)
- One King’s Lane is having awesome limited time sales on everything you need for your home and more!
- Get up to 50% off on hotel rooms with Travel Pony plus new users get a $35 off credit to use on hotel stays of over $200.
- Check out a ton of great sales and coupons on all of your active gear and get cash back with Active Junky.
- Check out Hautelook. Hello… flash sales from Nordstom/Nordstrom Rack
- Do you have an American Express Card? Sign up for Amex Offers for great easy to use offers. Just click and buy and your account is credited
- Check out awesome deals on athletic gear and trips from The Clymb. Act fast deals are up for a limited time. Start with Active Junky to get an additional 12% cash back.
- Get 50% off your first outfit at Fabletics. I LOVE mine!
- Save 25% on EnergyBits with code EricaFinds.
Happy weekend all! We heading out for some warmer holiday fun!
What are you up to this weekend?