Gifts That Give Hope

When teaching our children to think of others before they think of themselves, it can be frustrating. But there are some terrific ways to shop for gifts that give back with your kids while spreading hope to those who need it.

The honest truth is, hope is a gift on every child’s wish list, especially those in parts of the world ravaged by natural disasters and poverty. Giving hope lets these children know that the world hasn’t forgotten them.

I, for one, want to be able to spread as much hope as I can around the world this holiday season.

Gifts That Give Hope

Goods from around the globe

From jewelry to accessories to home decor, each item purchased through the UNICEF Market benefits programs that provide children with basic necessities such as nutrition, medicine, education, clean water and more. The UNICEF Market, market.unicefusa.org, is a partnership between UNICEF USA and Novica that offers unique items such as multicolored snowman ornaments made in India and an artisan leather tray handmade in Peru.

Fresh air that keeps on giving

4.3 million people worldwide die each year from the effects of Household Air Pollution caused by dirty cookstoves according to the World Health Organization. The Himalayan Stove Project donates and distributes free, clean-burning, fuel-efficient Envirofit cook stoves, transforming the lives of individuals and families who cook with traditional, rudimentary stoves or open fire pits inside their homes, polluting the indoor air to dangerously unhealthy levels.

Inspired giving

Another option is UNICEF Inspired Gifts, which are lifesaving items that can be purchased in honor of a loved one and go directly to help children in need around the world. Examples include hygiene kits, mosquito nets and winter survival packs. Find more options at inspiredgifts.org.

An Animal Can Change a Family 

Giving an animal is like giving someone a small business, providing wool, milk, eggs and more. Animal donations can provide families a hand up, increasing access to medicine, school, food and a sustainable livelihood. With Heifer International, you can help a family get a goat, heifer, alpaca or even honeybees! 

Kid-friendly inspiration

Motivate kids, inspire philanthropy and help save the lives of malnourished children around the world with the Star Wars: Force for Change UNICEF Kid Power Band. Every movement made while wearing the activity band adds up to points that unlock lifesaving nutrition, which is sent to malnourished children around the world. Bands are available at Target or unicefkidpower.org.