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Articles and Information
Giving from the Heart
by Seana Parker-Dalton
I have never felt like I have enough money to contribute to every organization I'd like to, but I came up with a pretty good solution to this problem. Since making the decision to combine my gift giving and animal organization contributions, my money goes a lot further, and I feel a lot better at the end of the season!
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After considering how much of my taxes support things I am opposed to such as wars, factory farm subsidies and wildlife "management," I wanted to use the rest of my money to deliberately support what I believe in. While I still have to buy certain necessities from companies I don't approve of, shopping for guilt-free gifts is fun and easy. With a little research, you can get a really great gift for your most carnivorous kin and acquaintances while still supporting the causes you believe in.
For less personal gifts such as a workplace exchange, host/hostess gift, or something for your child's teacher or coach, there are versions of classic crowd-pleasers available at many websites. Chocolates, coffee, and greeting cards are easily found at many groups' sites. Buy a selection of blank cards and use them for "Thank You" cards!
For kids, there are a lot of picture books and stuffed toys available. It's okay to give children gifts about being kind to animals, because children are still "supposed" to like animals (even if they're still expected to eat them!) At the Defenders of Wildlife website, you can give a very inexpensive sponsorship of one of several popular wild animals (or animal families!) and they will send the sponsor a plush toy and personalized certificate of adoption.
Buying for someone who doesn't like animals, but is crazy about sports? Chances are you can find something featuring one of his favorite team mascots at one of your favorite charity's stores. Does Grandpa like to go to the dog track? Maybe he'd like a delicious (and beautiful!) chocolate greyhound from Grey2K! It's also good to remember that a lot of people who don't give a hoot about farmed or laboratory animals just adore their companion cat or dog. Instead of patronizing a pet store, get them some fun toys and accessories from PETA or the HSUS online store. Farm Sanctuary probably has something that would fit in great with your aunt's chicken-themed kitchen (even if she still cooks them in it!).
If you can't find something appropriate that directly supports your "pet" cause, don't despair! You can at least find a gift that doesn't conflict with your values. Instead of a mall gift card for the fashion-conscious teen on your list, how about a gift certificate for American Apparel, which is both trendy and sweatshop free? A cute synthetic handbag would be good for the sister who "could never give up leather!" and a delicious box of organic, vegan sweets is the perfect answer for the uncle who keeps demanding to know what you eat. Pangea has wonderful vegan gift baskets for any occasion.
I'm trying to make an effort to be a little more "out of the closet" about my vegan lifestyle, and I do think it's important that we educate our friends and family about the reasons behind the choices we make, but there is a time and a place-- a gift for someone should above all else please the recipient. However, if you're lucky, your "giftee" will be inspired to find out more about the source of their fantastic, unusual present, and you may have planted the seed of a future vegan. If not, at least you've still "Fed two dogs with one bowl?" "Freed two mice from one trap?" You get the picture!
These are a few places to help you get started!
Sponsor an animal:
Stuffed toys:
Greeting Cards:
Fine art:
Seana Parker-Dalton lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, daughter and three adopted dogs. She enjoys crafts, volunteering and getting to know her new baby.
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