Photo: Jackie Cefola, program coordinator at the NonProfit Center As a member of a diverse, extended and blended family, my holidays tend to be filled with highs, lows, and lots of surprises. Gift-giving continues to challenge as our family grows and adjusts.

Financially, the test is clear: my list of gift recipients has grown while my budget has flattened. I know I am not alone. According to the American Research Group, the average American plans to spend $859 for gifts this holiday season. This is less than previous years, but still a substantial chunk of our collective financial budgets, considering the median household income is estimated to be just over $48,200 - before taxes, insurance expenses, childcare/education funds, elder care, retirement savings, charitable giving and the myriad of other potential deductions.

Many suggest thoughtful strategies to reduce both one’s financial burden and consumption through Yankee swaps, secret snowflake exchanges, coupons for handmade items and self-provided services. While I strongly support these in theory, none have caught on among my circles of stakeholders. So this year, my gift list is what it is: an Excel spreadsheet with the names of some twenty family members and friends for whom I need to purchase something.

I try to take solace by choosing gifts that have potential to help, or at least not blatantly hurt, our community and environment. Supporting this intention, this holiday season I am trying to purchase gifts affiliated in one way or another with nonprofit organizations.

A clear choice is to make a charitable donation in the name of the gift recipient. Easing the way to connect with local nonprofit organizations, Gift It Up organizes an annual alternative gift fair and website that lists specific programs in need of support. Changing the Present offers similar donation opportunities world-wide.

Painting by a student of Artists for Humanity Because there are some on my list who need to open a physical gift, I will purchase items from nonprofit organizations directly. World Society for the Protection of Animals receives proceeds from the sale of a beautiful book, Street Dogs, to support its animal advocacy efforts. South Africa Partners provides one book for a South African child each time one purchases a children’s book through Masifunde Sonke, Let Us Read Together. Artists for Humanity has a wonderful retail store featuring the paintings, postcards, T-shirts, bags and other items produced by youth in its programs. One World provides an excellent list of nonprofits offering interesting products and publications.

I will also patronize businesses that represent the interests of nonprofit organizations. For example, Amour Jewelry provides proceeds from sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of breast cancer research and public advocacy. Dancing Deer’s Sweet Home Project offers delicious baked items with proceeds supporting nonprofit One Family in its efforts to reduce family homelessness.

When I purchase items from traditional stores, I will try to support local entrepreneurs affiliated with Boston Community Change. Every purchase made with the Boston Community Change card at the 150+ participating businesses supports not only our local economy, but also a nonprofit organization of my choice, while at the same time fulfilling my need to purchase the gift. Alternatively GoodSearch, via its GoodShop program, alerts its business affiliates to donate a portion of my sale to a nonprofit of my choice.

Thinking of the many gift purchases in store for me this holiday season, I’m frankly overwhelmed. At the same time I’m relieved that there are so many opportunities to support the work of local and worldwide nonprofit organizations.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season,

Jackie.

Want to be kept up-to-date on our latest articles? Sign up for the TSNe-Bulletin, a monthly e-newsletter providing tips and ideas to help you strengthen your nonprofit’s impact with and for the communities you serve.