Gifts that give back for dad at any budget

Photo by ~C4Chaos

Guest blogger Jamie Carayiannis is an intern with the Case Foundation.

It’s that time of year again, Father’s Day! If your dad is anything like mine, and insists that he doesn’t need or want anything, then you know how difficult finding a gift for this occasion can be. Rather than wandering the mall aimlessly and giving dad something he will likely return, why not give him a gift that gives back?

With the growing number of online charitable giving sites, shopping for father’s day (and every other holiday) can be quick, easy, affordable, and meaningful. One of my favorite resources is Britt Bravo's Do-Good Gifts for Dads.

Regardless of whether you're an interning college student like myself or have lots to spend, there's a gift that gives back to fit any budget. Here's a list of options that make a big impact, but not a big dent in your wallet:

• $3: For only three dollars, you can help contribute to a greener planet and give the gift of a tree through Arbor Day Foundation.
• $5: Gifts start at only five dollars at Gift Ethiopia; support education in Ethiopia by purchasing gifts that ensure safe, healthy learning environments.
• $10: Ten dollars buys a bed net via Malaria No More; in buying a bed net you’ll help protect a child from malaria in an African country where it’s needed most.
• $25: Is dad an animal lover? For 25 dollars, you can give him a gift that will protect animals and give them the care that they deserve at Animalgift.org.
• $36: 36 dollars to PlayPumps International helps deliver clean water to a family in Africa.
• $50: For 50 dollars, help protect nature in dad’s honor and adopt an acre in his name at The Nature Conservancy.

For the indecisive, check out these options, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift at any price:

• Changingthepresent.org gives shoppers a wide variety of causes to choose from and support that will fit any budget.
• Purchase a TisBest.org gift card or a Network for Good Good Card and let dad choose which charity he’d like to support.
• OxfamAmericaUnwrapped.com is another great site that gives shoppers a wide variety of causes to choose from and support no matter what your budget.
  

Not able to spend money at all this year? Perhaps you can find a fun volunteer activity to do together, instead. Check out sites like VolunteerMatch, All for Good, and Social Actions for available opportunities to do this Father’s Day!

Tags: charity gift cards father's day gifts that give back giving