How do you give back during the holidays? One of the most simple ways to donate is with socially responsible shopping. You can buy gifts that provide a donation with the purchase. Give to the needy, while doing the shopping you need to do anyway. Check out a few tips I have for socially responsible shopping. Then enter in my giveaway to win an African Soapstone Box worth $85 from World Vision.

Socially Responsible Shopping Tips

1.) Give as you buy.

Some companies are set up to accept donations as part of the purchase price. For example, note that World Vision is a non-profit, Christian humanitarian organization. One of the non-profit’s features is that it sells handcrafted items. The African Soapstone Box that I received was made by local, Kenyan artisans. Purchasing the soapstone box helps provide jobs to people in international communities, while also giving a donation to those in need. One thing I loved about the soapstone box was that it had a sturdy, heavy weight, so I could tell the quality was excellent. The etchings and coloring were really nice too.

Would the person receiving the gift from you appreciate the gift of giving to others? World Vision offers many options for gifts, including donations of animals to families. Your gift can help provide nutrition and income to those who need it most. If helping local communities is more critical of a cause to you, there are also donations for clothes, food and school supplies to people in America.

2.) Reach the most underserved areas.

Give to the areas and the people that need your donation the most. Displaced families, refugees, and disaster survivors are some of the many people who need aid. There are many different areas of stewardship. Give to protect children, to keep water clean, or to provide education and better health care opportunities. Check how people qualify to receive help from a non-profit before donating.

3.) Check for financial accountability.

When giving a donation, check the non-profit status of the organization. You should have an easy time finding out where the money goes. Having financial statements uploaded online, as World Vision does, is a good sign of transparency. When you’re looking at different non-profit organization, the bulk of your donation should go to help others. Checking for financial accountability so your money gets to its proper destination.