This time each year I’m on the hunt for “The Ultimate Gift” for a few people on my list. I’m on the look out for gift ideas that can give that wow factor. I’m working down my list and almost ready for the holidays. In return, my friends and family tell me I’m the hardest person to buy for. I don’t have any needs…but I do have “wants”. Yes, I’d love a new pair of stylish boots for winter and that new bright orange-red wool coat I spotted at a store last week or a piece from the new jewellery collection just released in time for the holidays. I’d love these luxuries in life and who wouldn’t?
But wait…just a thought…. What if the ultimate gift this year for many people around the world is not the latest tech toy or most beautiful statement necklace? But what if the “ultimate gift” is possibilities? What if you could provide the opportunity for a child to go to school or protect babies from illness? Could it be something that enriches someone’s life? Or luxurious in thought? I’m weighing in my pros and cons now and reassessing my list to add-on something that may seem like a necessity for us but maybe it’s a luxury for many needy countries. I’ve been introduced to UNICEF SURVIVAL GIFTS and I’m amazed at what is considered a luxury. I certainly can do this!
For example, I could purchase new linens for the grandparents but I could also purchase Bed Nets (2 bed nets for $9) for a child in need. In Africa, one in six child deaths is due to malaria. An insecticide-treated bed net is a simple way to save lives. Plus I hate mosquitos so this is definitely on my holiday gift buying list. Whether you add-on to your gifts or make it a full contribution on behalf of your family member or friend you can order online through UNICEF SURVIVAL GIFTS — you will also have the option to download an eCard to give to the recipient to let them know.
UNICEF ensures that these Survival Gifts are the actual products children will receive. Once purchased, UNICEF will pull the product from the warehouse in Copenhagen and send directly to people in the field.
Other gift ideas that are important right now…
Blankets for Babies ($22 for 6 blankets *holiday offer) that offer warmth protection from cold weather and the feeling of security for newborns and babies.
Therapeutic Milk ($20) provides fifty glasses of milk for children a real necessity at emergency feeding stations, hospitals and refugee camps. The milk powder also has added nutrients making this gift a lifesaver.
Plumpy Nut ($10 for 42 packets *holiday offer) helps boost a malnourished child’s chance of survival to promote health and well being. As we are busy with our holiday entertaining and snacks it’s hard not to consider how important this meal would bring to kids in need. If a child has Plumpy Nut three times a day, they can gain up to 2 pounds in one week.
It’s not hard for me to give up a couple of lattes to be able to help out another mom in this world so she won’t have to worry about how to get get more nourishment for her baby or offer some protection from the cold. There are tons of other options available for the gift giving season. So, while you may be getting the latest toy for child, consider a thoughtful add-on so kids elsewhere can #unBOXPossibilities. It may not sound so luxurious to us but it is to them.
I’ll be sharing what I’ll be purchasing over on social media, I’d love to see what you do as well! Makes sure you use the hashtag #unBOXpossibilities when sharing!
This post was sponsored by UNICEF but all opinions expressed are my own.
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