A Shopping List of Charitable Christmas Gift Ideas

Whether you're shopping birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, wedding or beyond, purchasing a gift that's charitable is a great route to go. After all, you're likely purchasing something that benefits someone or an organization; the gift receiver is satisfied, and in some cases you can even get a little tax break. Fortunately, there are a number of options to choose from when it comes to these types of gifts.

Donation to Charity
You can donate money to almost every charitable organization-from breast cancer research to children's hospitals to the local food bank down the street. Simply donate an amount of money you feel comfortable with, but do so in the gift receiver's name. The organization will likely provide you with a card or certificate of some sort that you can then pass on. If you donate more than $250, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says you must have a written acknowledgment from the organization detailing the donation. Note that contributions to charities are only deductible when you itemize them on Form 1040, Schedule A provided by the IRS.

Heifer Project
The Heifer Project is one of those organizations that makes people feel good whether they're giving or receiving. You can purchase animals, products or even plant life that goes toward families who lack those resources. From $20 for a flock of chicks that provide eggs, to $500 for a heifer cow (great source for milk and other dairy products), there is plenty to choose from. Simply visit the Heifer Project website and purchase a gift in the recipient's name. There are tax forms on the website, as well.

Thrift Stores
There are a number of thrift stores that send most, if not all, of their profits to various foundations and charitable organizations. For example, consider shopping at the Salvation Army, where money goes toward resources for those who are homeless or in need. Goodwill is another example. Also look around your area for local thrift stores that donate their proceeds to charities. Drop your items off and then go shopping for your loved ones. Once you've finished donating, simply request a receipt and tax form when you shop. For charitable thrift stores, you can deduct the value of items that you donate to the store (not the money you spend buying items there).

Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages is an organization that was founded in 1946. It's a not-for-profit, fair trade store whose mission is to provide a means of income for people around the world. You can purchase unique, hand crafted items from people in many different countries. Items include jewelry, housewares, decorations and even food. All profits help cover food, education, health care and housing expenses for the artisans who created them. Because it's fair trade, the artisans receive the money up front.