Gifts that Give Back: Holiday Gift Ideas that Also Benefit Charity

Regifting may no longer be defined in the way Seinfeld and crew recognize it. Many major stores have created a new trend in holiday gift giving: a way for the public to give again. This means that donating money become more passive, as items are being purchased for the same price but the money is going further. Here is a look at some stores and brands that are "regifting."

(PRODUCT) RED (The Global Fund)

(PRODUCT) RED was founded by U2's Bono and Bobby Shriver (chair of DATA) as a way for the Global Fund to partner with iconic brands (like American Express, Gap, Converse, Motorola and Giorgio Armani) to sell (PRODUCT) RED branded products to sustain the cash flow of the organization-and help thousands of African women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The parenthesis around "product" symbolize embracing the cause. (PRODUCT) RED is by far not a holiday fundraiser; however, with clothes, electronics and more marked with (RED), many may consider these items perfect holiday gifts. For more information and to see all products, visit www.joinred.com.

Gap's contribution to (RED) is a line of limited edition items, perhaps the most popular being the red "word" tees decked out with words like "Inspi(RED)," "Desi(RED)" and "Discove(RED)." The line also features tank tops, hoodies, bags, belts, bracelets, caps, jackets, button downs and sweaters. (RED) items at Gap range from $1-$350, and 50% of proceeds from (RED) go to the Global Fund. (RED) items are only available at select GAP stores.

Motorola has injected some (RED) into limited edition versions of its latest phone models, the MOTORAZR and MOTOSLVR. They also introduced Studio (RED), which will allow owners of red phones access to exclusive red wallpapers, news alerts and more. Accessories such as Bluetooth headsets are also available in red. The MOTORAZR is priced at $154.99-but comes with a $90.00 rebate offer. The MOTOSLVR is $79.99.

Apple will give $10 of every red ipod nano ($199) to the Global Fund. The ipod nano features a 1.5-inch color display, 24 hours of battery life and a seamless iTunes integration.

Converse has initiated a "Make Mine Red" feature on its website, which allows fans of the classic sneaker to design their own version of a (RED) Converse. Also, the brand is offering four exclusive, limited edition shoes designed by acclaimed U.K. designer Giles Deacon, featuring a Chuck Taylor All Star Hi ($100), Jack Purcell ($100), One Star Mid ($120) and Weapon ($140.) 10% of all sales will be donated to the Global Fund.

Giorgio Armani has also joined forces with the Global Fund with the launch of the (PRODUCT) RED capsule collection including: a jacket ($228), sweatshirt ($148) and jeans ($198) to accessories, including sunglasses ($170), a watch ($225), wallet ($148), mobile phone clip ($58) and belt ($198).

Angel Ornaments at Target (Salvation Army)
Target is not only donating $1 million to Salvation Army this season, but also launched another way to raise money for the organization. Target Shoppers can purchase an Angel Ornament for $9.99, for which 100% of proceeds go to the Salvation Army. The Angel Ornament is a silver plated zinc alloy decked out in red crystals and stands at 5.25" high. The item is available online and in stores.

The Body Shop (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
The Body Shop has a few stocking-stuffer type items for which a portion of proceeds will help stop domestic violence. Daisy Soap ($4) is a vegetable soap containing daisy extract and moisturizing shea butter from Ghana. The Stop the Violence in the Home Lip Care Stick ($2) has a cool, minty taste.

Online Shopping Sites That Give
There are a few online shopping malls that allow you to choose the charity of your choice and then a percentage of what you purchase is donated. Also, Ebay has an entire charity auction site, Giving Works for which all purchases benefit some sort of organization. Here are some sites to try out:

www.ebay.com/givingworks
www.igive.com
www.workforchange.com
www.schoolcash.com
www.escrip.com