Inexpensive and Charitable Christmas Gift's Under $20

Before I get started, let me say that these gifts are perfect for anyone on your list. From the office to your in-laws to your children to your lover. These gifts celebrate the true holiday spirit of compassion and giving. This year, give a gift that benefits the giver, the receiver and a third party.

In this list are great gift ideas that make the world a better place. Not to mention, they are affordable and all contain items for $20 and under.

- Ten Thousand Villages; www.tenthousandvillages.com

Ten Thousand Villages is a fabulous organization that sells handcrafted items from artisans all over the world. Unlike many stores these days, the items you purchase here are all fair-trade, meaning the artisans who made them obtain 100% of the profit.

Fair trade means that artisans receive the money upfront (not after the sale where items could be damaged/destroyed in transport) and can actually support families off of the money they make.

Ten Thousand Villages was an idea brought to life by a group of Mennonites (a denomination of Christianity). You can purchase items from TTV online or at their stores which can be found scattered across the country. They are especially noted for their beautiful, unique nativity sets, ornaments and cards. But believe me when I say they have so much more to offer!

Shop here for your Christmas gifts and support a program that supports the worlds' people. For example, check out this unique unity candle holder from Kenya for only $20.00. Or look at this Bell Nativity ornament made from Olive wood in the West Bank. It's only $10.00.

-Heifer Project;www.heifer.org

This year, buy your family a cow. Or maybe even a set of chickens!

Sound a little extreme? Well, it kind of is!

As the Heifer Project website states, this organizations goal is to "pass on the gift. As people share their animals' offspring with others - along with their knowledge, resources, and skills - an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe."

When you buy a heifer or a goat or chickens you aren't actually giving the actual animal to your family. Instead, you are purchasing the animals in their name and the animals go to a family in a part of the country that is struggling. These gifts are priceless to them, as they provide food, travel means and other necessities.

For example, by looking on the online gift catalog you can purchase a flock of chicks for $20 USD.

As Heifer.org says, "A flock of chicks can help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing, life-sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets. The protein in just one egg is a nutritious gift for a hungry child. Protein-packed eggs from even a single chicken can make a life-saving difference."

- UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund); www.unicefusa.org/shop/

UNICEF fights for children. Why? Well, according to UNICEF.org, it's because "Children have rights, the world has set goals for children, children demand a voice, and poverty reduction starts with children."

In addition, children should not die from preventable causes. By shopping at UNICEF you can help put a stop to such tragedies.

You can purchase items like "Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets" for $17.79.

Mosquito-borne malaria is the biggest single killer of children in Africa, where a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. A simple mosquito net can decrease infection rates by 50 percent. Your purchase will provide three nets treated with long-lasting insect repellent to protect children from mosquitoes and other biting insects.

You can also buy gifts from their giftshop, such as cards, calendars, stationary and toys for adults/children. The money goes toward UNICEF efforts.

- Susan G. Komen Foundation: For Breast Cancer; ww5.komen.org/

Each year many women are diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends and life partners and each person close to them is affected.

Keep in mind that each year many women also become cancer-free. And it wouldn't be possible without organizations like the Komen Foundation.

You can purchase gifts from the Komen Foundation Promise Shop. Everything from jewelry to office supplies to cook books to holiday cards. For example, purchase the popular 2008 version of the Better Homes and Garden Cook Book for $19.99. This bold pink edition celebrates the promise of finding a cure for breast-cancer cure. Check out the gift shop for more wonderful ideas.

You can also make a donation in name of whoever you wish.

For more charitable gift ideas, check out the following organizations:

St. Jude's Children's Fund

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

American Humane (for animal rights)

*Don't forget your local charities, either!