Looking for a Last Minute Gift?

There's so much to choose from - gifts that make giver and recipient feel good - and that help the world. What's a better Christmas gift than that?

One of my all time favorites is Oxfam - Give the gift of support to a family who needs help somewhere in the world. I've purchased sheep, goats and part of an ox for family and friends in years past. This year, who knows :). Practical Presents is a British organization that offers animals as well as a number of other options to purchase for families across the globe.

Maybe you'd prefer to be known as a charity land baron - helping organizations buy land to keep or use wisely, instead of letting it go to wild, unrestrained development? Then check out the Ecology Fund, or the World Land Trust.

There are many worthy causes to choose from - and one of my favorite stops to sort them all out is the Intelligent Giver. This year they've got an award for best gifts of 2007 that you can find here. Several are taken from the Good Gifts Catalogue, another site worth browsing.

Maybe your the recipient this year of money from relatives - do you want to spend it (well, of course you do), but should you decide to save and invest it - think about The Blue Fund.

And if you aren't sure what charity you'd like to donate to (as a donation or to purchase goods for someone), then scroll through some of the highest rated charities to find something that fits your needs. Charity Watch is a good start.

So whatever course you choose - remember that just about any of these choices are good for those last minute freak outs when it's Christmas Eve and you're debating just how quickly your spouse will leave you if you come home with the something from the nearby 7-11 as a Christmas gift.