2009 Good Gifts Guide:
Creating more meaningful gift-giving at Christmas
Give more, give smarter, give beer, give now!
2009
Good Gifts
Guide
Don’t want to give yet another
unwanted, unnecessary gift?
This year, give a good gift!
Use the Good Gifts Guide to help
create more meaningful giftgiving this Christmas.
T
he Good Gifts Guide has been
produced as part of Australian
Giving Week 2009 – 29th
November – 5th December 2009:
www.givingweek.com.au
Australian Giving Week takes place around the
country during December each year to focus
attention on the many ways that individuals,
families, businesses and groups can make a
difference to their community in the lead-up to
Christmas.
It’s about helping people take some small,
simple steps that open the way for a better
supported, more inclusive, more vibrant
community – not just during the Christmas
period, but all year long as well.
Australian Giving Week is an initiative of the
Our Community Foundation and is supported
by Westpac bank.
29 No� – 5 Dec 2009
An Initiative of:
Proudly supported by:
MERCHANDISE/GENERAL GIFTS
Proceeds go to good causes
If you want to give a present, as well as the warm inner glow, get
them something smart and useful that also kicks back money for a
good cause.
• RESEARCH FIRE BRIGADE is selling commemorative Black
Saturday photo books with personal stories contributed by our
volunteer fire-fighters and their families, working in the Kinglake
Ranges and surrounding districts. The books capture the highs
and lows experienced during Black Saturday and the ensuing
days, recognising the efforts of volunteers and the resilience of
the communities affected by the fires. Cost: $24.99 – Books can be
ordered online at:
http://www.researchcfa.com.au
• AUSTRALIAN MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY sells a range
of marine-themed merchandise including jewellery, t-shirts, key
rings and art at their online store:
http://www.amcs.org.au/Product.asp?active_page_id=57
• PARTNERS RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA – Hand
crafted products which are produced by refugees along the
Thai-Burma border as part of the Partners weaving program.
The women involved in the weaving program receive an income,
which helps feed and clothe their families, as well as a sense of
empowerment. Products are for sale at:
http://www.partnersworld.org.au/aus_cart/index.php
• MIRABEL FOUNDATION – The Motivation Cook Book features
approximately 30 recipes from over 15 countries. The recipes have
been contributed directly by project staff that are based in the
various countries, providing a truly authentic taste. The book is
$20 plus postage and handling. Contact Lucy Tarallo on tarallo@
motivation.org.uk Mirabel Foundation – A number of gifts
including t-shirts, tea towels, books, cards and bags are available
for purchase via the website:
http://www.mirabelfoundation.org.au/shop
• FARESHARE – (formerly One Umbrella) provides free, tasty,
nutritious meals to the homeless using donated food not needed
by markets, caterers and retailers around Melbourne. FareShare
are selling aprons for $25 which will provide funds for 25 healthy
meals for those in need:
http://www.fareshare.org.au
• 3CR – 3CR community radio station is selling the 2010 Seeds of
Dissent! calendar. The calendar includes work from 12 fabulous
Australian artists depicting their “vision for the future”. Calendars
are $25 and are available from like-minded retail stores or $22
from 3CR:
http://www.3cr.org.au/calendar
• GARETH IVORY FOUNDATION – are selling “People and Planet”
diaries ($15 or $12 each for orders of 5 or more) to help support
their work in disadvantaged communities in the Australia Asia
Pacific region. Email orders to garethivoryfoundation@gmail.
com and head to the website for more information:
http://www.garethivoryfoundation.org.au
• ANGLICARE – has a Christmas catalogue of gifts including cards,
calendars and CDs to help support their work:
http://www.anglicare.org.au
• LANGRI TANGPA CENTRE – is selling
prayer flags, Buddhist stickers and decals,
Buddhist jigsaw puzzles, smokeless incense
and Malas to support the centre. For more
information go to:
http://www.langritangpa.org.au
• TARALYE – is selling delicious Pud for all
Seasons Christmas puddings to support their
work with young hearing impaired children.
http://www.taralye.vic.edu.au
• RSPCA VIC – has a selection of gifts for pets
and pet owners, including a range of RSPCA
branded merchandise such as Christmas
puddings, Christmas cards, 2010 calendars,
2010 diaries, apparel and lots more at:
http://www.shop.rspcavic.org.au
• LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION – is selling
beautiful Christmas hampers with a range of
goodies.
http://lighthousefoundation.org.au
• MEKHALA HOUSE – Purchase a 2010
calendar with beautiful images of Cambodia
taken by the children of Mekhala House or
purchase a gift card for your friends and
family that directly benefits the children of
Mekhala House:
http://www.fdcc.org.au
• LORD MAYOR’S COMMUNITY TRUST –
is selling an updated version of The Lady
Mayoress Cookbook and Apron, inspired by
the original 1938 Lady Mayoress Cookery
Book. The book is a fun and colourful
reflection of a uniquely Brisbane lifestyle,
with a selection of 52 recipes ranging from
old favourites (Lemonade Scones) to more
modern, multicultural flavours.
http://lmct.org.au
• VILLA MARIA – has created an Art Calendar
including the work from individual and
group artists aged nine to ninety. The $20
calendar has been produced to showcase
Villa Maria’s work and raise much-needed
funds. Order online at
http://www.villamaria.com.au.
• ANIMALS AUSTRALIA – have a gift shop
selling tshirts, natural soy candles, all-natural
body care gift sets, symbolic adoption plush
toys, bags and books. All proceeds from the
sale of these items go directly to Animals
Australia’s campaigns to expose and fight
animal cruelty.
https://animalsaustralia.qnetau.com/
support/merchandise.php.
4Don’t forget that op-shops are a great place to
find vintage and pre-loved gifts, with profits
from your purchase going to help those in
need.
BABY BLANKIES - $17.95
Little ones are sure to be drawn
to the vibrant colours of these
soft character blankies. Surface
washable. Elephant or Puppy
design. 39.4 x 41.9 cm
http://shop.rspcavic.org.au/
p-585-baby-blankies.aspx
LADY MAYORESS COOKBOOK $19.95 including cloth apron
Filled with recipes old and new
with a distinctly Brisbane flavour
and quirky old-fashioned kitchen
tips, this cookbook will have
you whipping up a storm in your
kitchen.
Phone 07 3403 6759 or visit:
http://www.lmct.org.au/
STAR FISH SEA FOAM TSHIRT $24.95 (Girls) $35.95 (Ladies)
Tshirts are a slim fit and feature an
image on front and text on rear
http://www.mirabelfoundation.
org.au/shop/browse/4/T-Shirts
WILD FRANGIPANI NATURAL SOY
CANDLE - $22.00 (inc postage)
Handmade by Ecoya’s master
candlemakers with non-petroleum
wax for a longer burn that’s better
for you, and the environment.
https://animalsaustralia.qnetau.
com/support/merchandise.
php?item=39asp?CategoryID=5
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD GUIDE $9.95
Concerned about the sea? This
will tell you all you need to know
to make an informed choice when
selecting seafood.
http://www.amcs.org.au/
Product.asp?CategoryID=5
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GIFTS
Farm animals, water purifiers, bicycles – gifts sent
to communities in need
Choosing gifts is always difficult: if you get the kind of
thing they like they’ve probably got it already, while if
you get the kind of thing they don’t like then, well, they
probably won’t like it. Better to give a present you know
someone will like – clean water, a breeding pig, a muck
spreader – and pass on the warm inner glow rights to
your friend.
• TEAR AUSTRALIA: Buy a toilet for a friend in
Toowoomba and transform the health of a family
in Tanzania. With TEAR’s Gift Catalogue, we’re all
connected: it’s six degrees of sanitation.
http://www.usefulgifts.org
• OXFAM: Buy a buffalo, build a boat or even purchase
some manure for your friends! Donations help support
the Oxfam programs that your gift represents, and
you’ll get to give a card to the recipient explaining how
their special gift is helping others. Go to
http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au
• MOTIVATION AUSTRALIA: Purchase a Worldmade
Wheelchair for someone living in the Asia Pacific
for $260. Worldmade wheelchairs are strong, robust
and appropriate for the rugged terrain often found in
countries in the Asia Pacific.
For more information go to:
http://www.motivation.org.au
• MERCY SHIPS: Sponsor specific surgeries to be carried
out free on the hospital ship for the forgotten poor of
West Africa.
http://www.mercyships.org.au
• ALANNAH AND MADELINE FOUNDATION: Support
a range of programs that help keep children safe from
violence. Fund a Buddy Bag for children entering
emergency foster care or a Buddy Bear Puppet for a
primary school, as well as many other gift options.
http://www.amf.org.au
BUDDY BAG - $25 to $120
Buddy Bags provide children with a backpack containing
essential and personal items, all of which are brand new.
It is theirs to keep, providing them with belongings of their
very own, and will help begin the process of restoring a
sense of safety and security into their lives.
http://www.amf.org.au/BuddyBags/
• AUSTRALIA ZOO WILDLIFE WARRIORS: become a
“Koala Crusader” to help save these native animals from
extinction. All donations of $80 or more will receive a
limited edition keyring and certificate.
http://www.wildlifewarriors.org
• ANTaR NSW: An annual ($20) or three-year ($60)
membership of ANTaR NSW will allow the recipient
to be part of a movement which supports cultural,
legal and political changes to improve social justice
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and
close the gap in health and life expectancy between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Visit:
http://www.antar.org.au
• ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS: provide tools,
infrastructure, clean water and even efficient energy
sources to disadvantaged communities internationally.
http://www.ewb.org.au
• ASPECT – AUTISM SPECTRUM AUSTRALIA: support
families of children and adults with autism, and
purchase the gift of art supplies, yoga classes, respite
camps and school supplies.
For more gift ideas, go to
http://www.autismspectrum.org.au
• KARMA CURRENCY: add some good Karma to
your Christmas with a Charity Gift Voucher. It’s the
tax deductible, eco-friendly gift that can protect
rainforests, educate kids, find cures, feed the homeless
and more. In fact there are hundreds of charities and
thousands of gifts to choose from.
http://www.karmacurrency.com.au.
• CLAN – Caring and Living as Neighbours: With
your help, CLAN can provide the gift of education,
healthcare and medical support such as a 24/7
paediatrician for children living with CAH and diabetes
in Pakistan.
http://www.whatisclan.org
• ALOLA: Buy a gift certificate from Alola this Christmas
and support the maternal and child health program by
providing a maternity pack. Help to provide economic
BUCKET HYGIENE KIT - $25
This gift buys life-saving buckets and bars of soap which are
essential in emergency situations. They keep water clean and
ensure that less is spilt. They stack easily inside each other,
making them easy to transport and distribute. Bars of soap
improve hygiene and prevent the spread of disease. http://
www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au/Product.php?productid=163
independence through the Alola Livelihood program
which provides tools, materials and support to
Timorese women.
http://www.alolafoundation.org
• GARETH IVORY FOUNDATION: Buy an education
for an East Timorese child. For just $60 a child can be
provided with an education for a year.
http://www.garethivoryfoundation.org.au
• LIFE, LOVE AND HEALTH: Purchase a $25 gift
certificate to provide a primary school desk and chair
for the Garianna Primary School in East Timor. The
desk and chair are made in East Timor so 100% of the
donation stays there.
http://lifelovehealth.com
• EDMUND RICE CAMPS SA: Just $120 buys a child
a weekend camp with Edmund Rice Camps, or $300
for a week holiday camp. There are also options
for corporates to sponsor entire camps. For more
information go to
http://www.eddiericecamps.org.au
• APIDS: Buy an E-Card for as little as $20 and help
support a range of APIDS’ programs including
awareness programs for women with disabilities in
Kiribati and computer classes for Tongan members of
a Disabled Peoples Organisation. For more information
about these and other programs, go to
http://www.apids.org
• RAINBOW RIDERS: Sponsor a horse or donkey and
receive a photo and a six monthly report on the good
work this organisation is doing helping young people.
http://www.rainbowriders.com.au
• HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL: Humane
Gifts celebrate and protect animals and their homes
in Australia and overseas. Help support the work of
the Kilimanjaro Fieldmen working to protect Africa’s
elephants for $75, or contribute $40 to orang-utan care
and conservation in Indonesia. Order online at
https://www.hsi.org.au/shop
SAVE A SHARK - $25
Contribute to HSI’s campaign to outlaw
the cruel practice of shark finning
https://www.hsi.org.au/shop/
details/?id=18
ORANGUTAN CARE - $40
Contribute to an ongoing conservation
program that rescues, rehabilitates and
releases orangutans and also restores
rainforest habitat and runs an education
program through schools and villages
about the importance of protecting the
precious biodiversity of Borneo.
https://www.hsi.org.au/shop/
details/?id=6
ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDEN - $25
raining for families to grow sustainable
and nutritious fruit and veggies without
chemicals. Households can save seeds for
future harvests and earn an income from
selling surplus produce.
http://www.usefulgifts.org/gift/
organic-vegetable-garden/
SCHOOL SUPPLIES - $5
A set of pencils and paper, or slate and
chalk, plus workbooks and exercise books,
to enable a child from a marginalised
family to set off to a community school;
the first step in a lifetime of learning.
http://www.usefulgifts.org/gift/
school-supplies/
GIVE A GIFT TO THE PLANET
Gifts that benefit environmental causes
Counteract some of the carbon debt from your Christmas
and New Year celebrations. Plant a tree or two, or pay
others to do the work on your loved ones’ behalf.
• RAINFOREST RESCUE’S beautiful Gift Cards offer
a range of options for you to support through your
purchase, including planting and restoration projects
operating in The Daintree, Ecuador and Indonesia.
https://shop.rainforestrescue.org.au
• CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS: your gift will help
Conservation Volunteers make a difference on projects
such as caring for wetlands impacted by drought and
conserving Sea Turtles on remote beaches.
http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/
wildfutures
PLANT A RAINFOREST GIFT CARD
Each $25 plants and maintains one tree.
INDONESIA ORANGUTAN HABITAT
FOR SURVIVAL GIFT CARD
Each $25 will help protect 25 hectares.
DAINTREE BUYBACK & PROTECT
FOREVER GIFT CARD
Each $25 saves 5m2 of the spectacular
Daintree Rainforest.
https://shop.rainforestrescue.org.au
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Spread Christmas cheer and
support a community group
Make your Christmas Cards count this year – choose
a group that is close to your heart and send a card that
supports communities.
• THE GREEN CHRISTMAS GIVING CARD – Our
Community along with Australia Post is selling Green
Christmas cards again this year. The cards cost $3 each
and can be purchased in support of your favourite
community group or a number of environmental
causes:
http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmascards
• AUSTRALIAN MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY
has a range of gorgeous Christmas cards that have been
created specifically for AMCS by illustrator Anton van
Helden. A pack of 6 cards costs $9.95 and you can order
the cards online at:
http://www.amcs.org.au
goes to Alzheimer’s Australia Vic.
http://www.alzheimers.org.au/upload/AAV_Christmas_
card_catalogue_2009.pdf
• ARTHRITIS WA is selling Christmas cards from their store at 17
Lemnos St, Shenton Park WA 6008.
• NEUROSURGICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION has a range of
eight different Christmas Cards for sale. For order forms and
more information, head to
http://www.nrf.com.au
• VILLA MARIA – has a variety of Christmas cards. All cards
come in packets of 10 and are available with a greeting or blank.
Order online at
http://www.villamaria.com.au
• EDGARS MISSION - Featuring the one and only... Edgar Alan
Pig! $12.00 for 10 cards plus $2.00 postage
http://www.edgarsmission.org.au/Merchandise.htm#cards
• AUSTRALIA ZOO WILDLIFE WARRIORS has a range
of Christmas cards in packs of ten. The cards cost $15.95
per pack.
http://www.wildlifewarriors.org
• GARETH IVORY FOUNDATION has “summer
garden” and “beach sunrise” greeting cards to support
disadvantaged communities in the Australia Asia Pacific
region. The cards are $8 for 6 and you can email orders
to garethivoryfoundation@gmail.com and head to:
http://www.garethivoryfoundation.org.au for more
information.
• THE AUSTRALIAN LITERACY AND NUMERACY
FOUNDATION has created a beautiful range of
greeting cards using images of the young people
participating in our award-winning literacy programs in
Australia’s Northern Territory. The cards are $50 for a
pack of 5 and can be bought online here:
http://www.alnf.org/shop/cards.php
• depressionNet is selling a range of Christmas cards
to support their work with Australians living with
depression and mental illness. 40% of the total card
cost goes to support depressionNet’s work.
Order online at:
http://christmascards4charity.com.au/depress
• LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION has a range of
individually designed Christmas cards to sell this year
to help raise much needed funds for the young people
they care for. A pack of 10 cards costs $9.95 and can be
ordered online here http://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au
• WETLANDCARE AUSTRALIA has run a national art
competition to raise awareness of wetlands. This year
they are selling Christmas cards featuring the winning
works from the 2009 competition.
http://www.wetlandcare.com.au
• ALZHEIMER’S AUSTRALIA VIC has produce a
Christmas Card Collection 2009 starting at $5 for a
pack of 10. All proceeds from the sale of these cards
GREEN CHRISTMAS GIVING CARD - 10 cards - $30
$1 from every card goes to a community group of your choice!
The community group you choose will be printed on the back of
the card and a message of your choice and a logo/image can be
printed inside the card. Envelopes and postage stamps included.
http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmascards
DESERT PACK - 5 CARDS - $50
All cards are A5 in size and come with matching envelopes.
All proceeds from the sale of these cards will go directly towards
ALNF’s literacy programs for Indigenous Australian youth.
http://www.alnf.org/shop/cards.php
LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION CARDS - 10 CARDS - $9.95
By purchasing these cards you are directly helping us to raise
much needed funds for the young people needing care.
http://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au/news/id/88
GIVE MONEY
OTHER GOOD GIFT IDEAS
Cash gifts to good causes
Share the joy!
It’s better to give than to receive – give a cash donation in
the name of your loved one.
Joy to the world! Spread the joy around by helping others.
• GIVENOW.COM.AU – More than 1400 great causes
are listed on this secure site. Browse for a cause your
loved one will love – by location or interest area. A
notification email will be sent to the recipient to inform
them of the gift made in their name.
www.givenow.com.au
• TOYS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THOSE IN NEED –
Variety is hosting a toy appeal. All toys purchased will be
donated to SHINE for Kids (making Christmas a happier
time for children whose parent/s are incarcerated.) Gifts
selected and purchased on the website are given directly
to the children.
http://www.simplygiving.com.au/variety
• DONATE BLOOD – Give the gift of life by donating blood.
Find out more at
www.donateblood.com.au
• BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR – Sign up to save a life at
www.givenow.com.au/otherways/organdonor
• VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME – Many community groups
need an extra hand around the holiday period delivering
hampers, preparing meals etc. Find out more about
volunteering and how you can get involved at www.
givenow.com.au/otherways/time
• GIVE SHARES – ShareGift Australia can help people put
their small parcels of shares to good use by converting
them into donations for good causes in Australia. For more
information go to
http://www.sharegiftaustralia.org.au
• GIFT WRAPPING ¬– Myer gift wrapping services raise
funds for Vision Australia
WWW.GIVENOW.COM.AU
Give a credit card donation to an Australian Community
Group on behalf of a loved one. There are over $1400
great causes to choose from
http://www.givenow.com.au
• GIVE BLANKETS, CLOTHES, FURNITURE, LAND,
COMPUTERS, BIKES, MOBILE PHONES, CORKS – Find
out how and where at GiveNow –
www.givenow.com.au/otherways
The Good Gifts Guide has been produced as
part of Australian Giving Week 2009
29th November – 5th December
WWW.GIVINGWEEK.COM.AU
Australian Giving Week is an initiative of the Our
Community Foundation, which also supports the
GiveNow.com.au giving website. GiveNow has
been used by more than 60,000 individuals and
corporates and has collected more than $12 million
in online donations for Australian community
groups. Both Australian Giving Week and GiveNow.
com.au are proudly supported by Westpac.
For more information and any queries, please email
donations@givenow.com.au
WWW.GIVENOW.COM.AU/OTHERWAYS
Find other ways to give - from donating blankets to blood.
http://www.givenow.com.au/otherways
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