Ack, the media hype will start any day now. Black Friday sales! Best tech gadgets! People literally stampede into WalMarts and go into debt just to buy stuff that often gets returned or unused. The ecological impact of all this over-the-top commercialism is astounding. What’s the alternative? Here are three ideas.
Give charities: Find a charity that the individual would find appealing. This works even with children. My niece bragged to her friends about adopting her favorite wild animal, a snow leopard. For my god child who loved soccer, I found a charity that gives soccer balls to kids in war zones. When he turned 18 and I sent him a check, he donated half of it to charity. How awesome is that!
Give experiences: Would Mom appreciate a massage? How about giving a teenager dinner for two to use for a date? What about gathering your family and doing a volunteer project?
Give food (you know they’ll eat): There are many online stores that will send food so you don’t have to carry boxes to the Post Office. For out of state family, send something local. Maybe you have a great chocolate shop, winery, honey store or fruit orchards. For people who live alone, services that send single serving meals is also an option. There are healthy vegan/vegetarian options. Did you dry herbs or beans from your garden that you could put in a pretty jar?
Darcy Hitchcock 
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