The Best Holiday Gift List I've Seen This Year

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It's a common feature in magazines and on websites:  The Holiday Gift List.  Usually filled with over-priced items that no one really needs, I've always found these suggestions pretty useless.  It's just another form of advertising, as far as I'm concerned.  And who wants to add to the total of unwanted gifts received every holiday season?





Better choices


However, I recently found some better recommendations for the holiday, and I want to share them with you.  They come from the World Vision gift catalog.  World Vision is a global Christian humanitarian organization that has been partnering with children, families, and communities (of any faith or none) for over 70 years.  Their programs include health, education, hunger and water issues, disaster relief, child protection, gender equality, and more.


Each of these gifts equips children and families to change their own lives for a better future.  They're useful, provide decent jobs, and do more than enrich a retailer's bottom line.  If you're still looking for gifts for your loved ones, you can't go wrong with these.




The 2022 Maximum Gratitude Minimalist Stuff holiday gift list


Gifts for her:

  • The hand-woven "All Things Possible" crossbody purse, made by fair trade artisans, carries essentials in style and supports families affected by the Ukraine crisis.  8" x 11", with a strap that adjusts up to 29".
  • Turquoise necklace, 20" long, nickel-free (yay!), handcrafted by fair trade artisans in India.
  • Sewing machine and training for a struggling woman or girl in countries like Kenya or Bangladesh.


Gifts for him:

  • "Further Together" waxed string bracelets handcrafted by fair trade artisans using cotton thread with metal caps.  Gray, orange, yellow; each is unique and may vary slightly.
  • "Circle of Strength" coasters handcrafted of papyrus grass by women artisans in Tanzania.  Set of 4, approximately 4" diameter.
  • Fish pond that provides a high-quality, sustainable food source for children and families.
  • Solar lantern to provide light in refugee camps, remote health clinics, disaster areas, rural schools, and more.


Gifts for the kids:

  • Benito the plush bunny, handmade by fair trade artisans, approximately 8" tall.
  • Alpaca ornament (or pocket pal), handmade of felt and cotton by female artisans in India who are benefitting from fair trade practices.  Approximately 4" x 5".
  • School supplies like notebooks, pencils, crayons, textbooks, sports equipment, and more for students in need around the world (including the U.S.).  Thanks to corporate donations, this gift multiplies four times in impact.
  • Goat and 2 chickens.  A dairy goat can supply up to a gallon of protein- and calcium-rich nutrition every day to a struggling family, including those in harsh climates.  Chickens and their eggs provide tasty protein for needy families and are easy to breed, requiring little money, space, or food to thrive and grow.


Gifts for the one who has everything:

  • "Morning Blessings" artisanal mug formed from volcanic Mexican clay and hand painted blue and white.  Lead-free, handwash.
  • Gold-toned iron votive candle holder skillfully handcrafted by artisans that benefit from fair trade practices.  4" x 4.5".
  • Family set of bed nets to prevent malaria, which still kills over half a million people every year.


Find even more gifts at worldvisiongifts.org.



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