Charitable Gift Giving

Update: 2010 Christmas Cards are now available!

Each year, The National Wildlife Federation puts out some of the most beautiful Christmas and holiday cards you can find, with stunning images of wildlife and nature. This year is no exception.

This year’s cards feature the usual assortment of beautifully illustrated cards and stunning nature photography.

They also have some very unique ideas. Their “Zero Waste Cards” come with an envelope where, after your friends enjoy your card, they can use to mail it in to Shaw Industries, which will recycle the card into carpet backing!

Their “Plant a Tree” greeting cards include not just the card, but will also plant one tree to help the environment.With the economy the way it is, charities everywhere are feeling the pinch.

This is a great way to get your regular holiday shopping done and help out the world at the same time.

Here’s a bonus charitable gift idea if you happen to own or run a business looking for bulk Christmas Cards.

VistaPrint is offering 2009 Christmas Cards which benefit Toys for Tots, another great organization.

Here’s how to get them:

1. Click on this link to open VistaPrint in a new window
2. Click the link that says “NEW! Designer Collection”
3. In the Search Box on the left side of the page, type “Toys for Tots”

You’ll see a selection of four cards to choose from. The design for the card with the iPod, Guitar, and stuffed toy were drawn by three West Virginia kids, Amanda, Carson, and Amber, as part of a nationwide project. 50% of the proceeds from sales of these Toys 4 Tots cards will go to help that great organization put smiles on underprivileged children around the country.