Charitable Gift Giving

NYPD Toy Cars and NYFD Fire Engine

December 13th, 2007 · Amazon, NYFD, NYPD

September 2001 taught the world what a lot of us who lived in the New Jersey/New York area have known for years. That the New York Police Department really does live up to its name as “New York’s Finest”, and the New York Fire Department does live up to its name as “New York’s Bravest”.

Yes, having lived in this area all my life, I’ve had my run-ins with traffic and parking tickets. On the other hand, when you really need them, they’re always there.

Unlike other police officers in a certain neighboring state, whenever I’ve needed help from a New York City police officer, I’ve always been treated respectfully and courteously. And seeing them on duty in the wee hours of the morning is always a comforting sight.

These NYPD Toy Cars are a great playset for the kids in your life, and as an official licensed product, a portion of the sales go right to the NYPD.

Similarly the NYFD Playset has a great big red fire engine and a terrific fire chief car, all with perfect attention to detail. A portion of the sales go to the NYFD. What better present for the little guy in your life?

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Mercury Glass Ornaments

December 11th, 2007 · Aid to Artisans, Arts, Uncommon Goods

Here’s another great idea from the good folks at Uncommon Goods: Mercury Glass Ornaments.

“Mercury glass” or “silvered glass” was a popular and beautiful type of glassmaking in Bohemia, England, and the United States from the mid-1800s through the early-1900s. (Contrary to the name, they don’t actually contain mercury).

These ornaments are great examples of the process, where glass is hand-blown and covered with a brilliant silver coating.

What makes these ornaments extra special, aside from their exquisite beauty and the fact that each is individually crafted by hand, is that 10% of the proceeds go to support Aid to Artisans. This is an organization that helps craftspeople around the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries, to develop products, develop business skills, and develop new markets.

It’s a great way to support hard-working craftspeople, while providing a classy and beautiful decoration for your tree.

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Eat Like Royalty: A cookbook from Darren McGrady, Personal Chef to Diana

December 9th, 2007 · AIDS, Amazon, Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Eating Royally is a cookbook with an interesting story.

Darren McGrady was a chef for the Royal Family, and continued to serve as Princess Diana’s personal chef until her death in 1997.

In this book, he presents an amazing look inside the Royal Family, from photographs, to picture of actual menus printed for each of the royal family, to never-before seen artifacts and memorabilia, to fascinating stories about his years in Buckingham Palace.

And of course, it has recipes for the dishes he cooked the royal family, and especially Diana. Recipes include Her Majesty’s Birthday Chocolate Cake, Framboises St. George, Poached Eggs Suzettes, Chicken and Leek Pie, Steak Diane, Cottage Pie, Croques Monsieur, and much, much more.

In honor of Diana and her passion for children’s causes, the author is donating a portion of proceeds to the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

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United We Stand Magazine Flag Covers from July 1942

December 7th, 2007 · Amazon, Red Cross

vogue magazine cover from july 1942

United We Stand is a fascinating book. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and United States’ entry into World War II, there was a wave of patriotism in this country. Hollywood’s support for the war effort is well documented, but the print media also took a part of supporting America’s fight against tyranny.

In July 1942, 500 magazines featured the American flag on their covers, from Time to Vogue, and dozens of comic books and smaller magazines. All of them are featured in this book, along with the story of how the campaign was organized, and quotes from the magazines themselves.

The retrospective book was published shortly after the events of September 2001, and portions of the proceeds to the book still do go towards the Red Cross.

It seems that as a country, we aren’t as united as we were on September 11, 2001 or on December 7, 1941. But 66 years after the “day that will live in infamy”, this book is a good reminder that despite all our differences, what keeps this country great is greater than what sets us apart.

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Monopoly National Parks Edition

December 5th, 2007 · Amazon, Conservation, National Parks Foundation

Monopoly National Parks

Winter may be here, but you can remember the beauty of our country’s fantastic National Parks year-round with this special edition of Monopoly dedicated to National Parks.

The board itself is decorated with images from America’s National Parks, which players can “buy, sell, and trade”. It’s a great way to teach the family about all the National Parks in the country, and excite them about visiting them.

The pieces for the players are appropriate to the theme: a tent, fishing reel, hiking boot, canoe, mountain bike, and camera.

Best thing about it–a portion of the proceeds go to the National Park Foundation, the official partner of the National Parks Service. This is the same version that’s sold in gift shops of National Parks around the country.

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Give the Gift of a rare Wollemi Pine Tree

December 3rd, 2007 · Conservation, National Geographic

Here is an amazing story from the folks at National Geographic. This holiday season, you will be hard pressed to find a gift more interesting or meaningful than this one.

There was a species of pine tree that was thought to be extinct for more than two million years. The only record of the plant existing was from fossil records.

In 1994, a single tree was found in Australia, in the Wollemi National Park. After further examination, they found about 100 tree that had survived in a single canyon in a rugged part of the wilderness. The tree is one of the world’s oldest and rarest species.

Not only can you read about the Wollemi Pine Tree–you can own one yourself, or give it to someone as a gift. The tree can be grown indoors or outdoors in some parts of the United States. It comes in a copper, red, or clay pot. Proceeds from sales of the plant go towards conservation.

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National Geographic 2008 Calendar

November 30th, 2007 · Glimpse Foundation, National Geographic

In Spring 2007, the National Geographic Society had a photo contest among some of its most gifted travel photographers. They were asked to photograph street markets in Fiji, Japan, Togo, Italy, Vietnam, Mexico, Senegal, Spain, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Myanmar.

The result is the Glimpse 2008 Marketplace Calendar. It is a colorful and fascinating look into different cultures from the National Geographic Society, and a way to travel the world right from your office desk.

All proceeds go to the Glimpse Foundation, a nonprofit organization which sponsors cultural understanding and exchange programs for young adults.

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Wisdom from Mr. Rogers

November 28th, 2007 · Overstock, The Fred Rogers Fund

If you’re like me, growing up you had three best friends. Your Mom, your Dad, and Mr. Rogers.

It was always a beautiful day in his neighborhood, and always a thrill to see him bounding through the door, hanging up his coat, changing into his tennis shoes, and feeding his goldfish. Since we lost him a few years ago, it seems that the world has become a sadder, angrier place. How we miss him.

The World According to Mr. Rogers is a collection of writings by Mr. Rogers, which includes selected transcripts of his TV show, the speech he gave when he was inducted to the Television Hall of Fame, and some of his letters.

For anyone who loved Mr. Rogers, or anyone who could use some simple wisdom to guide them in an increasingly complicated world, get them this book.

A portion of proceeds from this book will be donated to The Fred Rogers Fund, which works to promote the healthy emotional, social, and intellectual development of children.

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Sierra Club Holiday Cards for 2007

November 26th, 2007 · Conservation, Sierra Club

Click here to view Sierra Club Christmas Cards for 2008.

The holidays are right around the corner.

Each year, the Sierra Club puts out a phenomenal set of Christmas and holiday cards with absolutely stunning photography.

This year is no exception. Take a look below at some of the amazing photography of this year’s selection. They are both beautiful and perfect for the season. And of course, proceeds for all the cards you purchase will go towards the Sierra Club’s conservation efforts.

Send some of the most beautiful photography to your friends and loved ones to spread holiday cheer, and show you care about the environment too.

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Christmas Ornaments from Amy Calandra Davis

November 24th, 2007 · Arts, Children's Charities, ChristianBook.Com

Christmas is just around the corner. Here’s a set of ornaments that are as inspiring as they are adorable.

Amy Calendra Davis tragically lost her son Zachary when he was 4. But she turned her pain into something amazing.

In 2001, she was inspired to start the company (named after the hymn she used to sing with her sons). Her designs have since become known around the country and the world for their whimsy, beauty, and meticulous detail.

An incredible artist, she produces art that has been imprinted onto ornaments, pillows, and framed artwork.

These ornaments are from the “Cute as a Button” colletion, which was created in memory of Zachary. A portion of the proceeds to go help children with special needs in the area of music and creative arts.

Heaven Sent Glass Adornment