GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

This Christmas, choose from these charitable items , which all help a worthy cause.

HELP A FAMILY
Just $76 buys five ducks for an impoverished family in Thailand, according to the World Vision Singapore catalogue of gifts. It may sound strange, but these feathered friends will provide eggs and a source of extra income. Junior can chip in, too: If he donates $8, a child in Cambodia gets a pair of shoes, while $15 means a food pack that can feed a family for a month in the Philippines. Check out the full catalogue at www.worldvision.org.sg/giftcatalogue.

EDUCATE A CHILD
Buy a soft toy from Ikea and the Ikea Foundation will donate one euro (about $1.76) to education programmes that are supported by Unicef and Save the Children. Even one euro makes a difference – it can buy schoolbooks and supplies for five kids. It’s on until Dec 24.

MAKE A WISH COME TRUE
Look for the Boys’ Brigade Share-a-gift Wish Trees at Fairprice outlets and pick a beneficiary to shop for. These include kids who are hoping for school bags and shoes, and the elderly who would like kettles and mattresses. Or you can donate food and household items at designated Sharity Gift Boxes. Then head to the Kallang Coach Bay (diagonally opposite Leisure Park Kallang) on Dec 17 to help deliver the items to the 29,000 beneficiaries. Take the kids along if they’re old enough to help. Visit www.bbshare.sg for details.

Read the December 2011 issue of Young Parents for more expert advice and local tips to make you a better mum or dad.