Luckily, if you give someone a cow it's generally not expected that you wrap it.

I'm going to take a break from my "ranting" this week and instead offer up some gift ideas that are suitable for any person on your Christmas list. It doesn't matter if the recipient has been bad or good this year, these presents are perfect for all because they celebrate the true holiday spirit of compassion and giving. This year, give a gift that benefits the giver, the receiver and a third party.

Ten Thousand Villages/Global Gifts
www.tenthousandvillages.com
Ten Thousand Villages is a fabulous organization that sells handcrafted items from artisans all over the world. Unlike many stores these days, the items you purchase here are all fair-trade, meaning the artisans who made them receive 100% of the profit. I've had close ties to the Ten Thousand Villages store and have put in my share of volunteer time. You can find locations at 86th/Ditch on the Northwest side of Indianapolis, or downtown on Mass Ave.

Fair trade is great because it ensures that artisans receive the money they deserve. They get paid upfront and the money they make can actually support their families.

Ten Thousand Villages was an idea brought to life by a group of Mennonites (a denomination of Christianity). In addition to the Indianapolis locations, you can purchase items online or at other locations around the country. They are especially noted for their beautiful, unique nativity sets, ornaments and cards. But believe me when I say they have so much more to offer!

Heifer Project
www.heifer.org
This year, buy your family a cow. Or maybe even a set of chickens! Sound a little extreme? Well, it kind of is!

As the Heifer Project website states, this organization's goal is to "pass on the gift. As people share their animals' offspring with others — along with their knowledge, resources, and skills — an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe."

When you buy a heifer, a goat or chickens you aren't actually giving the actual animal to the recipient. Instead, you are purchasing the animals in their name and the animal's go to a family in a part of the country that is struggling. These gifts are priceless to them, as they provide food, travel means and other necessities.

For example, by looking on the online gift catalog you can purchase a flock of chicks for $20 USD.

"A flock of chicks can help families from Cameroon to the Caribbean add nourishing, life-sustaining eggs to their inadequate diets. The protein in just one egg is a nutritious gift for a hungry child. Protein-packed eggs from even a single chicken can make a life-saving difference."

UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund)
www.unicefusa.org/shop/
UNICEF fights for children. Why? Because "Children have rights, the world has set goals for children, children demand a voice, and poverty reduction starts with children."

In addition, children should not die from preventable causes. By shopping at UNICEF you can help put a stop to such tragedies. It works similar to the Heifer project. For example, you can purchase items like "Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets" for $17.79.

Sounds like a strange gift, but mosquito-borne malaria is the biggest single killer of children in Africa, where a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. A simple mosquito net can decrease infection rates by 50 percent. Your purchase will provide three nets treated with long-lasting insect repellent to protect children from mosquitoes and other biting insects.

You can also buy gifts from their giftshop, such as cards, calendars, stationary and toys for adults/children. The money goes toward UNICEF efforts.

Susan G. Komen Foundation For Breast Cancer
ww5.komen.org
Each year many women are diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, friends and life partners and each person close to them is affected. Keep in mind that each year many women also become cancer-free. And it wouldn't be possible without organizations like the Komen Foundation.

You can purchase gifts from the Komen Promise Shop. Everything from jewelry to office supplies to cook books to holiday cards. For example, purchase the popular 2008 version of the Better Homes and Garden Cook Book for $19.99. This bold pink edition celebrates the promise of finding a cure for breast-cancer cure. Check out the gift shop for more wonderful ideas. You can also make a donation in name of whoever you wish.

For more charitable gift ideas, check out the following organizations:
• St. Jude's Children's Fund
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
• American Humane (for animal rights)

There are also plenty of local organizations to which you can contribute funds!

Wendy Gould is a freelance journalist for Glamour Magazine, NUVO Newsweekly, Kiwanis International and various publications. She is also a photographer who specializes in portraiture, business, fine arts, and photojournalism. For more about Wendy, visit wendygould.com.