I always have this problem in early December: What shall I give to the children in my life?
This year I did something I have wanted to do for a long time. I got a gift catalog from Heifer.com and I ordered animals that will be given to a family that needs them to have a better life. I purchased a sheep ($120) on behalf of one child and a goat on behalf of another. I could have bought shares in either animal for $10. I will buy honeybees ($20) and chicks ($20) for other children in my life. The children will have the pleasure in knowing that they helped others.
If you go online, you will see many opportunities to give meaningful gifts. For $275, you can pay for a girl to attend school in India. For the more expensive animals, like alpacas or heifers or water buffalo, you can buy a share.
These are gifts that keep on giving.
Alternatively, you can support charities in the United States that are providing food and shelter for needy children and families. It is truly shameful that millions of people are hungry and homeless in this country, one of the richest in the world. The pandemic has widened inequality, by plunging millions of people into poverty while enriching billionaires.
Here is a list of ten charities that alleviate hunger in the U.S. and the world.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Fabulous idea!
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Love this!
I appreciate the kind sentiment but would encourage you to read this careful analysis fully, if you have time:
https://freefromharm.org/agriculture-environment/10-reasons-to-say-no-to-animal-gifting-hunger-orgs/
https://awellfedworld.org/no-animal-gifts/
Thought this sounded good until I searched since your link didn’t work.
Thank you. I needed this.
Also, I’d advise checking charities, first at Charity Navigator:
http://www.charitynavigator.org before donating anywhere. If you can’t find a charity on there (practically every one is), the charity doesn’t exist!
The site gives an excellent assessment as to transparency, efficacy, etc. One category I like is “10 Charities Overpaying Their for-Profit Fundraisers!”
(Yes, charter-school-like charities!)
We do this with our grandchildren. It is never too early for them to understand we share this world and must care about for everyone.
We took my daughter to the Hefier Project Farm in Arkansas when she was about 8. We have been aware of the project since our church is involved with that project. They have a really good visitor center in Arkansas.
My wife had used this site for years…presents for the kids.
Episcopal Relief and Development has a similar program. I just purchased 3 bicycles and a flock of chickens in the names of my granddaughters,a friend and my sister.