"Tis better to give than to receive" is how the saying goes, and these client-appreciation gifts are proof positive of that. Each of these gifts — all of which are recession-friendly at under $20 — give back to the community at large by donating proceeds to charitable organizations. Clients will not only appreciate your gift, but they’ll also be grateful you thought of others, and so will you. So, here’s to spreading the wealth and good cheer this holiday season.
Get on the Bus
Clients who love collecting memorable Christmas ornaments will get a kick out of this one: This ceramic, Peruvian "loaded bus" ornament depicts a busload of people (and their luggage) on the road. The ornament and others are made possible through Manos Amigas, a Fair Trade organization that works with artisan family workshops and small groups in impoverished areas of Lima and in the Andean highlands. $8. www.tenthousandvillages.com
Bright Lights
This decorative tealight candle holder sheds light on the importance of children’s literacy. By purchasing this product, you will be providing a book to a child in India as well as donating 25 cups of food to people in need through The Hunger Site. The candle holders come in blue, green, red, gold or orange and can also be purchased in bulk. $6.95. www.thehungersite.com
Check It
This bright pink luggage tag not only stands out at the airport baggage carousel, it helps support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation’s mission to find a cure for breast cancer. It’s perfect for chic (and socially conscious) clients who want to stay stylish wherever they go. $15.99. www.komen.org/promiseshop
Ever Green
Just as green travel is a growing trend, so is green grocery shopping, at least when it comes to toting a reusable bag. Each sale of this 100 percent recycled bag constitutes a donation to the children’s environmental group The Green Ambassadors to make sure the green movement continues on. The tote can carry quite a bit, too: It holds the equivalent load of what three to four plastic bags or two paper bags could hold. $5.50. www.allgreenthings.com
Be Unconventional
For a mere $18, you can donate a toy to a child living in a humanitarian crisis in more than 120 countries around the world with the help of Oxfam America. Your clients may not have something to unwrap themselves, but they’ll know that somewhere a child in need does. $18. www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com
