Charity donations for Christmas gifts – Yes/No?

We all know the Seinfeld episode where George gets so sick of people donating money as a Christmas gift, he creates his own charity- the Human Fund- and so manages to avoid getting anyone a Christmas present. Inevitably it all goes wrong (after all, this is Seinfeld, not Friends) but it’s easy to empathise with his frustration.

The donation as a Christmas present is a funny beast. Everyone rails against the consumerism of Christmas and yet feels that tiny stab of disappointment when your boss gives a goat to a family in Africa as opposed to a few bottles of red to steer you through the festive season. The disappointment of the gift features as the major con of the process.

Interesting, a survey found that 73% of Australians are happy to receive donations. Good on them, and good on the 27% of Aussies who acknowledge the small evil part of your soul.

But then there are pros. My cupboard still contains a sparkly dolphin statue, some clogs and some glitter pens I received at one time or another. This is the crux of the issue. There are so many gifts we could do without, so why not encourage the Christmas Donation Gift? The money spent on Christmas presents could really do some good. Apparently it also has financial benefits. Associated Content suggests that,
Not only will you be helping other, less-fortunate people during this time of love and giving, you can receive a tax write-off in the process.

I couldn’t help but feel a bit cynical about this. Eventually, however, the pragmatism of the suggestion held some sway. Everybody wins. Except for the government (but they should be giving more to charity anyway) and the person who has just been jipped of a gift (but maybe they should get more into the holiday spirit). Tax deductible Christmas presents does end up sounding like a major pro.

Perhaps only way to manage the quagmire that is Christmas gift donations is to discuss it with your gift list before you buy ten goats on their behalf. That way they get some time to get used to their disappointment or even recommend which group they’d like their present to go to.

So if you feel like giving a couple of donations as Christmas presents, here are a few sites:

Oxfam Unwrapped

Great presents that are affordable and sensible. Personally I love the Aussie Football gift, but there are many I would be happy to donate or have donated on my behalf.

The Tithing Tree

A website that promote charities without the funds to attract large donations.

Donations.com.au

Has a list of the better-known organizations for donations.

Give Now

This website also has a good list and good search functionality to decide what charity is the one you’re keen to donate to.

Donations are a great way to celebrate Christmas, even if my soul gives a little selfish stab when I think about. After all, presents are wonderful and exciting but half an hour after they’re opened, the buzz dies down.

Mum, Dad, if you’re reading this, please don’t go into cardiac arrest. I still won’t say no to the Nougat Puddings from Darrell Lea.

Would you donate to charities as a Christmas present?

What do you think are the pros and cons?

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