The 2 most special and inexpensive gifts I've ever given

If I haven't told you already, let me officially announce to you all that I love giving gifts. It makes me as exciting as receiving one. The whole process of searching, buying, stocking up and wrapping is priceless for me. I usually collect gifts all year round, as soon as I find something great, with someone specific in my mind or just in case. This year, I have planned gifts like always, according to my relatively tight budget. But in addition to traditional gifts, that will hopefully have more meaning and thought than monetary value, I was wishing to make non traditional gifts, including experiences and helping for good causes. And luckily, I randomly came over two great opportunities today.

First I discovered Own a color by Unicef, such a fun, innovative and modern alternative to Own your own star, which was cute at first, but then became kind of cliche. I bought a color for the man of my life. I choose the sunshine yellow and I named it Hopeful Sunshine. The description is publicly displayed and I went with "For the sunshine of my life and for everyone who needs a ray of hope to keep smiling :)". When you check out, you can choose to donate from $1, $5, to $10 or more and you can specifically read what Unicef can do for the children in need with the money you are giving. Thanks God I don't use credit cards that you can use now and pay later, otherwise I'd be put in big debt, buying everyone I know and all my favorite bloggers a color. But a girl can dream, right?

The second unusual gift is something I was looking forward to for a long time. I was hoping to find the right cause to donate to this year, because I live in a country outside EU and procedures are disturbing usually with online payments. While checking Mara's & Danny's blog like usually, I found this heartbreaking story and I knew immediately what I wanted to do, although I wish I could donate much more than that. Our hearts are more touchable this period of the year, our eyes produce tears more easily and somehow everyone is a slightly better person.

I hope I can find more creative, thoughtful and helpful gifts like this and forget about stuff I can gift all year round. Have you ever made or gifted donations or other innovative experiences? I'd love to read all your stories. Enjoy your Saturday and the holidays' spirit :)

| Love, Lisa |