We’ve all been there, scrabbling around on a Sunday morning looking for a suitable gift for the big man. It’s not enough that he helped create you, but the day you are supposed to say thanks, you forget! I’m such a kind and considerate son that one father’s day I was in such a rush that I bought my dad a delicious bottle of white wine….

he only drinks red!

So don’t get yourself tarred and feathered for life like I did with that ridiculous gift, and get your dad something special this father’s day. A charity gift is a great way to say thank you for all the great work being the scenes your father has put in throughout the year to help you become the person you are today, and there are loads to choose from.

Oxfam Unwrapped
Have over 40 gifts choices available from just $10, from a simple chicken to provide eggs, to a toilet!
> > Click here to order charity gifts from Qxfam Unwrapped

WaterAid Australia
Many different gifts to choose from starting at $25 for two water taps, all the up to creating a village waterpump.
> > Click here to order charity gifts from WaterAid Australia

Australian Red Cross
Offer a selection of ‘Warm Fuzzy Gifts’ start at $10, from a trip to the doctors to providing a clean water well.
> > Click here to order charity gifts from Australia Red Cross

Oxfam Fair Trade Shop
Loads of gift items to choose from, starting at under $3, such as toys, games, homewares and clothing. Plus a whole host of delicious Fair Trade wines, coffees and preserves.
> > Click here to order charity gifts from Oxfam Fair Trade

Why not sponsor a child this Father’s Day? By sponsoring a child you will be giving not only a unique gift, but hope to someone less fortunate, a real helping hand to help themselves -

World Vision Sponsor a Child
Providing aid to over 20 million people a year you can help a child break the poverty cycle for less than $1.50 a day. You will receive an annual progress report plus the ability to write to your child through the World Vision online  portal.
> > Click here to sponsor a child with World Vision

Plan Sponsor a Child
Plan accept all children into its child sponsorship program, regardless of their sex, race or religion. You can help for only $1.41 a day. You will receive a great welcome kit and regular updates on how your child is progressing.
> > Click here to sponsor a child with Plan

So many different gift ideas, all of them completely unique, and definitely not a pair of socks! All of these gifts will be helping some of the world’s poorest communities to help themselves, whilst also providing a thoughtful gift for your Dad this Father’s Day.

Ps If you plan on buying your Dad a bottle of Fair Trade wine, make sure you know what colour he drinks first!

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

UNICEF New Zealand is helping to spread the word about the UN Children’s Fund month-long Tap Project. Currently running from 9th March to 9th April, all New Zealanders are invited to donate $1 or more at participating restaurants each time they order something we all take for granted…

a simple glass of tap water.

The Tap Project is now in its second term after last year 118 restaurants donated all profits to life saving work in Tanzania. This year there are currently over 260 restaurants and cafes across New Zealand signed up to participate, click here to find the site closest to your home.

UNICEF provides access to safe water and sanitation in more than 90 countries across the globe, with this years profit going to help the people of Laos. UNICEF’s long term goal is to reduce the number of people without safe water and basic sanitation by 50% by 2015.

Dirty water is the second biggest killer of children under five worldwide, with nearly 5,000 children die every day as a result of water-related diseases including cholera, typhoid and malaria.

Just $1 can provide a child with safe drinking water for 30 days, so why not help UNICEF Tap Water Project and start helping to save lives today.

> > click here to make a donation to the UNICEF Tap Project

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

With Valentines Day fast approaching, why not surprise that special someone in your life with a charity gift this year?

Do you really think that another bunch of flower or a box of chocolates will win any brownie points this year? Does that really show how deep your love is? Remember, a partner is not just for Valentines, but for life. (and in some cases this may carry on past the grave into the after life if you play your cards right!)

So to celebrate your endless devotion to the one you love, why not buy them a dunny?

Who said romance was dead?

But this isn’t just any old love crazed gesture, the Oxfam Unwrapped toilet is a special gift which will be placed in refugee camps to helping reduce the risk of disease.

If you think that is a bit of a ‘pooey’ idea, then why not go all out and buy a chicken for your chick?!

An Oxfam Unwrapped chicken helps communities develop sustainable farming practices to create income to earn money for themselves and their families.

You could even sponsor a child with Plan for your loved one in a developing country to aid there development in education and health for as little as $1 a day

These presents are the gifts that keep on giving, and quite the conversation starter!

So why not really surprise someone this Valentine’s and also help others to help themselves…

> > click here to check out other fantastic charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."