Have you finished your holiday shopping? If not, don’t fret – you’ve come to the right place! (I finished my holiday shopping about a month ago, which is why I have time to write this post. I tell you this not to brag, but more to confess how ridiculously obsessive I am. I’m pretty sure my husband and kids would like me to just RELAX a little, but alas, of that I am not capable.)
First stop, the American Red Cross Store. Here are my five favorite items for sale at this online shop:
– Solarlink F360 Eton Emergency Radio (ON SALE for $53.96) The Red Cross sells a number of emergency radios, but this one is my favorite. I love the color (I’m partial to anything red), the four power sources, the auxiliary output, and the USB compatibility.
– 2012 One Red Cross Calendar ($9.95) What better way to ring in the new year than with a Red Cross calendar on which to keep track of all of your volunteer commitments! I’m particularly partial to Red Cross calendars as both of my kids have made appearances in the past. (They’re not in this year’s calendar – sorry.)
– Baby Vintage Onesie ($18.50) I love all of the Red Cross vintage clothing, but this onesie is one of my favorite pieces. Both of my kids sported Red Cross onesies at one time or another, but that was before the vintage option came out. I’ll be purchasing the vintage style for friends who are having babies in the next few months.
– Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($24.95) We’re all trying to live a little greener, so why not pick up one of these army green water bottles? They’re perfect for home, the office, the gym, and travel.
– Vintage Field Bag ($25.00) I LOVE this bag. It’s great for toting everything from Red Cross teaching materials to my laptop to diapers, and it goes with nearly everything.
There’s also plenty of Red Cross apparel, pins, first aid kids, and emergency kits and radios available, should those things be more in line with what your family and friends would like for the holidays.
Second stop, the American Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog. If the family and friends for whom you’re shopping already have everything they need, consider purchasing a “gift” in their name for someone in need. Here are my five favorite options from the Holiday Giving Catalog:
– Hygiene Kits for 3 Homeless Veterans ($30) Approximately 1/3 of our country’s homeless population are veterans. This gift provides these heroes with personal hygiene items like a razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, and more.
– Emergency Water Containers for 6 Families ($30) Water supplies disrupted by disasters can threaten community members with dehydration and disease. This gift provides families with containers to collect and store clean water.
– Vaccinations for 25 Children ($25) Measles still kills an estimated 450 people – mostly children – every day. This gift provides children with a lifetime of protection against this deadly disease.
– Swimming Lessons for 5 Children ($50) Many children don’t have access to swimming lessons that could someday save their lives. This gift helps increase safety around the water and prevent drowning.
– Gift of the Month ($300) Though a bit expensive by my holiday gift giving standards, this gift makes a powerful impact all year long by providing one item (infant care kit in January, hot meals in February, blankets in March, etc.) to someone in need each month.
Well now, that should cover just about everyone on your list, right? Happy shopping!