Christmas presents

[stripee]

It's nearly that time of year again. For the last few years I have been giving "planting trees" or "polar bear blood tests" presents from charities for relatives that live far away. I was wondering what people feel about giving such gifts, how do you feel if you are a recipient? Does it feel like you haven't been given a proper present if you get a card with a message inside saying you have donated trees to Africa.....and what about those goats? I haven't given these as am not sure about whether they are a good idea at all.

[Squirrels]

It's amazing how quickly Christmas arrives, isn't it! But it IS wonderful when it comes!

[stripee]

This thread is probably a bit early...but I have to get mine sorted soon as I'm going away...yes, Christmas is a cheerful event in the midst of winter gloom

[shirl]

My mother in law always complains about presents, she has got everything she needs - twice over, so for Christmas she is adopting an owl from Wildlife-Aid Animal Adoptions. My friend is adopting a hedgehog and another friend a garden bird. I reckon it's a brilliant present especially for those who have everything. My husband (although he doesn't know it yet) will be having an owl box, can't wait.

Shirl

PS I have just about finished my Christmas shopping, everything will be wrapped and ready by the end of Nov and then I can chill and enjoy.

[hedgehog whisperer]

I love the idea, to give or receive. I have asked for a duck and a hedgehog from my favourite place tiggywinkles and my brother wanted a panda after a visit to china.

If people want gifts I try to buy from charity catalogue so, the money goes to a good cause.

I am nearly there for Christmas; I will only get to see my sisters and her family at the end of November so I like to be ready.

[honeybee]

I think the goats thing turned out to be a bad idea..they eat everything.

[Jez]

I did this for my mother about 10 years ago she adopted a baby Rhino called scud. She was frilled to bits

[agrumpycow]

Last year for Christmas we bought a 'dedicate a tree' present for our niece and nephews. You can choose the location where the tree will be planted, although, no plaque etc. will be done. The kids loved the idea and still visit the wood now.

[2dogs2000]

For our 25th wedding anniversary (a few years Ago) we recieved a card to say that a tree had been planted to celebrate the occasion. It was the first time we had received such a present and I was very pleased about it (don't know about hubby though). This present meant more to me than the customary silver tray with teapot, sugar bowl & milk jug, which we did receive and stayed in its box and was put in the loft.
We have since received similar gifts and I am very happy to get them.

[goosey]

I was just thinking about this subject the other day when I saw a Christmas gift book from a high street store. They were offering WWF adoption packs for a wild Orang-utan or Tiger at 20 pound a go. You get a fact book and a soft toy for that price - so what with the packaging how much will actually go to the charity?