Tis The Season Of Giving, And We Are Here To Help You Double Your Gift

The dire economy has got us all down, but we still seem to find a little extra money for gifts during the holiday season. Here are some worthy websites that help you both give and get, because portions of your bill are donated to awesome charities (these come via some of the fabulous blogs and websites that we follow here at BTC).

For all your gift-giving needs, check out GiftBack.com. This suggestion came from the folks over at the Case Foundation’s blog. At Gift Back, they believe that everyone should have the opportunity to give back, so they donate 10% of every purchase to the charity of their customers’ choice. So whether you want a bowl to support UNICEF or necklace to support the Special Olympics, this is the online store for you.

Another super-cool website (and organization) is the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and the writers of the Forbes Women’s Gift Guide think so, too. This catalogue lets you browse for bags, jewelry, apparel, and drink and cookie mixes, and all proceeds go to benefit the hospital and the incredible work they do.

We also found Ebay Giving Works, thanks to the folks at CNN and Oprah. This philanthropic Ebay will give you the opportunity to bid on items that will support your favorite charity, sell your own items, and donate anywhere from 10 to 100% of the profit to charity (you can also simply donate directly). Here's how CNN describes the website, and a similar one, Bidding For Good:

You know those auctions your kids always have in elementary school or the ones your office frequently puts together, where you bid for signed memorabilia, electronic items and original prints? Think of BiddingforGood as one giant elementary school auction: Type in the item you're looking for...and bid to win. Check the "Cool Picks" section for really original ideas: Tickets to two shows at New York City fashion week, a CSI set pass, and tickets to the 2009 U.S. Open golf championship. Each purchase benefits the auctioneer's charity of choice. Still haven't found what you're looking for? Try eBayGivingWorks.com to find auctions from high-profile groups.

Know anywhere else to find gifts that also give back? Let us know in the comments.

Here's a clip of the CBS Evening News, on the importance of giving back: