Meaningful Mother's Day Gifts that Give Back

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture
Mar 20, 2012 / 0 comments

Are you stumped for a great gift for the mothers in your life? It's a perennial mothers day dilemma. I am always looking for unique gifts that mean something. We've exhausted photo gifts, flowers are always welcome but die within a week, and our kid's original artwork is always given, regardless of holiday. So this year, we'll make cards - and give gifts that give back.

 

UNICEF, one of our very favorite organizations, has a plethora of options for Mother's day, at all price ranges. The most important thing to remember? These help mothers and families around the world - a gift that your own mother will be happy with. One of the things mothers always teach? Be kind, give back, help others. Yes. You listened!

 

You could sponsor a child, through UNICEF's Global Parent program. This program provides long-term assistance to children and communities around the world. Global Parents works in over 150 developing countries and territories to create a brighter future for all. Global Parent contributions have helped immunize 58% of the world's children, respond to over 290 emergencies in 2010, distributed 23 million mosquito nets to protect children from malaria, and built schools in 41 countries. Impressive!

 

 

 

Family Water Pack - one of the most popular items that UNICEF offers, this emergency water kit helps a family collect, store, and treat water - liquid gold that can help them survive in times of natural disasters or other emergencies.

 

UNICEF Family water pack

 

 

Story Books - this is one we can get behind - reading is the foundation of knowledge. I can't imagine a life without books!

 

UNICEF story books

 

 

Maternal Health Kit - if you're medically minded, concerned about health, this is the gift to get. You can kit out an entire maternity ward with basic drugs, renewable supplies, medical equipment, and basic sterilization and rescuscitation equipment - to deliver up to 50 babies.

 

UNICEF maternal health kit

 

 

School in a box - during times of conflict or crisis, this school in a box contains pencils, erasers, books, scissors, a wind-up solar radio, and a blackboard.

 

UNICEF school in a box

 

 

Football - what better to bring kids and communities together than football? Sponsor a football and a pump, and give kids a chance to play together.

 

UNICEF football

 

 

You can also give a mosquito net, polio vaccines, first aid kits, early childhood development kids, and more. The offerings are inspiring - and make meaningful gifts, both to your mom(s) and to moms all around the world. Bravo!