Sharing the Gift of Giving

By Karen Brown 

When we started participating in Advent Conspiracy a few years ago, we shared the concept with our parents.  They were originally less than excited about toning down the gift giving, but they eventually embraced the idea and made it their own in a really cool way. 

They still wanted to spend what they had budgeted on the kids, but wanted to be able to give the kids the experience of “giving more” and “loving all."  Here’s what they came up with.  They took their budgeted gift amount and “tithed” a portion to the kids in cash.  The kids then took their envelopes of cash and were able to give away the money from Grandpa and Grandma.

I love the idea of the kids being engaged with their grandparents in blessing others.  It opens up doors for conversations about the impoverished and invites dialogue on what it looks like to love others with the resources we have.  Our kids ended up buying animals for a family though World Vision.  Here are some other great ideas for kids; many of the websites have great videos the kids can watch as well.  (Consider previewing them first to make sure they are age-appropriate.)

•Samaritan’s Purse: livestock, sporting gear, help build a school

 Photo from Samaritan's Purse

•Living Water: fresh water wells so children can attend school

 Photo from Living Water International

•Compassion International: child sponsorship

•A local homeless shelter or food pantry

How do you invite your children into giving cheerfully?