Was that snow we just saw today? Did that make any of you think of Christmas? And then did your brain slide into the inevitable panic as you realized you haven’t finished (or perhaps even started) your Christmas shopping? How do you select presents that are both thoughtful and generous? Where do you find gifts that are life-changing and don’t end up in the local thrift store in January? Don’t look any further! Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has a trusty Christmas gift-giving guide to help you and your family share the joy of giving. This year, give the gift of HOPE!

Through MCC’s Christmas Giving catalogue, you can give gifts to help people in need around the world in the name of your friend or family member. Do all of your shopping at one place and you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

Here are some ideas for what you can get for the special people on your Christmas list:

  • For the vegetarian: fruit trees – $10
  • For the silly person: wriggly worms – $15
  • For the teen who eats everything: one goat – $60
  • For the chocolate lover: sustainable chocolate – $35
  • For the teacher: school supplies for children in rural Vietnam – $20
  • For the athlete: soccer for peace – $18
  • For the creative person: art supplies to encourage peacebuilding skills – $25

You will find an MCC Christmas Giving guide in your mail file this Sunday, in time for you to put a big dent in this year’s Christmas shopping list. If you are looking for unique, tangible gifts, consider shopping at Ten Thousand Villages or MCC thrift shops (e.g. Thrift on Kent)!