Holiday gift ideas that celebrate the moments that matter

At SOS, we know shopping is stressful and that the right gift is life-changing—which is why we developed our comprehensive charitable gift guide. 

With this guide, we’ve curated a list of tax-deductible gifts perfect for each of your loved ones. And the best part? Every item is a real gift that has a life-changing impact on real children and families in need around the world.   

So, take a deep breath, kick back and get ready to be nominated as this year’s holiday hero.  

Holiday gift ideas under $35 

Chicken 

Birds of a feather flock together! Show your appreciation for your loved one with a chicken that provides a family with a renewable source of nutrition and income for years to come. Long lasting—just like your relationship. 

School backpack 

Your gift of a backpack means a child in Mexico arrives at school energetic and ready to learn—not exhausted from carrying heavy books. 

Clothes for a child experiencing homelessness 

Your compassionate gift of clothing essentials, provides clothes, shoes and underwear to a child without a home. This clothing is crucial in meeting immediate needs—like personal hygiene, comfort, protection and dignity—while paving the way for a child to move into a safe, loving family. 

Sewing supplies 

What better way to say, “I’m sew happy you’re in my life” than with this sewing supplies kit! You can help an aspiring entrepreneur earn a sustainable income for their family and celebrate the loved one in your life with this gift.  

Holiday gift ideas for Mom 

Looking for a gift as special as Mom? With this curated list of thoughtful, unique gifts, you can find the perfect present to celebrate this mom-entous occasion with her. 

For the DIY Mom: Hand water pump 

She’s a hands-on mom with an organized toolbox and always insists "we can fix that ourselves." Honor her self-reliance and problem-solving spirit by gifting a hand pump to students in need! This present equips parents to provide the most essential resource for their children’s health—clean water.  

For the artist: Art therapy kit 

Celebrate her artistic ability and help a child express themselves, process trauma and enjoy peaceful creativity. Your generous art therapy kit gift can help a child heal from their pain in the present and build a brighter future!  

For the gardener: Drought-resistant seeds 

For the mother who is always cultivating something special in her garden (or who’s been instrumental in your growth), these drought-resistant seeds for a family in need are the perfect way to honor her nurturing spirit. Bonus points if your card reads, “If moms were flowers, I’d pick you!” 

Holiday gift ideas for Dad 

What do you get for the dad or father-figure in your life who seems to have everything? This year, skip the neckties and grilling tools and get dad a gift that reflects his values, integrity and impact on your life.  

For the foodie: Groceries for a family 

You know who we’re talking about—the dad, uncle, grandpa or special man whose love language is making sure everyone is well-fed. Let him know how his culinary creativity (and presence in your life) nourishes you by delivering healthy food to a family in need. 

For the reader: Glasses for a child 

A thoughtful and unique way to tell Dad, “I see you and all you do.” Plus, this gift delivers glasses to a child in need so they can achieve a quality education and reach their full potential!  

For the business-minded: Sheep 

You can honor Dad’s strategic business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit by gifting a family in need with a sheep—which provides wool and milk that parents can use to earn a reliable income and feed their children!  

Holiday gift ideas for your coworkers 

For the productivity prodigy: Desk for a student 

You admire their relentless work ethic, so pass on their productivity prowess to a child who doesn’t have their own desk to learn at. Instead of sharing with others or sitting on the floor, you can give a child the space to focus, learn and complete schoolwork with their own desk! 

For the entrepreneur: Help launch a small business 

You can honor your coworker’s savvy business skills, wise mentorship and passion for their career by equipping a parent in need with the tools, training and finances they need to provide for their children and achieve their dreams! 

For your mentor: Future leader program 

You can celebrate the mentor in your life by passing on their priceless guidance and equip the next generation of leaders! Your gift supports young adults with social and educational activities designed to teach essential life, social and leadership skills, helping them grow into confident, capable individuals who create a brighter future for themselves—and the world! 

Holiday gift ideas for your best friend 

For the health-conscious friend: Doctor visits for a child 

For the friend who tracks their steps, hits their protein goals and never skips a check-up. You can celebrate your bestie’s commitment to health by gifting medical visits for a child in need, providing vital preventative care and early interventions that help children grow up happy and healthy!  

For the Greatest of All Time: Goat 

Really, this gift speaks for itself. Plus, a goat for whoever you think is the GOAT provides nutritious milk that a family can drink and use to make cheese for a reliable source of income and food—all year long! 

For the best dinner date: Holiday meal for a family in Chile     

You can bring hope and light to the dinner table of a vulnerable family in Chile this holiday season! Your gift delivers a nutritious and delicious holiday dinner and priceless memories to a family in need.  

Whatever gifts you decide to give, you can rest assured knowing that your loved ones will appreciate your thoughtfulness and your loving compassion for children and families in need around the world.   

Because love—the true spirit of the holiday season—matters.   

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