Do good this Christmas with gifts of altruism

Help out by donating to the Child Cancer Christmas Appeal. Photo / Supplied

This Christmas, choose gifts that really give:

Verge T-shirt, Shine domestic violence prevention

This comfy Shine T-shirt is $50 at Verge retailers nationwide. Even better, 100 per cent of the profits will go to the Shine helpline, which provides critical support for those struggling with physical and psychological abuse. For more information and stockists, see target="_blank">verge.co.nz.

Mary's Christmas Yarn, ChildFund

In this festive read for all ages, 10 Kiwi celebrities explain the benefits of alternative gifts, and how Kiwis can help kids in the developing world. $25 from all good bookstores, or visit childfund.org.nz for ChildFund Gifts that Grow gift options, like a pair of goats for a struggling family.

Superhero Pukeko & 7 Winning Stories, Starship

Illustrated by All Black Keven Mealamu, this children's short story book written by more than 100 kids for the benefit of Starship hospital costs $15, and every cent raised benefits the Starship Foundation. See barfoot.co.nz/storybook or grab one at a branch of Barfoot & Thompson.

The Child Cancer Christmas Appeal

Cancer doesn't stop at Christmas; in fact for many afflicted families, the season can make life harder than usual. This year, in lieu of Christmas gifts, why not help improve the lives of children with cancer by supporting the Child Cancer Christmas Appeal. Call 0900 4 2445, post a $20 to Child Cancer Foundation, PO Box 152, Shortland St, Auckland 1140, or donate online.

OXFAM Unwrapped

Gifts from Oxfam Unwrapped help create a brighter future for many. This year there are even more great gift choices for the whole family; the ever-popular goats, chickens and safe water as well as some lovely new options like ducklings and chicks. Head to oxfamunwrapped.org.nz to order a future-changing gift - they'll wrap up the rest.

Kmart Wishing Tree, The Salvation Army

Check out the five-metre high tree outside downtown Auckland's Westfield. For the 17th year, Kmart is asking generous Kiwis to place a gift beneath their Wishing Tree, or make a cash donation in any of their stores nationwide. Gifts and contributions are given to the Salvation Army to distribute to families in need around New Zealand. Alternatively, donate online.

Really Wild Gifts, The World Society for the Protection of Animals

The WSPA has launched a new online gift store that's quick and easy to use. Treat someone to a $20 Disaster Pack, which helps treat injured animals - or splash out and spend $99 to feed a bear in a sanctuary for two whole months. Gifts start at $10 and all come with a card of your choice.

Be in to Win

Trade Aid have two wonderful gift baskets of Fair Trade products valued at $190 with five varieties of organic chocolate, premium Belgium chocolate, coffees, teas, baking cocoa and drinking chocolate, spices and dried fruits and delightful hand-made ornaments. For more gifts and Fair Trade shopping ideas go to tradeaid.org.nz.

To enter go to nzherald.co.nz/weekend enter your details and the keywords Trade Aid Fair Trade by midnight Wednesday January 11.