INTENTIONAL GIVING has been tradition in our family for over 20 years. It started with my father who felt gift giving at Christmas should be with purpose. He challenged all of us to use the season to consider intentional giving. Our Christmas presents since have been purchased from a World Vision Gift Catalogue enriching the lives of many. The spirit of Christmas can be found in each gift purchased through a variety non profit agencies working in developing countries. In my blog Sheep, Chickens and Bees I share how I have creatively wrap these special gifts. The goat-themed gift basket presented in this blog is another creative gift giving idea. I have built a theme around this meaningful intentional present that changes lives!
Cashmere is beautiful fabric made from goat hair. It is the muse that inspired this themed basket. The central gift is the goat I purchased through World Vision. Goats flourish in harsh climates which makes them ideal farm animals for many parts of the world. Goat milk is a tremendous source of nourishment. Cheese and yogurt can be made from their milk for personal use or to sell for extra income. People are deeply touched to know that an animal has been given in their honor.
Purchase A Goat!
A goat can be purchased from the World Vision Gift Catalogue for just $85 dollars! You can also contribute towards the purchase of a goat by buying a share for as little as ten dollars through Heifer International.
There are options for everyone’s budget and many accredited non-profits who give you the opportunity to help people around the word.
Follow The Goat!
World Vision produced a heart warming and education video series that allows you to follow two goats around the world as they educate us on how goats truly sustain life for millions of people. Check it out:
What To Include In A Goat-themed Gift Basket
I always give an ornament that represents the INTENTIONAL GIFT I purchased. So a Goat Christmas ornament is a must. It can hang on the recipient’s tree as a visual reminder of the gift donated in their honor. I found a goat-shaped laser cut wooden ornament made from birch. You can also have it engraved for no additional charge!
Cashmere
Cashmere is the perfect addition to the Goat-themed basket. Cashmere fiber comes from various long-haired goat breeds known as the Kashmir (Capra Hircus). It is the ultimate splurge for the extra special person on your list.
READ THE LABELS. Helpful to note Cashmere and Pashmina are the same thing. There is a long history with twist and turns regarding the usage of terms. Cashmere garments are actually a blend of wool, silk or modal (a type of rayon.) A “cashmere feel” scarf doesn’t have a trace of goat fiber but is very affordable. Let your budget dictate the best choice.
GOBI CASHMERE sells classic cashmere scarves from Mongolia, a lasting piece of their nomadic tribal culture. They can be worn by men and women. They make a memorable gift for a life time.
Goat Milk Beauty Products
There are so many different beauty products made with goat’s milk. You can include as many as you want. I love Zum’s Bar Soap because of the featured scents of Frankincense & Myrrh which are part of the Christmas story. It is made from a goat milk base.
Bass Farms in Indiana have created Goat Hand Lotion with pure ingredients including goat milk as the key ingredient filled with skin-loving Minerals, Zinc, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Amino Acids, & Caprylic Acid.
For a young woman, a set of goat hair makeup brushes would be a unique way to celebrate the goat-themed gift basket. ETA’s Ultra Natural Goat Hair Premium Makeup Brush Set has 10 brushes with bamboo handles.
Be sure whatever beauty product you choose it passes the Safe Cosmetics Screen Test for toxic ingredients.
Goats For Every Day Of The Year
My last suggestion for this goat-themed gift basket is a whimsical reminder everyday of the precious gift that was given in their honor. Goats in Trees calendar 2023 features silly pictures of goats posing amongst branches. The Baby Goats calendar 2023 has a stellar cute factor.
Put A Bow On It
Have some fun with the packaging. Use photo boxes, gift boxes or baskets for the base. Embellish with floral picks and bows. Include the personalized card printout describing your donation in a designer envelope tied with a ribbon.
This year give a gift that impacts lives for the better. You can choose your own non-profit and original theme. There are so many opportunities to give creatively that is meaningful and makes a difference. Happy Shopping!
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.