Non traditional gift giving-Products from Adoption Fundraisers

$99 flat screen tvs and $199 Nook Colors.  Cheap DVDs and cheap toys.  Black Friday is always full of deals.  That said, I often find myself torn on Black Friday.  I love a good deal and believe God want me to be frugal and thrifty.  But I almost always walk away a little sad about what a consumer nation we are.  It is hard not get get caught up in all the bargains of the day.  But also hard to know that as we spend, there are others who are getting by on very little.  I guess that saying "Live simply so others can simply live." often comes back to me.  (It doesn't mean I don't buy things on Black Friday, just that I try not to get sucked into buying stuff I don't need just because it's a good deal.)

And every year at this time, as we start thinking about gifts to give, I find myself challenge to give gifts that bless not just the person who receives the gift.  There are many ways to do so.  Last year, I highlighted fair trade type projects, things that are were a part of small organizations and were a way for people in developing countries to sustain themselves.  This year, I plan to do the same.  But first, I thought I'd highlight another way to give:  by supporting adoption fundraisers.  I know people have mixed feelings about adoption fundraising.   (I've actually already written a post on adoption fundraising and the various reactions it garners.  If you're not sure how you feel about adoption fundraising or if you just don't like the idea, I'd encourage you to read it.)  Regardless of your feelings on adoption fundraising, I think it is fair to say Walmart, Target, and K-Mart all get way too much of our money.  So why not consider purchasing a product from someone who made it themselves or who is tied into a corporation that is not quite as large as a major box store?  Instead of Bath and Body Works, what about handmade goat milk soap?  Or instead of a skirt from Penney's or Kohls, what about a skirt from someone's etsy shop?  And the best part?  Those gifts are a part of someone's adoption story, a story of God's provision in the life of a family and a child.

Here's a list to get you started:

The Boyd family, adopting a little boy from Uganda
Tee shirts (Jesus Loves the Little Children theme)
http://www.boydwebsites.com/Boyd_Websites/Fundraising.html

The Chambers family, adopting a boy from China
Tee shirts (Chinese characters plus an assortment of other graphics including adoption and Scripture references)
http://www.adoptionbug.com/fromchinatochambers/

The Waughtal family, adopting two girls from China
Tee shirts (Chinese character plus an assortment of family related graphics)
http://www.adoptionbug.com/waitingforroseandlili/


Lilli's family, raising money for a service dog for their deaf daughter, also adopting another deaf daughter from China
IPAD and quilt raffles
http://bringinghomeyun.blogspot.com/2011/11/ipad-quilt-holiday-giveway.html
also selling coffee

https://justlovecoffee.com/lorrainedubbs

also gain money by referring families to Circle Pi, a company specializing in creating keepsake videos

http://www.circlepi.com/customvideocreation.html (list Dubbs family as the referral source)

The Walker family, adopting from China
Goat milk soap
http://ourredthread.com/fundraising/goat-soap-fundraiser/

The Ryland family, adopting a teenager from China
Selling an assortment of treaures:  fine China dishes, collectible Barbies, handmade bracelets and watch sets
http://www.rylandsfamily.blogspot.com/

The Ballou family, adopting from China
Fine art including oil paintings and drawings
http://www.etsy.com/people/eikonktizo

Contribute to the grant money available to the family who decides to adopt Olga, a 4 year old orphan in Russa with CP in great danger of being transferred to a mental institution unless a family adopts her
A 31 Fundraiser (personalized bags and more)
http://acupquitefull.blogspot.com/2011/11/thirty-one-fundraiser-for-olga.html

Aliyah's family, adopting from China
Doll dresses and skirts, also some are available as matching sets for your little girl and her doll
http://bringinghomeourmiracle.blogspot.com/2011/11/black-friday-sale.html

The Spence family, adopting from China
Handmade hats, hair accessories, bags, and clothing
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mustardseedcreations

Feel free to leave information in the comments if you or someone you know is doing a fundraiser with a product to purchase.  I'll happily add it to the list.