A devastating food crisis is unfolding in the west African country of Niger which is the poorest, least developed country on earth. 50% of the country’s 15million people are now vulnerable to food shortages caused by the failed rains and widespread crop failures of 2009.

At time of writing, it’s coming up to Christmas, and the very best thing you can do is get a present for someone you don’t know. That’s where Concern come in – the charity gift site.

So do you remember the wedding last year where, I don’t know, Bob and Sue, or whatever their names were, you didn’t really know them all that well, they gave you a wedding list of things that you would never, ever dream of getting yourself, but it’s oh so practical because hey – these are things they really do want – especially that Denby gravy boat – and it’s best if they have a list because that way they don’t get two Denby gravy boats – yes, you remember that wedding?

The good people at Send A Cow are asking for just £10 a month to help families in some of the poorest parts of the world. That’s really not much when you think about it.

It’s gratifying to know that you can actually make a difference to someone’s life, and with this practical present (a donkey), you can help farmers bring in the crops they need to survive. Donkeys are great things, actually. Far from the depressed ones at Blackpool, they’re real hard workers. I saw some on the Ile de Re bringing in the salt and they were all wearing trousers. Google it. In the meantime, join Practical Presents and get someone a gift that matters.

Action Aid UK gives African children a better life through their sponsorship scheme. So meet Sia…

Sia’s mother died when she was one and now she lives with her aunt, uncle and cousins in one tiny room. Her family cannot afford to send her to school and Sia spends her days collecting yams.

The Aspinall Foundation is devoted to saving rare and endangered wild animals, like the fella you see on the left there.

Practical Presents is full of great gifts that really do mean something. So instead of wasting your money on consumer rubbish this xmas, get something that someone will really appreciate.