Concern

Now, I know what you’re thinking – that’s nuts, it’s a recession and Little Tommy wants the latest whizz-bang thing on the shelves that’s going to cost 25% more than last year, but at Concern Gifts they’ve got loads of stuff that goes to people who really need it.

And I’m sure you can probably get that laser gun for Little Tommy too. Right, so what do they have?

Pigs. Well, OK, a piglet – and they’ve got 6 chickens too. A piglet is just £7 – and can help feed a family. This is what Concern have done:

When 15 year old Paul Nyombi lost both his parents to AIDS he had to fend for himself. Concern gave him two piglets and training on how to care for them. When the pigs produced their first litter there were 12 small piglets in total. Paul was delighted and called the sow ‘Mama’ because she had been so productive.

That’s pretty cool. For £7 you can start something like that. And if you’re rolling in it, £305 will get a buffalo. They’re a bit more expensive and high maintenance, but you can imagine the amount of milk they get.

Quips aside, you can buy essential drugs, water pumps and everything people in poverty around the world actually need. And no laser guns.

So if you’re looking for a charity gift that really does mean something, hit the image above or visit Concern here.

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.

By supporting the Blue Cross, you are helping keep these animals alive, across their 11 animal adoption centres nationwide.

They need your support now in order to be able to carry on looking after these animals, so visit the site using the Join button below and pledge your support.