Make a Gift Donation to a Green Charity

In the spirit of thinking globally and acting locally, why not find a charitable group or green charity near your giftee? This is an especially thoughtful idea for loved ones who live far away from you. One excellent resource for finding environmental and other worthwhile charities is Charity Navigator, the organization that investigates and ranks non-profits by their effectiveness (many of the groups listed below have achieved Charity Navigator’s top-tier ranking of 4 stars). You can search their site by region, category -- environment, arts, health, etc. -- and by ranking. They also have a great holiday gift-giving guide.

What's greener than a tree? Perhaps a tree planted in a national forest that's been scorched by wildfire. Trees for a Change might just be the perfect sustainable green gift. National forests across America have been devastated by an unprecedented number of forest fires in the past few years, and the seedlings from Trees for a Change are native specimens planted in burn areas by Forest Service tree experts.

For lovers of the great outdoors, an annual pass to America’s national parks, forests and recreation areas is a great green gift that they can use year-round, no matter where they live. New interagency passes are good at all sites administered by the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. State parks and natural lands often have annual passes as well. (While you’re at it, grab a pass for yourself!)

Dude, the oceans are in peril! But Surfrider Foundation has been on the leading edge of environmental stewardship for over 20 years, and their record of success is impressive. A charitable gift membership is only $44 and includes many sweet perks and cool green gifts.

A gift membership to the National Audubon Society will ensure that the group can continue their success at conserving and restoring natural ecosystems. A year’s membership includes a subscription to award-winning Audubon magazine, plus access to wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers and local chapter activities nationwide.

The NRDC is one of America’s most respected environmental groups, and a charitable gift membership to NRDC will help them continue their work on behalf of our disappearing wilderness places. Join over one million members who are working to curb global warming, build a sustainable energy economy and preserve wilderness.

One of the world's leading environmental groups, the Sierra Club has been fighting the good fight for over 100 years. A charitable gift membership includes a subscription to their celebrated magazine Sierra, as well as a handsome expedition backpack.

The Nature Conservancy has a variety of ways you can make a charitable gift, from helping to save the beautiful northern jaguar (native to the U.S.) to adopting an acre of critical habitat in a beautiful area of Costa Rica, Africa or Australia. They also offer holiday e-cards and, of course, gift memberships that include Nature Conservancy magazine and other member benefits.