While many of us fill our luggage with cute dresses and shoes, UNICEF workers travel to 190 countries with supplies that can save the lives of children. Let's face it, from Haiti to Pakistan, when disaster strikes it is often women and children that suffer the most. Since 1946 UNICEF has been committed to helping children overcome not only the impact of natural disasters but also the obstacles that result from poverty, violence, disease and discrimination.
There is never a bad time to support such an important cause, but the holiday season is the ideal time to give a gift that supports UNICEF's mission - it takes more than compassion to save lives, it takes resources. Recently, I was invited to take an up close look at the UNICEF gift collection, including their famous greeting cards, jewelry, and more. It was hard to whittle the list down, but here are five of my favorite UNICEF gifts.
Handmade Nepalese Scarf
$30
This brightly colored scarf is the perfect accent for a little black dress and a great way to stay warm and stylish. Made in Nepal, it is a hand-woven and hand-dyed softly textured blend of cotton and viscose.
Silk Jewelry Travel Roll
$12.99
Keep your baubles organized on the road in this pretty hand-embroidered pouch. Made in India, it has 3 individual pockets to securely hold your trinkets.
What about giving a gift directly to a child in need? Buy a UNICEF inspired gift and dedicate it to a friend. Your friend receives a card and your gift is sent where kids need it most.
School-in-a-Box
$256.40
Help UNICEF set up a temporary school for at least 40 children during times of emergency. Supplied in a lockable aluminum box, the kit includes basic school supplies and classroom tools that are vital for helping children continuing their education in the most dire of circumstances.
Bicycle
$86.25
The gift of a bike helps UNICEF health workers and midwives deliver vital services and supplies to rural communities - talk about traveling for good!
Winter Child Survival Pack
$81.35
Provide a child with the supplies they most need to survive the next 6 months. This kit includes Micronutrient powders that help a child on the brink of malnutrition get the vitamins and minerals that are most essential for them to grow up healthy, immunizations from measles and polio, and water purification tablets.
To learn more, visit www.unicefusa.org.
