Alternative Giving

"Maybe Christmas*," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!"
- from How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Alternative giving, virtual giving or graceful giving is a form of gift giving that has a symbolic value to the recipient and benefits a meaningful cause at the same time. It is based on the concept of serial reciprocity, which was invented by Benjamin Franklin. Read a definition of alternative giving and why we're doing this.

* This applies not only to Christmas, of course. We encourage any non-Christians to contact us, as well, especially if you are aware of any upcoming event.

Upcoming alternative gift fairs (2009)

Name Date / Time Organizer Location State Zip
Alternative Gift Fair Sat., Nov. 14, 10-4 Kirkland Interfaith Network St. John’s Episcopal Church, 105 State Street, Kirkland WA 98033
Gifts That Make a Difference Sat., Dec. 12 Titanic Lifeboat Academy Liberty Theater, 1203 Commercial Street, Astoria OR 97103

See also events of previous years; some of these may take place again this year.

Organizations that host or list fairs

Alternative gift organizations

Name Program Area of concern
GlobalGiving (on-line shopping)Gift cards and certificates high-impact, grassroots projects around the world
Snow Leopard Trust (on-line shopping) Snow Leopard adoption protecting snow leopard habitat through partnerships with local residents

There are many more alternative giving organizations - click here for our list

Other relevant links


Contact: info@alternativegiving.org                version: 2006.11.26 h\ag 32