Everyone always talks about how difficult it is to find a gift for those people who just have everything. And no one understands that more than me.

One of my best friends from school was born into an extremely comfortable lifestyle. Like private jets and large yachts, comfortable. This girl has everything. Three of everything, in fact. So, holiday time is always quite a stressful time for me as I spend days racking my brain trying to figure out what to get her.

That is when I realized that maybe the best thing to get her is something that can benefit someone else. I mean, there are only so many perfumes/bracelets/vibrators/picture frames a girl can have. Why not take advantage of this season of giving and give to someone/something that really needs it? (Note: This only works with people who are not completely spoiled and selfish jerks).

I began doing some research and found some amazing ideas for gifts that keep on giving. Any one of these would be the perfect idea for those tough-to-buy-for people on your holiday gift list:

Plant a Tree: According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.” Give the gift of trees this year and you (and your recipient) will be making great changes for our future generations.
Support a Polar Bear: For the super low cost of $25 (or $50 for an adorable set of twins!), you can help support a needy polar bear on behalf of that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member. Due to Global Warming, polar bears have been forced to spend less time on ice caps (because they are melting) and more time on land away from their primary source of food. If things keep going as they have been, two-thirds of the world’s population of polar bears will disappear by 2050. This donation will help combat global warming and protect some of its most victimized.

Help the Women of Africa: If one of your most difficult giftees is a woman, buy her a kikoy. These beautiful cotton scarves are hand-made in Africa by impoverished women struggling to raise money for education, housing and good health. Not only will the recipient of this gift look fabulous wearing it, but she can feel good too, knowing the positive impact she had on others.

I am sure there are many more gift ideas just like these out there. Feel free to share and give your fellow college ladies some new ideas (and an option to avoid the crazy malls!) this holiday season.