This article highlights some unique gifts for animal lovers, and their animals, that have a special bonus. They are all gifts that give twice.The motto of “9 Lives Photography” is “"Every life should have nine cats," and cat photography is the feature at this shop. Depending on the item from 50 - 100% of the profits from each sale is donated to Felines Inc., a cat shelter in Chicago (http://www.felinesinc.org). Many of the photos are of Felines Inc. residents.
The artists and artisans that have created these items give a portion of the proceeds from each sale to charities that benefit animals. When you choose gifts like these that benefit charity, you multiply the impact of your choice, creating positive ripples. Everyone benefits, from the person who receives your gift, to you and how you feel about yourself, and to the charity that receives vital support to carry out its mission.
Heading this article is "I'm Too Cute" an 'aw' inducing photo of Stella, happily adopted from a cat shelter. This image can also be purchased as a note card set or print at http://www.9livescharity.etsy.com
"Herbie the Spark Plug Dog" is one of a series of inventive creations by Josh of "Brown Dog Welding". You'll find Herbie, and the other members of his pack, each a one-of-a-kind welded sculpture here http://bit.ly/cuzRVW. At least 10% of the profits from "Brown Dog Welding" are donated to Home Furever http://www.homefurever.com and Lifebuilders http://www.lifebuildersdetroit.com/.
Metal worker Kerin Rose creates jewelry that is influenced by the spiritual symbols of many cultures and by patterns in nature. She’s had an eclectic career including designing puppets for the Muppets.These charming dog tags are cast in Argentium (low-tarnish) sterling silver in molds carved from beeswax from bees raised by her sister. 100% of the profits from the sale of these tags goes to the Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org/). You will find interesting, evocative jewelry at this site, and also much information on Kerin’s creative process. http://www.etsy.com/shop/kerinrose
Michele, the artist behind the "MVegan5" shop on Etsy creates artwork and jewelry inspired by her love for animals and nature. An active spirit, she is the founder and co-leader of Etsy for Animals: Artists Helping Animals (EFA) http://efartistshelpinganimals.org, a team of artists who gather together to raise funds for animal-related charities. An example of Michele’s work is her sweet photographic greeting card, “Three Friends.” You can buy a single card, a set of three or an 8 ½ by 11” print. http://www.etsy.com/shop/mvegan5
One of the designers contributing to Artists Helping Animals (see above) is Deb, whose shop is "Terriers Trousers," a 'doggie chic boutique' http://www.etsy.com/shop/TerrierTrousers. Her assistant 'Clarkie' is shown proudly modeling one of her harness coats, available in custom fits for hard-to-fit small and medium sized dogs. 10% of the boutiques' profits benefit EFA.
A cute stocking stuffer for the bird watcher on your list, a sparrow magnet from FARP (The Fabulous Animal Rescue Project) http://www.etsy.com/shop/FARP#, where you'll find animal-themed cards and magnets. A collective of artists from around the globe raising funds for animal rescue groups, shelters, and sanctuaries, FARP's current charity is The Sanctuary http://www.animalsanctuary.co.nz/. To learn more about FARP's projects visit their blog http://fabulousanimalrescueproject.blogspot.com/.
J. M. McGuiness is an online shop where you can find ready to hang photo cards, sun catchers and pendants created by a husband and wife photographic team. The intriguing image heading this article is "Gentle Horse" a photograph, matted for framing, by Rob McGuinness. 100% of the profits from this photograph goes to 3 Bunnies Rabbit Rescue, located in East Hartford, CT – http://www.3bunnies.org. Other items benefit a variety of local animal-related charities. You can see more of the McGuiness’s beautiful photography at http://www.etsy.com/shop/JMcGuinness
Here's a sweet handknit catnip mouse, is one of may you can find at Viva LeChat (http://VivaLeChat.etsy.com). Your purchases here benefit imom.org (http://www.imom.org), an organization that raises funds to cover emergency vet care for companion animals.
To close, is an extra-cute photograph titled "Kitten Paws" from Etsy shop "Into the Blues" http://bit.ly/bu06oy. It's available in multiple sizes and 50% of the price will go to Harbor Humane Society in Holland, MI http://www.harborhumane.org/index.htm
I 'heart' artisans who benefit charity with their work and frequently write about them and their creative fundraising initiatives. You will find many, many more suggestions for beautiful and original gifts that benefit charity on this blog. You can find links to the articles in the Table of Contents to the right under "Gifts That Benefit Charity."
