Comments on: The only good xmas present

By: Victoria (DreamBank)

Victoria (DreamBank) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:32:13 +0000

This article and the book Scroogenomics shows a trend that we've been seeing for some time now. 83% of people received unwanted gifts last year (according to an eBay survey), and it's one of the reasons we developed our company, DreamBank (http://www.dreambank.org) .

DreamBank is about about promoting more "meaningful consumerism". The concept is simple – give people what they really want, make it easy for the giver, help the environment (by cutting down waste cause by packaging etc of unwanted gifts) and help key social causes at the same time.

It works by posting your “dream gift” (be it a trip, a course, or or a piece of clothing that you'd really like ) and your friends and family can contribute easily online while following your progress and helping you to achieve your goal. Contributors can give as little or as much as they want which helps in these tough economic times . DreamBank has a socially responsible business model where 10% of all net transaction revenue is distributed as selected by the Dreamers to various international charities. Dreamers select one of our charity partners to associate their Dream Gift with. From this selection, we poll the results and distribute the funds proportionately to the charities.

http://www.DreamBank.org
Give Dreams. Not Stuff.

By: Donald Patriquin

Donald Patriquin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:21:36 +0000

One short sentence actually addresses what Christmas (or equivalent feasts) is all about. "Another option: charitable donations given in the name of recipients, or charity gift cards, so they can choose a good cause." Regardless of what Waldfogel says about donations, if people can afford to give someone an 'impersonal' gift they can afford to make a donation in that person's name. If we all did it the world would indeed be a better place, and everyone wins. Think about it and DO IT THIS CHRISTMAS!

By: KatieMate

KatieMate — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:57:57 +0000

Some people are just good at choosing gifts. Others; not so much.
But gift giving really has become more about 'stuff' than a thoughtful gesture. It's such a waste!
I appreciate a small handmade gift, or a consumable gift (special treats like favourite chocolates or concert tickets).

By: Ed_Sweeney

Ed_Sweeney — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:10:43 +0000

Bean counters! You could never put a precise dollar value on the act of giving. The is an intrinsic value simply in the act, for both the giver and recipient.

An interesting aspect of the article is that it focuses on Christmas, but the case works against all gift giving, so why limit the complaint to Christmas giving?

By: Jon Siegel

Jon Siegel — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:25:41 +0000

TisBest Charity Gift Cards (http://www.TisBest.org) are the perfect gift for the giver and the receiver. The giver makes the donation, but the recipient chooses the charity that receives the money. Consider a gift of charity this holiday season. You can see how it works right here: