Gift of a Knitting Basket

Why It's Good:

This nonprofit's online catalog takes e-commerce to a new level: Instead of books or clothing, it features a veritable menagerie of animals that can be purchased as gifts and donated to needy families on behalf of its recipients. Our favorite is the Knitting Basket, which provides families with wool-producing animals like llamas and sheep, thereby enabling them to produce and sell woolen goods.

Why It's Green:

Environmental concerns are high up on the list of priorities at Heifer, which works to integrate green initiatives like improving soil fertility, promoting forestation, respecting and encouraging biodiversity, and minimizing erosion into many of its hunger-relief programs.

Where To Get It:

heifer.org | $50 for a share of a basket