Sadly, so much of gift giving is done out of obligation. We give gifts that people don’t need simply because “we have to get them something”. This is especially sad when there are so many who are in dire need in our country and around the world.
Perhaps the best gift you could give would be a donation to a charitable organization in the name of your friend. Before you do that, however, you need to check out the organization you are giving to. But how do you do that?
The best source I know of is Charity Navigators. They are not connected with any organization but objectively evaluate organizations, Christian and non, to evaluate their use of funds, the accountability measures they have in place and the effectiveness of what they are doing.
Give a gift of help this year but be sure you are putting your funds where they will be properly used.
PS – If you would like to invest in Commission To Every Nation, the missionary sending agency that I am founder and president of you can: