Last minute Christmas gifts for those who have everything

As Americans we can justly criticize ourselves for living the fat life. SUVs, palacial homes in the 'burbs, closets and garages filled with things we rarely use, so much food that many of our health problems stem from our personal indulgences.... Yes, we have much to be thankful for.

Yet not all in this world or this country are so blessed with such material comforts. Plus, our extravagant lifestyle has put a tremendous burden on our greater home, the planet earth.

Many of us face two "problems" this holiday season: In a larger sense, how to give back to the rest of the world a token thank-you gift for the bounty we enjoy. And in a localized sense, how to find the perfect gift for a friend or relative who has everything.

Fortunately, there is a win-win solution to both challenges, and it is ridiculously easy. It's simply to give a donation as a gift. Here are some possibilities:

• Heifer International — For many years my wife's Aunt Floy has given us a farm animal from Heifer International. This year it was a share of a goat. But it could be a cow, pig, sheep, llama, chickens or even bees or a water buffalo. Heifer's mission is to give families and communities living in poverty throughout world the animals and assistance they need to become self-sufficient.

• Carbon credits — Got a friend with a Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban or Mercedes-Benz G 500? You could do the planet some good by buying them carbon credits through terrapass.com. Other options for giving back to the environment include gocarbonzero.com and nativeenergy.com (source: Newsweek). If they have agricultural land in the family or even a big back yard, you can also give carbon credits through the National Farmers Union.

• Highly rated charities — Want to give a charitable gift in someone's name but don't know which charities give the best bang for the buck? Check out a website that rates charities, like charitynavigator.org. Their top ten list features Minnesota-based Scholarship America (report, website). Other four-star (highest rated) Minnesota charities include the Greater Twin Cities United Way, The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, and Pheasants Forever.

• Get help from Google — Google will throw in an extra $10 if you donate through Google Checkout online. Participating charities include Doctors without Borders, the Global Fund for Women, and Campus Climate Challenge.

• Save the Children — Like Heifer International, four-star rated Save the Children will send a card to your gift recipient when you donate $20 or more online.

• Food shelves — It's no secret that despite all the wealth in this country there is still a significant number of Americans who are barely getting by on a daily basis. Unfortunately, they remain largely invisible and unknown. You can help by donating a gift basket to your local food shelf in a relative or friend's name. Or you can give online to Hunger Solutions Minnesota (online donation site) or Second Harvest.

• Donation gift certificates — Not sure which charities your gift recipient favors? Then send them a charity gift certificate redeemable at any number of charitable organizations. Or if that's a little too impersonal, try a charity gift basket that includes gifts to a handful or related charities.

• Ring a bell — The Salvation Army is desperate for bell ringers this year. Volunteer to ring a bell for an hour or more and "give" your donated time to a friend or family member. Who knows? They may be inspired to do the same for you! Caution: If you do go bell ringing, wear warm clothes. Many of the Salvation Army kettle sites are outside, not inside, stores. Ringing a bell may keep one hand warm, but it doesn't do much for your feet and face. Don't want to stand out in the cold? You can become a virtual bell ringer online!

In sum, there are still plenty of opportunities to give in more ways than one this holiday season. And the one great thing about giving the gift of charity? You don't have to worry about the recipient having to return it to the store or a refund or exchange!