Seasonal shoppers will no-doubt already have their holiday lists prepared, presents assigned by person, stocking-stuffers decided and calendar arranged around the Christmas sales.
But for everyone else, we have prepared a christmas cheat sheet that prioritizes all things wild, from wildlife photography tours to primal retreats!
Prioritising presents with added value (i.e. once in a lifetime experiences, skills development, benefits to community or conservation). We also considered gifts that were eco-friendly and time efficient (i.e. no wrapping required, no sale hunting or crowd climbing either).
If you are time-poor or just prefer not to wade through the masses in hopes of securing a highly coveted and limited sale item, then a virtual gift will definately appeal.
Double Impact Donations: Christmas is a great time to support charities because year-end giving is typically when generous sponsors will offer matching grants, effectively doubling your impact and helping your gift go twice as far. Turn this into a present by dedicating your donation to a loved one who shares your passion for preservation.
Protect Grizzlies with a Gift to Vital Ground. A unique $50,000 matching gift made possible by a dedicated group of supporters, will double your contribution! This tremendous opportunity means your gift goes twice as far to protect the right places.
Be a Secret Santa for Snow Leopards. Members of the Snow Leopard Trust’s board of directors will match your donations this holiday season, up to $60,000.
Join the Race to Save the Cheetah. A group of special friends have provided the Cheetah Conservation Fund with a challenge grant totalling US$225,000(174,500 Euros). Donate to help CCF match this challenge grant by 31 December.
Buy for the Benefits: To add some soul to your shopping buy from companies that support conservation.
Eat with an Elephant to Save a Cheetah. December 4th is International Cheetah Day and what better way to celebrate than by taking friends and family on a safari to the Elelphant Bar. Enjoy a pre-christmas dinner or drinks amidst in a wonderfully wild setting and every sale made on the day will benefit the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Gear Up for the Grizzly. Did you know that you can help protect grizzly bears by shopping REI online? When you access REI via this link, 7% of your purchase total will be donated to Vital Ground – at no additional cost to you!
The next section of gifts are for those with a bigger budget and lust for adventure.
Adventure makes an ideal Gift: What do you get someone who has everything? A once in a lifetime experience – exploring new worlds and developing new skills.
One Stop Shop. Do it all in one place with REI, purchase your eco-friendly gear, get expert advise and plan your 2013 Travel Itinerary.
Natural Habitat Adventures. Another one of our favourites with a new line-up of expeditions and photo tours that showcase the worlds best wild destinations.
Have Tripod will Travel: Consider a photography tour for those who love capturing the beauty of nature through a lens.
Natural Exposures. There is a spectacular selection of tours on offer in 2013 from world renown wildlife photographer Daniel J. Cox. Each trip presents an opportunity to master new skills and preserve memories of rare and magical moments in the wild.
Natural Selection. From the great parks of America to the steamy jungles of Madagascar, professional wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt’s 2013 tours have something for everyone.
A Primal Present: Your barefoot, outdoor, adventure-loving friends might appreciate a Primal Retreat!
PrimalCon 2013. To experience one of the most beautiful natural environments on earth, during the best time of the year join Mark Sisson and the team at Primal Blueprint for PrimalCon Lake Tahoe.
Subscription to Explore: When travel is not an option a subscription to explore makes a perfect present.
Bare Essentials Magazine. Filled with unique insight from adventurers, photographers, scientists, explorers and world experts. Say Merry Christmas with a link to our free app.
In addition to our Christmas Cheat Sheet, please checkout the Center for Biological Diversity’s 2012 Greener Giving Guide it’s full of great gift ideas that benefit wildlife.
