Give a Gift, Change a Life with the World Vision Gift Catalog {Artisan Beaded Necklace Review & Giveaway}

As we head out shopping this holiday season, it's easy to think of the most traditional categories: the hottest toys, the most sought-out electronics, the ultimate in stylish home decor.

Of those, there are some holiday gifts that are practical and there are some that purely for entertainment, either of which is completely fine. After all, everything from a Hot Wheels set to a new coffeemaker has a place or serves a purpose in our lives (even if that's just providing joy from running the cars around and around and around).

But what if there was something more? What if there was a way to provide a gift that could be enjoyed, while, at the same time, it helped to instill a sense of compassion? One that gives knowledge and a feeling of global responsibility? Inspiration and encouragement to take action in our lives to make a difference in the world?

That's exactly what is found with World Vision.

Whether it's for the tax deduction or the warm fuzzy feeling giving to others generates, most Americans plan to make a charitable donation over the holiday season. In fact, nearly 60% of Americans say they'll donate between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to a survey reported in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Which is why a gift from the World Vision Gift Catalog is the best of all worlds. First, shoppers can choose a meaningful, life-changing gift to meet the urgent needs of children around the world. These alternative gift ideas include goats, cows, chickens, school supplies, fresh water wells and much more, and have the ability to help children and families in struggling communities from all ends of the earth.

Second, shoppers have the option of giving a gift to a friend or family member, wherein that person can receive a beautiful, handmade gift such as an ornament from Nairobi or jewelry from Thailand. That gift accompanies a contribution to the Maximum Impact Fund, which helps in the areas of greatest needs, and the recipient will receive a special card describing the gift and its impact.

What an amazing opportunity to make an important charitable donation while still giving a meaningful, amazing gift!

And, let me tell you, when one of these gifts arrives and it is absolutely beautiful while demonstrating the generosity of your gift-giver, it's hard to not feel immensely proud and special.

As I pulled the Artisan Beaded Necklace out of its crisp, beautiful packaging, I was immediately smitten with the colorful glass beads and the simplistic beauty of the piece as a whole.

Handmade in Thailand, this colorful necklace measures approximately 44" around and can be worn several different ways.

From a single, long necklace to a multi-stranded bracelet, the versatility and quality pair perfectly with the beauty of the glass beads and the overall knowledge of supporting a great cause when this is worn.

Every time I've worn the Artisan Beaded Necklace I've received multiple compliments on it, and being able to tell people about World Vision and the large selection of gift options that they have available makes it even more satisfying!

The 2012 holiday season marks the 17th annual edition of the World Vision Gift Catalog and I couldn't be more proud to help support it. In 2011 alone, the World Vision U.S. Gift Catalog raised over $33 million and provided assistance to more than 825,000 people around the world.

Last year, 67,000 goats were purchased by donors, and while a goat ($75) may be World Vision's number one seller, there are more than 100 gifts to choose from (more than 30 gifts in the catalog are $35 or less, including items like chickens, job training or fruit trees).

This holiday season, don't just give a gift. Consider a gift from the World Vision Gift Catalog, knowing that it can significantly improve the life of a child or family in need by providing tools and opportunities to overcome extreme poverty. At the same time, your friends and loved ones will be honored as they read their special card describing the gift and the impact it is making.

Now that's the true spirit of Christmas.

To find out more about the World Vision Gift Catalog, you can watch their video explaining how the catalog works, visit them at WorldVision.org, and connect with them on Facebook and Pinterest.

Plus, thanks to their never-ending generosity, one person will be able to proudly share in the inspirational, life-changing ways of this organization as well, because...

One lucky person will win an Artisan Beaded Necklace (ARV $60) from World Vision!

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below — simply enter your name and email address to get started and click on each entry that you would like to complete. Follow the directions for each individual method, entering in the necessary information when asked. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to let me know.

Loading Entry-Form...

...

A big thank you to World Vision for providing an Artisan Beaded Necklace for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.