Monday, November 26, 2012

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

World Vision logo
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.

World Vision gifts

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.

World Vision Gift Catalog

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.

World Vision beaded necklace

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.

Artisan Beaded Necklace

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.

World Vision Artisan Necklace

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.

World Vision inspiring gifts

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!

World Vision Necklace

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.

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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.  

103 comments:

Liz Mays said...

I've heard of them but I really had no idea what they were about. That necklace is lovely though.

LeeAnn said...

I had never heard of World Vision before reading your post. What a wonderful organization! I think the Gift Catalog is a great way to give a practical gift to someone truly in need.

Unknown said...

Yes I have heard of World Vision before and think their catalog is a unique way to give back.

Lee said...

Yes, I've gotten their catalog before, and it sounds like a great organization.

jbmthill said...

I have heard about them and I think the gift catalog is a great way to give back in numerous ways that you can designate.

like2sweep@gmail.com
Beth H

Linda W. said...

I have never heard about them but i will definitely look at the catalog. The necklace is beautiful!

apple blossom said...

yes, I've heard of them but never bought any of their gifts

julie said...

Our church get the flyers each year, I feel it is a wonderful idea !

ossmcalc said...

I am not familiar with World Vision. I like the idea of their Gift Catalog as I enjoy seeing arts and crafts from different parts of the world.

Thank you,

Christine W
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

YES I HAVE HEARD OF THEM AND I
HAVE PURCHASED ITEMS FROM THEM
AS GIFTS. THEY ARE A GOOD
ORGANIZATION. THANKS
CATHY TRUMAN
kbtruman@att.net

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Yes, it's a good idea.

john said...

Never heard of them...but what a wonderful way to help people!

Sherry Butcher said...

Great way to help others. Thanks for the chance to win.

Edge Of Insanity said...

I'm not really familiar with them at all, but I think their gift catalog is a great way to give back to the world that needs help so much.

Cserafini said...

I had never heard of them but think its a great idea!

Anonymous said...

We've liked WV's catalog and ideas for a long time....and have given one of them before (chickens---for a microenterprise.

Thank you for this entry. :-)

Kimberly

Springjoy said...

really, really love this ministry and the necklace!

Romina said...

I'm not familiar with them at all but would love to learn more about the organization.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I just hot the catalog last week and was brought to tears. Such a wonderful thing and we plan on donating this year!

Kelly C

Anonymous said...

I love the world vision catalog ideas of helping others.

TheHeadGirl said...

We just got their catalog in the mail a couple weeks ago... love the concept! And my toddler son loved the pictures of the farm animals. :)

Debbie said...

For the first time, we received their catalog in the mail. I really enjoyed my time with the children as we looked at it and talked about different ways we can serve others.

What I Did Today said...

My mom used to get their catalog. I looked through it a couple of times.

Lina said...

My mom actually donates every month to World Vision!

Andrea said...

I've never received a World Vision catalog, but I'm sure I would order from it! :)

Erin T said...

The necklace is beautiful, and we love World Vision! I had no idea they had a catalog and gifts. Thank you for sharing this post, and for the great giveaway!

Megan said...

Love World Vision! We like to "give" baby ducks and chicks in honor of people who have passed away, or for anniversary gifts, etc.

alissa said...

We have sponsored a child who was born the same day as our 2 year-old daughter. It has been a blessing to think about her and prayer for her as we watch our daughter grow. We love World Vision!

Unknown said...

I had not heard about World Vision until I entered a giveaway! I love the Thai necklace in turquoise. Love the idea behind this charity!

Barb S. said...

Yes, we love their catalog and have given from it before.

Libby@Everything's Coming Up Green said...

I love their catalog! What a beautiful was to meet the most basic needs.

ken ohl said...

yes I've seen the book at church

Daphne Turner said...

I am familiar with the organization but not their catalog. It is done very interestingly for all ages.

s said...

I never heard of them before - what a great way to give a thoughtful and helpful gift.

kim burnett said...

never heard of them before

Anonymous said...

My parents have sponsored children through World Vision for years. I've never seen their gift catalog, but am excited about the jewelry and ornaments.

Thanks for the chance!
sandralclark at outlook.com

Unknown said...

I had never heard of it before.

darce said...

I was aware of their animal purchase and microloan programs, but the accessories are new to me. I really believe in this type of relief program.

Anonymous said...

I love World Vision! I purchased a goat a few years ago. Crazy how something so small can go so far!

polly said...

yes, i have heard of them before...love the catalog

Dave said...

I had receievd a mission from smiley 360 abouyt this and now will look into it further

Kathryn said...

Love World Vision. We support them every month :)

Kimberly said...

I got my first catalog this month. What an awesome idea.

♡♥♬ Louis ♬♥♡ said...

I have heard from World Vision through a blog last yea, love idea of giving susch useful gifts
Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Yes I have heard of them, such a wonderful and great idea!

Allison
guidedogawarenessATyahooDOTcom

Jenny Stanek said...

I actually wasn't aware if it before reading your post!

orangestar17(at)hotmail(dot)com

amkj2002 said...

I am familiar with World Vision. I have made donations with their catalogue in the past.

elaine v said...

wonderful ministry

Kendal said...

I am not familiar with World Vision

Lynn said...

We sponsor a child through WV and hope to use their catalog instead of Heifer to buy a goat or chickens this year for Christmas!

Allison said...

I'm not very familiar with them, but I did find the catalog interesting.

Chelsea said...

I am only familiar with them because of giveaways... but I love the things they sell and their mission to help people

Kristen said...

I am familiar with them and I think most people would really appreciate getting a gift that helps someone else!

SharonC said...

I am familiar with them and have gotten a catalog. A great way to involve your family in giving.

CherylS22 said...

Yes, I'm familiar with World Vision. I think their gift catalog contains many unique items for gift giving.
Thanks for the giveaway!

Amanda Drennen said...

I have heard of them & I think the gift cataloge is such an amazing idea! God Is So Good!!! (:

Anonymous said...

Yes I am familiar with World Vision and the work they do. I love their catalog
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

Heather! said...

I love World Vision and their gift options! I actually have given gifts from their catalog before, and provided livestock in my loved ones' names. It was a cool gift idea, and much appreciated!

h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am familiar with World Vision. I love their catalog and I have some ornaments.

wizardewu said...

I'm familiar with World Vision. I heard about them last year. I think that their catalog is a great way to give a meaningful gift.

Bee W Bedard said...

I am familiar with them

seaburd said...

I am familiar with World Vision and think the catalog is awesome

cman said...

I like their Kenyan Patchwork Tote.

Jon and Amy said...

Very familiar with them. We do this each year at Christmas with my kids, and actually did it in memory of my dad when he passed away too. We love picking out our chicks, goats, and medicine. :)

Marti B. said...

I think it's a vitally important thing to a lot of poor families.

Theresa said...

I've never heard of it before but I think their jewlery is really unique!

cc_girly@yahoo.com

carole said...

heard of them and love their catalog.....so many pretty things

bettycd said...

I've heard of them but was not aware they had a catalog of gifts

Jack Cansler said...

I had heard of world vision, but had never fully appreciated their role before now. Great work.

Andrea said...

I had heard of Vision Forum before and I think their catalog is a great idea.

Paol Trenny said...

I have not heard about them until recently. I think that their catalog is great ----- Paul T/Pauline T aka Paul Tran ..... emscout9 at Hotmail dot com

Paol Trenny said...

Followed on GFC …as Paul T / Pauline T(Paul Tran…pls use emscout9 at hotmail dot com instead of gmail to contact me)
Followed on RSS…Google reader subscriber …as Paul T / Pauline T (Paul Tran…pls use emscout9 at hotmail dot com instead of gmail to contact me)
Followed on Google +… .... as Paul T / Pauline T (Paul Tran …pls use emscout9 at hotmail dot com instead of gmail to contact me)

TampaPalmsGirl said...

Thai Bracelet and Necklace (Black) is a lovely gift for anyone.

Beth Sharpe said...

I love World Vision products

Tricia316 said...

I am familiar with World Vision. I learned about them in my adult Sunday school class a few years ago. We purchase animals or supplies for wells every year as a class.

Anonymous said...

Yes I am and they have beautiful items in the catalog

sandra davis said...

yes i have heard of them and they have a wonderful mission. they have alot of great items in their catalog also

Adrienne said...

I have heard of them and think the gifts are wonderful.

Unknown said...

I have heard of them. It is important to buy them goats. When my daughter was in Africa all they had to eat were their goats, sheep, and roots until the harvest!

Star S said...

I only recently learned about world vision and am so impressed with their work.

cassandra m said...

i think it is great and a good way to help. There is a lot of people right here in the usa that need help as well

natalie rose machowski said...

I heard of them before but I am not very familiar with them. I think their gift catalog is a unique and great idea.

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I've heard of them and I feel it's a wonderful idea - this way, we can contribute as we wish for charity and it makes it that much more personal!

Charlene S. said...

Yes, I've heard of them & I love all the many ways you can contribute :)

Jmstrunk said...

I heard of them, and their gift catalog is full of wonderful things. The best part is how large a percentage of your purchase goes to a good cause.

brich2222 said...

I know a little about them. They are doing much needed work to help the less fortunate and their gift catalog is a super place to buy xmas gifts

ardy22 at earthlink dot net

Jamie Adams said...

I have heard of WorldVision before. I received a pamphlet in the mail from them, but didn't realize they had an option to purchase gifts! Definitely something I would look into for my gift giving needs.

Kathy P said...

yes im familiar and I think their gifts are one of a kind.the most special kind of gift that really gives

annies home said...

I think they do great work for others and the gift guide offers ideas that are great and also allow the giver to feel good

Anonymous said...

I'm a little familiar with them and I like their gift catalog.

susansmoaks said...

i first learned about it last year and i love that it's a great way to give back

Anonymous said...

This is the first I have heard of World vision and I think that the gift catalog is a great way to give and get nice items at the same time.

Unknown said...

I know of the organization and what they do, but have not checked out what they have to offer.

peppersalt said...

I have heard of World Vision but I am not familiar with the workings of this organization. The jewelry is so colorful.

Mary Gardner said...

i am familiar with the organization. we get their catalogue every year and have purchased gifts and given donations a few times

jagar0047 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

was not familiar with them but am now ty

Unknown said...

Gfc- jessica.goodwill

michedt said...

I'm familiar with them through the blogs. I think that their organization is awesome.

A Roach said...

I have never heard of them

A Roach said...

I have never heard of them

Unknown said...

I have never heard of them

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Finamoon said...

Yes I have heard of them and I think the organization is awesome!