6 ways of paying it forward ahead of Giving Tuesday

This time of year, most of us spend our time brainstorming - adamant that we find the perfect gift for those most important to us.

Between the hustle and bustle of it all, the lights, the fresh scent of pine, cosying up beside the fire and looking forward to the shenanigans of Christmas Day… we simply ADORE it! But sometimes, too much of a good thing can feel rather superficial and a bit too trivial. That’s where #givingTuesday comes in - the global day of giving! Giving releases those good ol’ endorphins that make us feel super content and happy! Not only is giving good for our mental health, it also makes a world of difference to those who need it most. Here are some magnificent ways we can pay it forward to those truly in need this #givingTuesday. 1. Closet revamp Everyone loves a wardrobe refresh! Let go of the things that no longer serve you. They’re sure to serve someone else in desperate need of gear that will keep them warm and well-dressed - allowing them to keep cosy but also boost confidence by giving them a sense of pride - an absolute must. 2. Give a meal It’s likely that plenty of us pass at least one homeless person on the street each morning when heading to work. Buy a homeless person a drink plus breakfast, or dinner in the evening before you head home. Yes, we’re all tight on money - but a simple act of kindness humbles us, and after all, no one should go through the day hungry, cold or malnourished. 3. Give a Trócaire gift Trócaire has launched their 2017 Christmas gift range which helps families in the most deprived and destitute countries in the world. We have an opportunity to give what we can afford as these gifts range in price from €7 to €250. They go to mums and newborns, school lunches and support female entrepreneurs, to name a few. You can buy the gift of chicks for as little as €7, which provide food for a family in Kenya and Ethiopa, while solar lamps (€15) can light up the dark in rural Africa, helping families avoid using dangerous alternatives to carry out their tasks such as homework or leaving home to bring back water at night. Six children can receive school lunches in Somalia (€30) while mums and babies can receive safe maternity care in Somalia (€85). 4. Help our furry friends Animal shelters need bedding, blankets, food and food/water bowls to keep our fur friends healthy until hopefully, they can be adopted. Any household items that can lend a helping hand such as old towels or bowls can make a world of difference. 5. Respect our elders They're a wise bunch so they are. Christmas time can be especially lonely for the elderly so if you know of an elderly neighbour or have a nana of your own, spend some valuable time with them and have a chat over a nice hot cuppa. Not only will it add to their day - it's sure to add to yours too! 6. Spread positive vibes People do nice things for us regularly - even if we don’t always realise. No matter how teeny-tiny these gestures may be, from holding open the door, to letting us go first in a queue - tell them that these generous acts are very kind and are also appreciated. When people know their acts of kindness are realised and valued, more kindness is encouraged, creating an altogether marvellous ripple effect on society! Hurray! Brought to you by Trócaire Gifts.