At this time of year, it's easy to get so caught up in finding the perfect gifts for your nearest and dearest, that you forget about the people for whom Christmas day, and everyday, is an enormous struggle. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to combine the excitement of festive gift-giving with the emotional lift of supporting a good cause, four of which we've detailed in this feature! We've gathered some stylish ideas for physical charity Christmas gifts, but before we share them, let's talk about your main options for charitable gifting...

1. Give a Charitable Donation instead of a Traditional Christmas Gift

This option is pretty straight-forward - you simply make a charitable donation in a loved one's name, either passing on a little keepsake or certificate from the charity, or writing the details down yourself in a festive card (all the better if it's one that benefits the charity, too!). In our experience, the best way to go about this type of gift-giving is to agree upon it in advance with your family or friend group. If you think you'll miss the thrill of unwrapping a present on the day, you can also exchange DIY gifts, or small gifts, Secret Santa style, setting a modest budget of €10/£10/$10 or so (you'll find ideas for these types of gifts here!). You probably already have a charity that's close to your heart, but if not, we've compiled two lists of incredible organisations here and here.

2. Give a Gift on the Recipient's Behalf!

Charities like Concern, Oxfam, Suas and Self Help Africa offer a range of charity Christmas gifts that you give on behalf of your loved one, and that benefit communities in need around the world. They include everything from goats and beehives, to bicycles and school supplies!

3. Shop for Physical Gifts in a Charity Shop

Most people don't think of shopping for Christmas gifts in their local charity shop, but you can find some real gems among their shelves, from vintage fashion to homewares, with proceeds going to a good cause. These days, you can even shop your favourite charity shops from the comfort of your couch via online shopping platform Thriftify, where you'll find items from multiple Irish charity shops in one place!

4. Give a Physical Gift with a Charitable Element

If you just can't bear the thought of forgoing physical gifts this Christmas, don't worry! You can scratch your philanthropic muscle and still enjoy the festive buzz of selecting, wrapping and giving presents by choosing a product with a charitable element. Maybe a percentage of the profits from the sale are donated to charity, or the company you're buying from provide jobs and training in a struggling community. Below, you'll find some gorgeous things to get you inspired! We've made the decision to support Irish with all of our gift guides this year, so the below gifts are all from Irish charities and/or social enterprises.

13 Ideas for Irish Charity Christmas Gifts

1. Find a Diamond candle set featuring a scented candle by Paul and William Costello, and costume jewellery pendant by Chupi, €27.50 (or two for €50!) by Jack and Jill Foundation

2. Costume jewellery earrings, €28, by Barnardos Bridal Rooms' online accessories store

3. Vintage leather handbag, €44.44 from a selection benefitting Cerebral Palsy CYMRU via Thriftify

4. Loaf Pottery mug, €18.50 at We Make Good. Loaf Pottery provide job training and work experience for people with disabilities.

5. Cat-print oven mitt, €16 from the ISPCA online gift shop

6. Plant a Tree gift set with illustration by Sally Caulwell, from €50 at Grown

7. Latches barn, €38, by Sensational Kids. The profits from their online toy sales go towards subsidising therapy services for children in need.

8. SilaiWali doll made by refugee women from Afghanistan who now live in India, €65 at We Make Good. We Make Good donate €10 from the sale of each doll to the Irish Refugee Council in Ireland.

9. Kent & Stowe traditional anvil secateurs, €12.99 via Enable Ireland's online garden centre

10. Fingerless gloves in Tibet tweed, €12.50 at Shuttle Knit, an organisation that employs women from the Traveller community in Wicklow

11. Fabric planter, €22 to €26, made at the We Make Good workshop, which provides training and employment programme for women from a refugee background in Dublin

12. Famous dog's names T-shirt, €18, from the Dogs Trust online gift shop

13. Art print by Susan Cairns, €50, from a selection by Jack and Jill Foundation

Still looking for the perfect present? You'll surely find it in one of our other Christmas gift guides!