The holidays are here, and maybe you are still looking for ideas, that are not the usual stocking fillers.

If you are looking for alternative gift ideas this holiday season that really give back, I have a solution for you.

changingthepresent is a non-profit social website offering charitable gifts for the holiday season that can help change the world.  The gifts include donations starting from as little as $1.  For instance, you can preserve an acre of the wilderness, provide a child with their first book, fund an hour of cancer research, feed a family for a week, or sponsor cataract surgery to restore a blind persons sight.

With over 1500 gifts featured, you can make a donation in a friends name to help make the world a better place, in lieu of giving yet another traditional present. You can even personalize beautiful printed greeting cards, which include a photo and description of your gift, right from the site.

This is an alternative idea if you are looking for a more meaning gift, inspite of the economic down fall.  This could be an opportunity to do some good, give back and inspire your friends and family at the same time.