How to Give a Thoughtful Gift That Says "I Really Know You"
We've all been there: standing in a store, scrolling through endless products, trying to find the perfect gift for someone who already has everything they need, or a best friend who insists she doesn't want anything.
This holiday season, what if you could skip giving anxiety altogether and have confidence that you are giving something meaningful?
The Most Thoughtful Gift You'll Give
There’s a wonderfully heartwarming gift that can make a tangible difference in our world: a donation to a local nonprofit.
Picture this: a donation to an animal rescue in honor of your dog-obsessed niece. A gift to the community theater for your musical-loving mom. Support for youth sports programs in the name of your neighbor who coached Little League for fifteen years.
Suddenly, that "hard to shop for" person becomes the easiest one on your list because you're not buying stuff. You're celebrating who they are.
Find the Perfect Match
Alexandria is home to hundreds of nonprofits doing incredible work. There's an organization that aligns with virtually every interest, passion, or cause. To find the right fit, ask yourself three simple questions about your recipient:
What do they care about most? Think about what causes matter to the person you’re shopping for: education, the environment, food security, the arts, animal welfare, supporting veterans. What topics light them up at the dinner table?
What activities do they love? Consider how they spend their free time. A passionate gardener might appreciate a gift to a community garden program. Someone who finds peace on the water could connect with an organization protecting our local waterways.
Did they commemorate a milestone this year? Maybe your parents celebrated their anniversary with a walk through their favorite local park, or your child hit a personal best at the neighborhood track. A donation to that park or recreation program becomes a lasting tribute to a meaningful moment.
Still Feeling Overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. Sometimes the hardest part of giving isn’t the giving itself, it’s finding the right fit. Here are a few ways to make it easier:
Ask your people. Talk to friends and family about the organizations they're involved with. People who volunteer or donate locally can point you toward organizations that are truly making an impact. Word of mouth is powerful, especially when it comes from someone who's witnessed the work up close.
Browse Spring2ACTion.org. Here's something you might not know: ACT’s annual giving day website is available year-round. Search by keyword (like food, housing, or arts) or use the right-hand menu to filter by cause and discover organizations doing work you care about.
Reach out to ACT. Our team knows this community inside and out. We're happy to help you find an organization that's the perfect fit for your recipient, or for you.
When in Doubt, Give to What You Love
We take great pride in Alexandria, and chances are, you do too. For the person on your list who feels the same way, a gift to ACT for Alexandria is a gift to the whole community they love.
ACT is where Alexandria's generosity becomes a community impact. In 2025 alone, we helped raise $3.1 million for 193 local nonprofits during Spring2ACTion, distributed $3.2 million to 300 nonprofits through donor advised funds, and united nearly 8,000 donors in support of charitable causes. When you give to ACT, your gift strengthens the entire ecosystem of organizations making Alexandria a better place to live.
Pair your donation with a curated box of Alexandria favorites from local shops like Red Barn Mercantile or your favorite local boutique, allowing the holiday feeling of getting a little something to unwrap, combined with a lot of good for the community.
This Giving Tuesday, skip the stress of the checkout line. Give a gift that has the power to ripple across the community you call home.
Ready to give local? Visit actforalexandria.org or browse Alexandria nonprofits at spring2action.org.
