Gifts & Giving

A tradition I began last year for my 11-year-old twin grandsons, Collin and William, was “spend, save, share.” My Christmas gift to them is money with the direction to spend some on themselves, save some and, finally, share with something they choose.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a confusing and overwhelming time for many women. Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana provides free, confidential counseling to assist expectant mothers in understanding pregnancy options and making the best choice for their baby.

For 95 years, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) has trained women leaders to understand the community’s needs, envision ways to better others’ lives and bring forth change.

Stumped on what to give friends and loved ones this year? Consider gifting them an experience they’ll always remember.

Each January and February, Hostelling International USA (HI USA) offers groups free overnight accommodations across 30+ hostels in exchange for volunteer work in the surrounding community. Participating locations include NYC, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and more.

Multicolored lights or white lights? In NOLA, you don’t have to choose.

Canal Place launched its Style Board initiative this year to mentor college-age students interested in fashion – giving them a place to interact with local fashion influencers and engage with the iconic mall while expanding their breadth of knowledge on fashion design, styling and marketing.

Did you know that giving back is not only good for the community, but also good for your personal health? According to Forbes, giving back is one of the most therapeutic things you can do as an individual. Science has proven that people who have a purpose outside of themselves benefit both mentally and physically.

The holiday season’s here, and there are tons of apps for your smartphone to get you in the holiday spirit. From shopping to travel to fun, here are some of my favorite apps this season: 

With the holiday season in full swing, gift giving is at the forefront of every New Orleanian’s mind. This year at Gambel Communications, we’re going local. The one requirement of our Secret Santa swap (besides the $20 limit) is that all gifts must be purchased from local vendors.

One tradition that has continued in my family throughout the years is sending out holiday cards. A great way to send a little cheer, mailing cards to family and friends each Christmas has also acted as a reminder to my family to take more photos together. If you need some inspiration for where to take your holiday photos this year, consider these Crescent City gems:

Other than maybe Mr. Bingle, there are few holiday activities more uniquely New Orleans than Reveillon dinners. Begun as a meal after Catholic midnight Mass, these dinners have become a staple of New Orleans restaurants throughout the month of December and serve as the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

There is a reason that New Orleans’ Saks Fifth Avenue has been known as the ultimate luxury destination of designer clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes and beauty in three states for over 34 years.

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Poydras Home, a retirement community in the heart of Uptown offering independent living, assisted living and nursing care, is marking the historic milestone of its 200th birthday with a gift to its residents of a scenic park with a Koi fish pond on its front lawn. Engraved bricks and pavers can be purchased to pave the patio surrounding the pond.

“Give back more to the community than you receive.” It’s a philosophy we live by – and we’ve built our company around it, too. There is more to our ethos than traditional preppy style; we also feel strongly about contributing to charitable efforts in our communities. Here in New Orleans, a “Shop and Support a Cause” event is just around the corner.

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The holidays are here. How do you offer the gift of confidence to that special someone – or indulge in a well-deserved luxury yourself?

Did you know that the average American home has more than 300,000 items inside? During the time of the year dedicated to gift giving, offering experiences over material presents can be more fulfilling.

Hundreds of children in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans will delight in unwrapping gifts at their holiday party this Saturday, complete with food, fun and Christmas carols. If it were not for the generosity of their fellow New Orleanians, they would do without.

We’re bringing together the best of “dinner and a movie” with a full menu of made-to-order favorites delivered to your seat. Just buy tickets online, arrive 30 minutes early, place your order and we’ll take care of the rest.

Nearly a decade after passing away, secret millionaire John Marque still supports the causes he loved with a fund he named in honor of his parents, the Theresa Bittenbring Marque and John Henry Marque Fund.

For more than 50 years, the Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal has raised necessary funds to support Catholic Charities’ programs. Archbishop Hannan began the campaign in the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy.

https://vimeo.com/246467801

Never before has The Shop at The Collection — the museum gift shop of The Historic New Orleans Collection — carried this much exclusive merchandise.

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When my twin grandsons turned 10, I began a Christmas tradition more meaningful than another set of Legos: spend, save, share. Beginning last year, I gave them each cash with instructions to spend part on themselves, save some to begin the habit of investing, and share a portion with an organization that was heartfelt.