It’s Christmastime, and we are all doing our gift shopping for loved ones.

Although shopping can be fun for some of us, it can also be hard to know what to give someone, especially if he or she already has everything.

Here are a few ideas of how to make gift giving special this year.

Instead of buying a gift, consider donating to a worthy cause in honor of your loved ones. Of course, I recommend talking to them first and making sure they like the idea. They might have some suggestions of their favorite charities, and they might like to donate to somewhere in your name.

There are lots of nonprofit organizations out there trying to help others. Maybe donate to the American Cancer Society to celebrate some who won their battle with cancer or give to the Red Cross to honor someone who is always there to help a friend in need.

Animals need help, too. Some suggestions of local animal welfare centers include: AWSOM at 570-421-3647, Forgotten Felines and Fidos at 610-760-9009, or the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center at 570-402-0223.

If you’re looking for a nonprofit that you may not have heard of before, then try the Carbon County Dorothy Day House in Lansford. The Dorothy Day House helps needy families in Carbon County. This is third Christmas the organization is giving away presents, trees, decorations and food. Last year, they were able to give to 70 children.

Donations can be purchased through the group’s Amazon Christmas Wishlist, which can be found at www.amazon.com/registries/holiday/1W2NXTOXUIEM2/guest-view. They need new toys, games and clothing and coats for children ages newborn to 18. Donations of Christmas trees, decorations, new blankets, diapers, gift cards to grocery stores and more are welcome. For more information or to set up a delivery or pickup, contact Ericka Williams-Rodriguez, outreach coordinator, at 908-357-8858.

You might also want to consider Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow. It is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in memory of two teenage brothers who fought short, courageous battles with cancer.

The organization provides financial and spiritual support, as well as gifts to the siblings and families who are experiencing a serious illness of a child or loss of a child. For more information, contact Dylan and Gavin’s Rainbow, P.O. Box 511, Lehighton, PA 18235 or dylanandgavinsrainbow@gmail.com.

If someone on your list likes the idea but is a little bummed about not getting a gift, then maybe agree to donate to a charity and exchange something inexpensive. Set a dollar limit, and let your imagination go.

Your gift could be a container of their favorite fudge that you make at home. Of course, cookies are delightful, too.

If you’re crafty, then make a scarf from fleece or knit one out of soft yarn.

Can’t bake or knit? Try giving them an experience.

Plan a camping trip for a night. Plan an outing for when the weather warms up like a day kayaking on a lake. Or buy a bottle of wine and plan a picnic or a cozy evening watching a movie with your loved one.