Charity's alternative gifts are huge hit

Stuck for that ethical, but ever-so-slightly alternative present to give your friends or family? You might want to consider a pig, three chickens, a flock sheep of even a new toilet!

The gifts - part of an alternative initiative by charity Oxfam - are proving to be a huge alternative Christmas hit.

The charity says that people love it because they really value the unique and alternative gifts they can buy for their friends and family, while changing the lives of some of the world's poorest children and families.

Instead of simply giving more unwanted clutter to friends and family, the aid agency has come up with a range of 50 alternative and innovative gifts which you can give to developing communities - on behalf of others as an alternative Christmas present.

From a ox to an HIV education system, a wheelchair to a bicycle, you can do it all online too . All you have to do is visit the web site , choose a price range and select an alternative gift with the details of the friend on whose behalf you are sending the present. The charity them sends a special card to your friend or family member, telling them what has been given on their behalf.

The charity has an alternative gift for every budget too, from a water filter or a fruit tree for a fiver, through to complete furnishings for a school.

Called the 'Alternative Gift Selection' it is part of Oxfam's alternative action to help some of the world's poorest communities make their way out of poverty.

The alternative gifts arrive in the context of the charities long-term development programmes. Community leaders and local committees helped by Oxfam staff identify their needs and priorities, including the gifts featured in their alternative catalogue. This, the charity says, means the alternative gifts that are bought are really needed - and will be treasured when they arrive.

Oxfam is one of the world's leading relief, development and justice agencies. It is also one of the largest - presently helping more than 100 million people in nearly 100 countries to find alternatives to poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

Oxfam's Alternative Gift selection is now several years old. The results are admirable as well as ethical. Over 5,000 children have been immunised against six childhood killer diseases. Over 12,000 fruit trees have been planted, growing produce both to eat and sell. Almost 3,000 children have had their sight restored through cataract operations.

To find out more visit the Oxfam Unwrapped gift collection .