Send a goat (not just for Christmas) - a goat sending guide

For those wanting to make a real statement with their Christmas present, there are some unusual and alternative gift ideas that are proving particularly popular amongst those who want to make their gift really count - in particular sending a goat to Africa.

The charity Oxfam has set up a scheme which enables a goat, pig, donkey, chicken or even a fish farm to be sent on someone else's behalf to developing countries. Another charity World Vision has set up a similar scheme which also allows goats to be sent to the developing world.

It is proving to be a huge Yuletide hit, but of course 'a goat is not just for Christmas...' and the charity behind it have recently extended the scheme so that it can benefit countries hit by disasters such as droubt and famine.

Now people wanting to make a gift to their loved one but also help make poverty history, can do so through specific gifts, such as goats, sent on behalf of friends or family.

A wide range of over 100 gifts, including goats, can now be sent through Oxfam's Unwrapped Gift Collection and World Vision's Alternative Gift Collection

Each charity says that people love the scheme because people really value the unique gifts they can buy for their friends and family, while changing the lives of some of the world's most vulnerable children and families. The gifts can also be purchased quickly and easily online and the charity takes care of the rest, sending the targetted gift straight to those who need it.

All you have to do is visit the web site , choose a price range and select a gift with the details of your loved one on whose behalf you are sending the present. The charity then sends a special card to them, telling them what has been sent on their behalf.

The charity has something for every budget too (and not just goats!) from a family cook set, or hygiene kit through to blankets, emergency medical equipment and tents.

The Oxfam Unwrapped Gift Collection is part of Oxfam's ethical initiatives to help some of the world's poorest communities make their way out of poverty.

The gifts arrive in the context of the charity's specific programmes. Community leaders and local committees helped by World Vision staff identify their needs and priorities. This, the charity says, means the 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 in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

It is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which led the relief effort in the wake of the Asian Tsunami.

Oxfam's Unwrapped 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 about giving goats and many other alternative presents visit Oxfam Unwrapped Gift Collection.

You can also send goats via the World Vision website here