As we went through the Christmas season last year and participated in several means of donating or giving to those in need, I desired further the impact of these gifts in our hearts and minds.  That’s how we came up with the “Gifting Gift.”  Each time we participated in an way to give to others in need, we added a note about it in the box.   Amidst our brightly wrapped packages, this little box served as a reminder through December to lift up a prayer for those who are less fortunate.  On Christmas morning, we took time to open the Gifting Box and pray for each of the people the notes represented. 

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” 
Matthew 25:40

If you are looking for child-friendly giving ideas, here are a couple of suggestions:
*Any age can help shop and put items in a wrapped box for Operation Christmas Child.  If you go somewhere like the dollar store, your child may wish to use some of his allowance money for several items.  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.  Collection of these boxes is in November, but add “Operation Christmas Child Boy/Girl” notes in your Gifting Gift to remember to pray for them on Christmas day. 
*Any age can help you look through the on-line catalog of items available for donation through Food for the Poor, Samaritan’s Purse, or World Vision.   Our family had a set amount planned to spend, with the kids having decided a portion of their money as well.  Once in the catalog, it was neat to see how all of us desired to put in more once we saw the needs.  Each of our children found what item they would like to donate toward, based on their budget.  Then, our family picked one of a higher amount to sponsor together.  How cool is it that this ministry allows children here to know that they have just provided a rabbit, sports equipment, or a Bible lesson to a child across the world who wouldn’t have this help otherwise!
https://secure3.convio.net/ffp/site/Ecommerce;jsessionid=32B5ED710C9883356984CA749D08E53B.app367a?FOLDER=0&store_id=6061

For more Parenting with Scripture Christmas ideas, see http://www.parentingwithscripture.com/category/holidays/christmas/