Gifts that give twice as much

For years, philanthropic gift giving has been growing in popularity during the holiday season.

In lieu of conventional gifts, more and more people are opting to give something that not only makes them feel good but has the added benefit of supporting a cause they care about. That includes everything from a family in need, to an animal in crisis, to the environment.

Whatever your passion, there’s bound to be a do-good gift to match. Here are some of our favorites:

• American Express' Children's Health Fund Gift Card, a gift that gives twice: once to the recipient and once to charity.

For every card sold, AE will donate the $3.95 purchase fee to Children’s Health Fund, a leading pediatric provider of mobile-based health care for homeless and low-income children and their families.

Price: In denominations of $25, $50, $100, and $200

Available for purchase online at https://www232.americanexpress.com

• Red Cross Holiday Giving

Blankets, phone cards for military personnel, lifesaving vaccinations for overseas children and cleanup kits for victims of hurricane and flood victims.

Price range: $18 to $2,000

For more information, log on to the agency’s Holiday Catalog: http://bit.ly/Redcrossgifts.

• To Write Love on Her Arms clothing items, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, bracelets, necklaces and tote bags

Help raise awareness about people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

Price range: $5 to $30

Available at www.TWLOHA.com or in Hot Topic and Zumiez stores nationwide.

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's seventh annual Thanks and Giving campaign, which asks consumers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life and give to those who are not."

Products include fashion apparel, accessories, children’s toys, home décor, and fun holiday treats from Lucky Brand, DKNY, Liz Claiborne, Crocs, etc.

Price range: $20 and under

• Homemade desserts, coffee drinks, sandwiches, soup and salads

25 percent will go toward pet rescue organizations

Price range: $1 to$35

Available: Sophie’s Uptown at 54 Pharr Road in Atlanta; open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

For more information, visit www.sophiesuptown.com or call 404-812-0477.

• Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" "There's a Wocket in my Pocket," "Oh Say Can You Say?" and "Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose," with coordinating plush toys; and "The Great Cookie Swap Cookbook" and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD featuring holiday songs.

Kohl’s will donate 100 percent of the net profit to children’s health and education organizations nationwide

Price: $5 each

Available at Kohl’s through December