I completely feel the same way – and I feel that gift giving needs to become more socially responsible.

A few months ago I was at a wedding where the bride and groom – gave the guests a unique thank you card – it was a way to donate ( their money ) to any charity of the guests choice via an Organization called “Charity Choice” I loved this idea so much – this is the holiday gift of my choice – basically for whatever sum you choose they will print out cards ( any kind ) with whatever amount chosen – that you can hand out to people and let them decide where the money goes.
I brought it up where I work – hat this was a great way for my company to give gifts – use them as stocking stuffers – and they can even choose business cards ( great way to remember someone – when they give you an amount to donate to the cause of your choosing)

Anyhow – you should look into it –

their website is http://www.charitygiftcertificates.org/

Elisa