There’s a scene in the movie version of "The Sound of Music" when Sister Maria (Julie Andrews) led the Von Trapp kids in singing "These Are a Few of My Favorite Things." There were no iPods or Wii’s to chase away their fright that stormy night. Instead, they dreamed of snowflakes on their eyelashes, and warm woolen mittens.

That song expresses the conviction that happiness is to be found in the simplest things, and more joy comes from giving than getting. It is a good thing to remember as we find ourselves speeding full-throttle through the season of gift-giving. What do you give someone that shows true thoughtfulness and leaves both giver and receiver with a feeling of Christmas cheer? What can you give that will make the receiver want to give the same gift to someone else next year?

The answer lies in giving a gift that expresses true charity where charity is needed, but in honor of someone else. There is an array of charitable organizations that can benefit from your generosity. Most can receive donations online, so you get all your shopping done without leaving the house. They usually notify the "recipient" that a gift has been made in their honor, or they send you a card that you can fill out and send to them yourself. As an added little bow on top, you get a deduction on your income tax return (make sure the organization has 501(c)3 status).

It is especially meaningful when you give a gift to a charity that is important to the person you want to honor. For example, I sometimes donate to a summer camp in Mississippi for children with diabetes, because my brother-in-law (a physician) spends his vacation there as a volunteer. My brother-in-law doesn’t need another set of golf balls, but he loves to get that little card in the mail.

There is a worthy cause for everyone on your shopping list. Here are a few of my favorites: