How Real Gifts Work
Real Gifts from SCIAF are meaningful, ethical alternatives to traditional presents. Instead of buying something that might gather dust, choose a life-changing gift – like chickens, water filters, school essentials, or an emergency food package – that directly supports the most vulnerable people around the world, as they lift themselves out of poverty.
Visit Real Gifts Store
Does the recipient actually get a gift?
The physical gift – whether goats, warm blankets, or water filters – goes to a family in need overseas. Your loved one receives a beautiful card telling the story of our work and how your gift is making an impact. More meaningful than a conventional present, Real Gifts bring joy to your loved ones, and provide real support to people who need it the most.
Who receives these gifts?
Real Gifts go to people in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, including:
- Families living in poverty
- Children without access to education
- Communities affected by disasters or conflict
- People in areas with limited access to food, water or healthcare
SCIAF partners with trusted local organisations to ensure every gift reaches the right people safely and effectively.
How do I buy a gift?
1. Choose your gift
Browse our range of gifts and select something that resonates with you or your loved one. From farming to emergency relief, you can choose exactly where you want your impact to be felt.
2. Select your card type
Choose how you want to receive the card
- Physical card: We post the physical card to you so you can handwrite a note to post, or give to your loved one in person
- Digital download: Download a virtual copy of the card which you can print at home or send as a PDF
- E-card: Instant digital version of the card which you can personalise with a message before it is sent to your loved one
3. Your gift goes to those most in need
Every Real Gift belongs to a pot which supports specific areas of our work, and makes a real difference.
- Farming gifts help people access more food and earn a sustainable income.
- Education gifts go to providing children, young people and adults access to school, higher education and skills training that set them up for a bright future.
- Water gifts ensure communities have access to clean safe water near their homes.
- Emergency gifts provide basic essentials during people’s darkest hours.
How do you make sure real people receive Real Gifts?
SCIAF works with local partner organisations that understand the needs of the communities we support. Every gift is:
- Delivered directly to families or communities. We actively serve the most vulnerable people, those forced to the fringes of society and deprived of opportunity.
- Monitored for impact. We regularly report on the impact of our work, so you know your gift is making a real difference.
- Part of a sustainable programme that brings long term solutions to communities
Is this different from a normal donation?
Yes. While a regular donation supports the vital work of the charity more broadly, a Real Gift allows you to target specific areas of need. You can direct your gift to our work in emergency relief, livelihoods, education or water projects.
Can I add Gift Aid?
Yes! If you are a UK taxpayer, choosing to add Gift Aid enables us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give, at no extra cost to you. This makes your Real Gift go even further.
See the impact that the Real Gift of Chickens. It's a small gift with massive impact.
Shop our range of Real Gifts on our online store.
Download a selection of Real Gifts resources for your kids.