A Calculated Gift Guide: Make a Difference with 10 Presents Under $50

I had so much fun putting together this list of ten great gift ideas that support amazing causes around the world.  Spoiler alert: if you're on my Christmas list, you're probably getting one of these (hi, Mom)!

Ever since my first graders voted last year to name our class the cheetahs, I've been keeping up with conservation efforts to save the marvelous cats.  You can help cheetahs by sponsoring a livestock guarding dog in the name of someone on your list.  The Cheetah Conservation Fund's unique project raises and trains Anatolian shepherds to protect local farmers' herds, thus reducing the number of cheetahs that are killed by farmers to save their livestock.  Donations start at $10, and you can download a personalized sponsorship certificate and a picture of one of the dogs.