This Christmas, give a gift that goes far beyond wrapping paper and ribbons.
With Self Help Africa’s Lifetime Gifts, you can choose ethical, alternative Christmas presents that change lives by helping families across Africa grow food, earn an income, and build a brighter, more secure future.
Instead of another candle or jumper, why not give bees, seeds, a flock of chicks or clean water – gifts that last a lifetime?
Alternative, Ethical, and Sustainable Gifts
“We learned how to manage the beehives, got business training and learned how to market our honey. This income pays for food and school fees for our children.”
– Adidja, Malawi, 2025
Every Lifetime Gift is designed to make a real, lasting difference helping families grow food, nourish their children, and thrive.
In Ethiopia, Beyene received improved maize seed, leading to a much stronger yield at harvest time. The benefits go beyond the income however, as the enriched maize is a source of vital nutritious food for his young children.
Why Choose A Lifetime Gift This Christmas?
A Lifetime Gift is practical, sustainable, and life-changing – a meaningful way to keep the true spirit of Christmas alive.
- A Thoughtful Gift that Gives Back: When you purchase a Lifetime Gift, you’re not just giving a present—you’re helping a family in rural Africa on their journey out of hunger and poverty.
- Sustainable & Clutter-Free: You can select an eCard rather than a physical gift, making it a sustainable and clutter-free option (no more novelty socks!).
- No Last-Minute Panic: Shop online anytime—even on Christmas Day! Our eCards make it easy to give a meaningful gift, no matter how close it is to the holidays.
- A Gift That Truly Keeps Giving: Your support will improve lives for generations, creating a lasting impact for families who need it most.
Whether you buy a beehive for a woman like Adidja in Malawi, or seed for a father like Beyene in Ethiopia, your Christmas gift gives the most meaningful thing of all – hope.
A Beehive
A gift of bees helps families produce honey and wax to sell, while protecting vital biodiversity; and will help provide a farmer with a hive, equipment, and training in beekeeping.
Goats
A pair of breeding goats can provide milk, fertiliser, and a sustainable income — with the first kids passed on to another family, multiplying the impact.
Sack Garden
High-quality seeds and training in climate-smart farming help farmers grow nutritious crops — feeding families and strengthening communities.
Family Health Kit
Essential hygiene items including soap, menstrual products, and a jerry can for clean water. Promotes health and dignity for women and children.
How It Works
- Choose Your Gift – Pick from our full range of gifts in our online shop
- Personalise It – Send an eCard or printed card to a loved one.
- Change a Life – Your gift supports communities to grow food, earn income and build resilience.
This Christmas, join thousands of people across Ireland choosing to give differently this year. From a simple packet of seeds to an irrigation kit, from tree saplings to sweet potatoes, with every Lifetime Gift you are helping to create a world where families no longer go hungry.