Traditional gift guides tell you exactly which products to buy and why. Our Giving Guide is a little different. In this guide, you will find tips for ensuring your year-end donation makes the most impact for both you and the charity of your choosing (like Pinky Swear Foundation).

Here are 5 tips for making the most out of your holiday gift

1. Keep an eye out for gift matching opportunities.
   Lots of organizations have lined up matching gift opportunities for the months of November and December. This means your gift is doubled or even tripled! Keep an eye on your inbox for gift matching opportunities or seek out websites of the organizations you are considering to ensure your gift makes an even bigger impact. (Hint: Pinky Swear Foundation will have matching gift opportunities throughout December to help your donation go even further for kids with cancer and their families! 💙)
   
   Some important dates to remember:
   November 13 – World Kindness Day
   November 19 – Give to the Max Day in Minnesota
   December 1 – Giving Tuesday 

2. Check if your employer matches employee gifts
   Many companies will match some or all of an employee’s donation to organizations like Pinky Swear Foundation. This is an easy way to increase your impact! Processes vary by company, so we recommend checking with your employer. You can also use our matching gift tool to get started.
   

3. Reach out to your tax advisor about how to maximize your deductions for 2026 through a gift to the nonprofit of your choice!
   Donations made to registered charities could qualify for tax deductions for the year you made the gift. Make sure you check with an advisor before the end of the year to get maximum tax benefits from your gift! 
    
4. Make a gift in honor or memory of someone you love.
   When you reflect on 2026, was there someone special to you that you would like to honor? Was there someone you love who passed away and whose legacy reflects generosity?
   
   Making a tribute gift is an amazing way to honor someone. If you make a tribute gift to an organization like Pinky Swear, we provide a way to send an email to another loved one notifying them of your gift in their honor or memory, if you would like! 
   
   
5. Would you rather volunteer your time than donate?
   Many organizations have increased need during the holidays. At Pinky Swear, there is always a need for more Letters of Encouragement to bring a smile to kids with cancer. It might even be a great post-Thanksgiving dinner activity for your littles!
   
   
   
   
6. Consider a DAF gift. 

   A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is essentially a charitable investment account, giving you the flexibility to recommend the amount and frequency of funds granted to meaningful charities like Pinky Swear Foundation – and allowing your money to grow tax-free.
   
   When you give through a DAF, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction at the time you contribute to the account. 

We know the end of the year is a crazy time full of holidays, family time, and wrapping up work projects. We hope this inspires you to consider giving back in whichever way feels best for you at this time. 

How else are you giving back during the holidays? We would love to hear from you in the comments!