Give, with care

The economy's sputtering, but the holidays - with their attendant buying and decorating and celebrating - approach nonetheless. Since you'll probably be doing some gift buying this season, why not make purchases that will do some good for someone else? We offer up a few options here, just to get you thinking. But remember, you don't have to spend money to make a difference. If you can donate a bit of time to help an organization or those in need, that's the most valuable gift of all.

Inn the cards

It might be difficult to decide among the lovely holiday card designs - Commonwealth Avenue, Copley Square, and Harvard University - but it's easy to support the Pine Street Inn's programs. Order cards online or by phone (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) by Dec. 15 (Dec. 8 for custom orders). $15 for a box of 10 cards and envelopes. 617-892-9178. www.pinestreetinn.org

Double duty

You can support cancer research and care - and brag about your favorite team - when you buy sports-themed ornaments, holiday cards, and Aunt Sadie's candles at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. There are also some great, colorful ties designed by pediatric cancer patients. Purchase online or in the Longwood location's lobby (10 a.m.-2 p.m. through Dec. 23 at 44 Binney St., Boston. 617-582-7724). Each item $20. www.jimmyfund.org/holidaygreetings

Be a museum piece

Financially, everybody could use a boost right now, including the area's panoply of museums. The Museum of Fine Arts, for example, relies on members for 25 percent of its annual operating budget. The new Institute of Contemporary Art, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Science, and dozens of other institutions - they rely on membership support as well. So you can buy your mom the same boring sweater, or you can get her a museum membership that will keep her connected to the pulse of the city. Isn't the answer obvious? www.mfa.org; www.icaboston.org; www.mos.org; www.bostonkids.org

Paws and consider

This new Pawsh Dog Boutique is up to its floppy ears in squeaking snowmen, rattling dreidels, blinking reindeer antlers, and doggie Santa hats. And through Dec. 31, when you buy any of these holiday-themed items or gift cards, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Pawsh, 31 Gloucester St., Boston. 617-297-2045. www.pawshboston.com

Road warriors

Giving is a year-round project at Portobello Road, a Newton shop that donates a portion of its sales to a variety of organizations and charities including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, HIV research, women's cooperatives in Kenya and Brazil, and yogaHOPE. Stop by and check out the jewelry, clothing, bags, bowls, and knitting kits. Portobello Road, 47 Boylston St., Newton. 617-264-2020.

Don't flake out

Shopping for a few luxuries? You can still find gifts that give back amid the big-ticket items. Saks Fifth Avenue has debuted a heartwarming children's book called "A Flake Like Mike." Written by Mike Reiss, Emmy-winning scribe for "The Simpsons," and illustrated by Chris Capuozzo, the book teaches young readers about diversity and identity. For every book sold, Saks will make a donation to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. $16.99. Saks Fifth Avenue, Prudential Mall, Boston. www.saks.com

Go (Red)

Goodness knows we've got scads of domestic issues to tackle, but that doesn't mean those overseas are any less needy. So if you're planning to buy products from the Gap, Apple, Hallmark, even Massachusetts's own Converse this holiday season, be sure to buy (Red). These companies, and others, donate some of the profits from their "Red" lines to the Global Fund to invest in African AIDS programs. For more information, visit www.joinred.com

All about survival

If you want to know more about an item at the upcoming Cultural Survival Bazaar, some of the international crafters will be on hand to fill you in. Proceeds benefit community-improvement projects including literacy, land conservation, and economic development. Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston. Dec. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Harvard University, 1730 Cambridge St., Cambridge. www.cs.org

Just do it

For some of us, the holidays mean gourmet grazing, weight gain, and the inevitable New Year's resolution to slim down.

If shopping for workout-wear is in your future, visit the Nike store and its Live- strong line, which includes apparel and shoes for everyone in the family. One hundred percent of Nike's profits are donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and

survivorship programs. 200 Newbury St., www.nike.com

Your Coach awaits

The Coach Cares project supports the philanthropic causes of purse-toting celebs, such as Jessica Alba's Youth Mentoring Connection, Halle Berry's Jenesse Center, Rebecca Romijn's spcaLA, and Eva Longoria's Eva's Heroes. Through Dec. 31, Coach will donate a percentage of sales from Alba's favorite, the Julianne tote, Romijn's choice of the Patent Sabrina, and others. www.coach.com