<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Earlier this month, an online survey\\\\* of 2,059 adults found that the top three \\\"feel-good activities\\\" were \\\"being in love\\\", \\\"hugging their children,\\\" and my personal favorite--the one that everyone can literally do right now--\\\"donating to others in need.\\\"\\n\\n+++inset-image-left\\n\\n[#image: /photos/57d8d00d50778cef321a6263]||||||\\n\\n+++\\n\\nAnd that's where [\\\\#GivingTuesday](https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GivingTuesday&amp;src=hash) comes in--a campaign to mark today, the day after self-absorbing, debt-inducing Cyber Monday, as a reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season. You know...actually *giving*, instead of just spending, right? Today, we're inspired to give our money, [our time](/health/2011/08/give-back-slideshow), or our services to individuals in need or organizations dedicated to helping others. Any charitable donation or any act of kindness will do, of course--but here's a few ideas to get you started.\\n\\n__1. DONATE TO SANDY RELIEF:__ Nearly a month later, people in the hardest-hit areas of the Northeast are still without power or heat; others are without *homes*. Funds and volunteers are still needed, and [here's how you can help](/health/blogs/healthyself/2012/11/6-ways-to-help-sandy-relief).\\n\\n__2. STOCK UP ON GAP GIFT CARDS:__ Okay, this one *does* involve buying stuff, but it doesn't have to be for yourself--how about holiday gifts for all those hard-to-please nieces, nephews and random extras? Gap, Inc. [will donate 2% of gift cards](http://www.gap.com/browse/info.do?cid=87715) purchased this season to the nonprofits CARE or Communities in Schools.\\n\\n__3. PLEDGE TO FINISH THE YEAR STRONG:__ Gap's sister brand, Athleta (which we are totes obsessed with for their adorable workout gear) is in on the charitable giving, as well. Visit the brand's Facebook page and answer this simple (yet inspiring) question: [How will you finish strong in 2012?](https://www.facebook.com/Athleta/app_317388671702586) Let 'em know, and Athleta will donate one dollar per post to their nonprofit partner Girls on the Run.\\n\\n__4. PIN SOME SONY STUFF:__ Preoccupied with [Pinterest](http://www.pinterest.com/selfmagazine)? Put your virtual window shopping to good use: For every re-pin it gets between now and the end of the year, [Sony](http://pinterest.com/sonyelectronics/) will donate $1 (up to $25,000 total) to the Michael Phelps Foundation for the Boys &amp; Girls Club of America.\\n\\n__5. TWEET IT OUT:__ We want to know what you're doing to celebrate--and so does one of our fave footware brands, Aldo. For every tweet tagged with [@Aldo\\\\_shoes](http://twitter.com/aldo_shoes) and [\\\\#GivingTuesday](https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GivingTuesday&amp;src=hash), the company will donate $5 toward the American Red Cross. While you're at it, [retweet this #GivingTuesday tweet](https://twitter.com/Honest/status/273456462183940096) from [our former cover girl Jessica Alba's brand](/healthystars/2012/09/jessica-alba-safer-home-slideshow), The Honest Company, and the org will donate a package of diapers to the nonprofit Baby2Baby.\\n\\nIt couldn't be simpler to take part--and hopefully today is just the beginning of a long and rewarding tradition for everyone involved. How will you give today?\\n\\n **\\\\*Survey results were collected by Harris Interactive on behalf of [Razoo.com](http://razoo.com). Use Razoo to contribute safely to a charity of your choice, or to start your own online fundraiser.**MORE FROM SELF.COM: - [12 Ways to Volunteer--and Give Back to Yourself](/health/2011/08/give-back-slideshow)\\n- [Best and Worst Women's Cancer Charities](/health/2012/10/cancer-charities-rankings-slideshow)\\n- [Give Yourself a New Goal for 2013](/jumpstart)\\n \\n --  \\n  \\nFor daily health and wellness tips follow *SELF* on [Facebook](http://www.twitter.com/selfmagazine) and [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/selfmagazine).\\n\\nGet *SELF* on your [iPad](http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id421088847) and [KindleFire](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0063M1C6U)!"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.self.com/story/forget-cyber-monday-its-all-about-giving-tuesday-charity>