Joy to the world

 

If you’re dreading the shopping orgy of the holidays, don’t go Grinch. Check out some of the ingenious ways developed by East Bay businesses and nonprofits to give a gift that, as they say, keeps on giving. You, the person receiving the gift, and the whole wide world will feel the love.

250 Cost in dollars of sponsoring an African elephant at the Oakland Zoo. More than 200 animals, including tigers, gibbons, and meerkats, are partially supported by sponsorships.

34.95 Cost in dollars for a silk purse handcrafted by Cambodian land mine victims and available for sale from Emeryville-based Worldofgood.com.

250 Number of U.S. science and technology museums that offer free admission to anyone with a $100 membership to Walnut Creek’s Lindsay Wildlife Museum.

50 Approximate number of ceramic artists expected to sell their pottery at this year’s Clay Arts Guild holiday sale at Walnut Creek’s Civic Park, December 6–9. The artists donate 25 percent of their sales back to the 43-year-old guild, which runs an open studio and offers master classes.

20,000 Cost in dollars to sponsor a 10-acre grove in Chaparral Spring through Save Mount Diablo.  A range of other options include a single tree for $250.