Just a thought... but when you're donating to a charity as a gift for someone, maybe consider it's a charity they actually support - philosophically or otherwise? I remember getting a card that X dollars was donated to a charity in my name, that 1) I never heard of and 2) once I learned about them, didn't like their politics. My thought, uncharitable that it was, was gee thanks. I'd prefer donating to someone else, and you still get the tax write off.

And yes, I wrote my share of year end checks. To those of you who support Habitat for Humanity - there are many folks in the still storm-ravinged Gulf Coast who really appreciate your generosity! And to the churches that are still sending construction crews, THANK YOU!