What gift could be invested into that might benefit others?

I sew items for the disabled and bed-bound like duvet covers made from sheets to cover their comforters for easy washing. Flannel sheets from the thrift store are a big hit. I usally make them 2 tone, darker sheet on bottom and lighter on top. Then the leftover fitted sheet can be given with the comforter, or turned into various size pillow cases.

I also make bed buddies in various sizes for pain relief. You make a cloth square or rectangle, fill with flax seeds or rice, sew shut. Then heat them in microwave for a minute or 2, and put on the sore limb/joint (test first on your wrist for temp). You can also add some aroma therapy to them by adding rosemary or lavendar to the bag with the filling. Patients who really like these are Fibromyalgia or arthritis sufferers.

Are you wanting to invest money or time or both? If you want to invest money, I recommend you do some research in your immediate area and find out what needs there are which could serve more with more money. Consider agencies helping the underemployed, seniors on a fixed income, veterans, single parent families or the homeless. If you have time to volunteer, why not start a group in your community who choose a day of the year to do home clean up and repairs for low income folks who simply can't afford the expense of hiring someone. Often a call to contractors and other locally owned businesses can get you both materials and volunteers. Good luck! I know of nothing that feels better than helping others!

Knitting or crocheting hats, mittens, scarves or socks for handing out to people left homeless due to fire or flooding or a weather emergency. Baby blankets, booties, and knit caps for newborns leaving the hospital with financially strapped parents. Knit shawls or lap blankets for homebound seniors. Homemade cookies, candy, snacks, toiletries and small gifts for our American soldiers far away from home. There could be specifically planned gifts for Veterans. There are ways to serve the needs of homeless shelters in small but significant ways. Planned gifts to animal shelters of needed items like collars, carriers and blankets/towels. maybe one of these ideas can give you inspiration? Good luck to you! You have a good heart!

nothing is more valuable than time. Consider visiting an elderly person that lives in your neighborhood.

My husband and I both ask for "a toilet or a goat" for Christmas and birthdays. What we are really saying is please donate, in our name, to one of the multitude of charities that help people around the world. We don't need ties, socks or even books, but other people desperately need clean water, a start for farming, equipment for schools etc. Oxfam, Save the Children, UNICEF are some of many great organizations that come to mind.