What is the perfect gift? Perhaps one that is affordable for the giver while matching the likes and needs of the recipient. For some, selecting holiday gifts is an excuse to get out and meander through the mall and sort through sales. For others, it�s a seasonal chore � an obligatory task that is usually put off until the very last harried minute. But there�s no need to resort to gift cards for an easy out. Why not up the ante this holiday season and make an online purchase that is not only convenient and easy, but also combines the good feelings of gift-giving and charitable giving? Here are some great ways to shop for a good cause online this holiday season.

 www.giftback.com

At Giftback.com, you can shop for the perfect gift to express any sentiment. But the best part is that 10 percent of every purchase goes to a charity of your choice. When you find that perfect gift, select a charity from a list of hundreds of great causes. Then add the item to your shopping cart. It�s as easy as that. Giftback.com prides itself on having a wide range of items for every gift-giving occasion. Unique gift options include everything from a bike chain picture frame to exquisite scarves that are hand-knitted by a family in Bolivia using all natural alpaca wool and no chemicals or dyes.

 www.etsy.com/shop/BlanketsByJulee

If you�ve got a relatively new mom in your life, shopping at BlanketsBy Julee (an Etsy.com shop) is a great way to not only whittle away at your gift-giving list, but also to contribute to a worthy cause. Every penny of the purchase price from the sale of these baby blankets is donated to two organizations: �Feed My Starving Children,� an organization that feeds hungry people around the world; and �Cure,� an organization that provides medical care to children around the world. As an added bonus, the lady who runs the shop is open to custom orders. If you don't see a blanket in the colors you want, contact her to special order colors of your own.

 www.aspcaonlinestore.com

Want to support the important work of the ASPCA this holiday season? Check out all the items for sale in the ASPCA online store. This would be the perfect gift for the pet-lover in your life. They get a gift that they love, and both giver and recipient know that part of the money goes to support the ASPCA, which works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide. Show the world you�re a proud advocate for animals by purchasing a T-shirt, a necklace, hat or bag for someone this holiday.

 www.giftshop.stjude.org

Here you�ll find one-of-a-kind gifts and products designed with one thing in mind � to help St. Jude Children�s Research Hospital continue leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. You can wear your support by purchasing stylish T-shirts and clothing apparel that help spread the invaluable word about St. Jude. Because St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save more children. According to the website, �Thanks to the public�s generous support, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food ― because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.� Help make that happen by shopping at the St. Jude online gift shop, the official provider of branded merchandise for St. Jude Children�s Research Hospital. Shop to your heart�s content knowing that every purchase you make helps St. Jude.

 www.givingworks.ebay.com

If you�re an online auction junkie, then there is a place for you, too. You can shop (or sell) for good by buying or selling at eBay�s Giving Works. Sellers can choose to donate a portion of their sales to charities that have been screened by PayPal Giving Fund, eBay�s nonprofit partner � all the while giving nonprofits an opportunity to connect with new supporters.

 www.smile.amazon.com

If you�re a heavy user of Amazon don�t miss the opportunity to give back at its cause-related site, AmazonSmile. Amazon donates 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. It�s not a huge percentage, but if you�re going to be shopping on Amazon.com anyway, why not benefit a charitable organization? AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know and love. Same products, same prices, same service � but with the added bonus of being able to support your favorite charitable organization or a cause close to your heart.