Fieldnotes: Blogging on UNICEF's child survival work in the field

Yes, the holidays are pretty much here.

And that means cards to write, meals to make, traffic to navigate—and gifts to give. But does your niece really need another doll? And doesn’t your bookworm friend get all his reading material at the local library anyway? How about giving a gift that really matters--a gift that can help save a child's life.

UNICEF USA has launched a new online store called Inspired Gifts.These are lifesaving items that you purchase in your own or in someone else’s name that will go directly to children in need in one of the 150+ countries where UNICEF works. They range from vaccines, to protein biscuits, to recreation kits. So now you can show your niece the true meaning of the holiday season, give your friend the gift of making a difference, and, best of all, give a child the gift of life.

We’ll be highlighting all of the Inspired Gifts and other special shopping opportunities on this blog throughout the holdiday season. To get you started, how about 2 insecticide-treated mosquito nets for $15?

In Africa, a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. A mosquito net can lower the rate of infection by 50 percent. Just $15 buys two repellant-treated mosquito nets that can save a child’s life. That's pretty simple math.