One of the Aunties is doing this for all the kids this yr. It is such a cool idea. If you are veggie and concerned your gift might get eaten (eventually - most are starters for breeding and milk or eggs), you could do the bees or trees.

http://www.heifer.org/

They also help convert tobacco farmers to other kinds of farming.

I bought a few flocks of chicks for gifts this year. It's only $20 and can truly change a family's life! I love Heifer International! I also buy gifts from Episcopal Relief and Development (http://www.er-d.org/) . In addition to food-producing items, you can buy things for health care, small business support, hurricane rebuilding, etc. Both are great organizations!