All I want for Xmas ...is a bag of manure

From the first goat sales about five years ago, creative NGO fundraisers have expanded a range of animal and farm-related "gifts" for sale online to benefit developing countries.

The approach has its detractors and not all NGOs have joined the trend. IRC, which is promoting its gift catalogue this week, for example, offers no living creatures, sticking to school supplies and mosquito nets.

Nonetheless, as the Christmas fund-raising season picks up, IRIN has rounded up a few options just to give a whiff of the livestock-related fundraising available. If you have found more "funusual" (or outrageous) charity gift ideas, drop us a line at feedback and we'll make a list.

Important: Inclusion in the list below does not imply endorsement by IRIN, nor should exclusion be interpreted as significant. Buyer beware and always read the fine print. The NGOs may not literally spend the funds on the purchase of an individual animal. 

Manure: (Oxfam Australia, from AUS$15) - (promotional video here)

Sheep: (Save the Children, $30)

Goat: (ADRA, $70)

Pig: (World Vision Spain, EUR60)

Alpaca: (Practical Action, £50)

Llama: (Project Concern, $100)

Cow: (Send a Cow, £125)

Camel: (£230, Muslim Hands)

And finally:

Fermented cow's urine: (Farm Africa, £20)

28 Farm Animals (2 sheep, 2 cows, 2 goats, 2 pigs and 20 chickens): ($2,000, World Vision)

bp/mw