Giving Tuesday: How You Can Celebrate It This Year
December 1, 2025
As the holiday season kicks off, many of us are focused on gift lists, travel plans, and year-end celebrations. But tucked right after the biggest shopping days of the year is a moment designed to shift our attention from purchasing to purpose: Giving Tuesday.
More than just a hashtag, Giving Tuesday has become a global movement that encourages generosity in all its forms—time, money, kindness, and community support. Whether you’re passionate about animal welfare, education, the environment, or simply helping your neighbors, it’s a meaningful opportunity to make an impact.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When Is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday always falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States.
Because it follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it serves as a refreshing reset—a reminder that the holidays are about more than deals and discounts.
Upcoming Giving Tuesday dates:
● 2025: December 2
● 2026: December 1
● 2027: November 30
What Is Giving Tuesday?
Founded in 2012, Giving Tuesday began as a simple idea: dedicate one day to inspiring people to do good. It quickly grew into a global philanthropic movement spanning over 90 countries.
At its core, Giving Tuesday is about generosity—supporting causes you care about, strengthening your community, and encouraging positive action. There’s no “right” way to participate. Any act of giving counts.
People celebrate by:
● Donating to nonprofit organizations
● Volunteering their time
● Supporting local small businesses
● Performing random acts of kindness
● Advocating for issues that matter to them
The movement’s power comes from its simplicity: everyone has something to give, and every act of generosity makes a difference.
How to Celebrate Giving Tuesday
You don’t need a big budget or a complicated plan—just intention. Here are some meaningful ways to participate:
1. Support a Cause You Care About
A financial donation, no matter the size, can fuel important work. Choose a nonprofit that aligns with your values—animal shelters, food banks, environmental groups, youth programs, or any organization improving your community.
Tip: If you already support a nonprofit, Giving Tuesday is a great time to set up a recurring monthly gift.
2. Volunteer Your Time
If giving financially isn’t possible, your time is just as valuable. Many organizations need extra hands during the holidays—from sorting donations to walking dogs to delivering meals.
Look for:
● Local shelters
● Community kitchens
● Hospitals or senior centers
● Animal rescue organizations
● Schools or libraries
3. Give Through Acts of Kindness
Generosity doesn’t have to be formal. Simple actions still count:
● Pay for someone’s coffee
● Write a note of gratitude
● Offer to help a neighbor
● Leave an unusually thoughtful tip
Small kindnesses often create a ripple effect.
4. Spread the Word
Use your social media channels to highlight causes or nonprofits you love. Many organizations rely on awareness just as much as donations.
You can:
● Share a link to their website
● Post why the cause matters to you
● Create a Giving Tuesday challenge with friends or coworkers
5. Involve Your Family
Giving Tuesday is also an opportunity to teach kids about generosity.
Consider:
● Letting each child pick a charity
● Donating toys or clothes together
● Making holiday cards for those in need
It’s a wonderful way to reinforce gratitude during the holiday season.
6. Support Local Businesses and Creators
Giving back can also mean helping your community thrive. Buying from small businesses, local artisans, or neighborhood restaurants keeps dollars circulating locally and helps your community flourish.
A Day to Give—and a Season to Grow
Giving Tuesday is a reminder that generosity doesn’t have to be confined to one day. It can be the starting point for deeper engagement with causes that matter to you all year long.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, advocate, or simply spread kindness, your participation helps strengthen the world around you. In a season filled with celebrations and traditions, Giving Tuesday invites us to make gratitude actionable.
Sources:
https://www.givingtuesday.org/
Disclosure:
This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.
These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.