5 Bangkok Christmas gifts that give something back

In addition to the usual highly coveted Christmas gifts like iPads, Louis Vuitton purses or DSLR cameras, show that special someone you care by giving them a gift that also helps out a good cause. 

For the chef in your life: Cooking with Poo

Earlier this year, the founder of Bangkok’s popular Helping Hands Thai Cooking School in Klong Toey launched an English-language cookbook called “Cooking with Poo."

Don’t get the wrong idea. “Poo” is the nickname of Saiyuud Diwong and is the Thai word for “crab.”

The book includes 100 pages of her famous recipes, pictures and stories about the Klong Toey community.

Proceeds from the book will assist the area’s Helping Hands team, which fights to alleviate poverty in Klong Toey. Price: 630 baht plus delivery.  Click here to order. 

More on CNNGo: Bangkok's hottest travel trend, Cooking with Poo

For the neat freak in your life: Hang on Hangers

Another organization that helps the people of Klong Toey, Hang On Hangers was set up by a Swedish expat to generate some much-needed income for women living in the slum. 

The women take regular wire hangers and cover them with high quality fabrics. They don't just look nice, but they keep clothing from slipping off the hangers too. 

A set of three hangers costs 450 baht, plus shipping. To order, email Hang On Hangers at hangonhanger@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

More on CNNGo: Hanging on for better times in Bangkok's Klong Toey slum

For the kids in your life: Santa Elephants

Those adorable "Santa Elephants" are back for their third Christmas to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Thailand.

This year, all proceeds from Bangkok hotel Grand Millennium Sukhumvit's Santa Elephant Charity will help construct new homes for Thailand flood victims. 

The cute little Santa plush dolls are 300 baht each or 500 baht for a pair. They're on sale at Grand Millennium's FlourWorx restaurant or the reception desk in the lobby. 

Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, 30 Sukhumvit 21 (Asok). BTS: Asok. +66 (0)2 204 4000 

For the fashionista in your life: NightLight jewelry

NightLight is a Bangkok-based Christian organization that aims to fight human trafficking and prostitution.

As part of its efforts to empower exploited women, the group has set up a jewelry design company; its female employees make beautiful pieces from silver, semi-precious stones, pearls and decorative beads.

Those involved also work as managers and designers, learn business skills and receive medical benefits, a savings plan and annual salary increases based on performance, giving them an alternative means to support themselves and their families. 

To order at their online shop or for more information, visit www.nightlightinternational.com.

For the writer in your life: Doi Tung notebooks 

The Doi Tung Development Project was set up back in 1988 to help citizens in Thailand's northern Chiang Rai province -- once the region's main hub of opium production --become more economically self-reliant by giving them an alternative means to support themselves.  

Today the group offers a wide range of high quality products, from fashions made with northern Thailand textiles to locally grown coffee and macadamia nuts.  

There are also these cool little notebooks, made with mulberry paper and fine textiles by Chiang Rai artisans. Prices range from 150-300 baht per book. 

Doi Tung has shops all over Thailand. Click here for the full list of venues or visit their online shop.