Two people smile in Rwanda

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I order a Concern Gift?

It’s super easy. Start off by exploring our online shop here and have a think about what presents will put a big grin on your loved one’s face. For example if you’ve got a buddy who's crazy about all things cute, fluffy or feathery, why not surprise them with a goat or duck? Just add it to your basket, select your delivery method and we’ll sort out the rest. Or if you would prefer to chat it through, you can give us a call at 0818 458 400 and we’ll sort you out.

2. What do I get with a Concern Gift?

Every gift comes with a beautiful card that’s bursting with joy! It shows the incredible impact your gift is making overseas and shares the story of how you’re helping to change lives together. There’s even a special space for you to add your own heartfelt message, making it a truly personal and meaningful surprise.

3. How long will it take to receive my gift cards?

It all depends on what way you'd like your gift card!

  • If you have picked to get the lovely gift cards posted to you, these will be at your home within 3 – 7 working days.
  • Or, if you want to make someone's day right now, you can zap over an e-card instantly. You can even set it to arrive later if you're a plan-ahead kind of person.
  • Prefer to DIY? We'll email you a print-at-home gift card, pronto!
  • And if you need a physical gift card now, we’ve got you covered. Swing by our Camden Street home base (we're here 9am-5pm) and we'll hand you the card ourselves.

4. Do you post gift cards internationally?

While we love all our donors around the world, we can only post within Ireland and the UK. This is to keep those pesky postage fees low and make sure more of your generous donations get to the families who need it most! But don’t fret— you can still spread the love with e-gift cards or print-at-home versions of the gifts and it’s the same snazzy style as our postal gift cards.

5. What is Concern’s Santa Letter?

Concern's Alf (the avocado elf) and Santa are teaming up to share the joy of the holiday season! For a €15 donation, your child can receive their own personalised letter from Santa's workshop, with the proceeds helping to support vulnerable children worldwide. With three personalisation options to make this super unique to your child, and a festive activity sheet on the reverse it is sure to make magical memories. Create your letter on our website today.

6. What is the Fun Pack you can buy with the Santa Letter? 

When you buy a Santa Letter, you can add our brand new Fun Pack for an extra €10. This includes a gorgeous Nice List certificate that will be personalised with your child’s name, a festive colouring page, and a sheet of fun stickers. More joy for children at home and more magic for children overseas.

7. If I buy a goat, will a family definitely get a goat?

In most cases, absolutely! The cost of your gifts will go into the Livelihoods Programme and a family could get a goat. However, sometimes a family needs a cow more than they need a goat. In that case, we'd put your money towards providing one of those instead. Whatever you choose, we promise your money will go into the relevant programme. No goat or cow left behind!

8. How do I know the animals will be well cared for?

First off, we would never ship animals from Ireland. Can you imagine the shock to one of our poor cows if they saw some real sun? Instead we source animals who are local to their new families so they’re well used to the environment and don’t come to any harm on their adventures to their new family. We also make sure that animals only go to homes where they’ll have food, water and access to veterinary care if they need it. No need to fear, only the best for our furry and feathered friends.

We even train Community Animal Health Workers to increase the level of care they’ll get. This year you can also buy an Animal Check Up to help cover the cost of their next check up.

9. What if I am having trouble picking? Or just want to donate instead of gift?

You can still sprinkle some magic this Christmas with a kind donation. Just pop over to your basket and you will see an option to add some joy to someone’s life with a donation. And voila - that’s it! We are so grateful for every bit of support and we’ll make sure your generous gift goes to those who need it most.

10. Can I buy a gift on behalf of my company?

Absolutely! We offer a range of gifts for businesses to help you show appreciation to your team and clients, all while showcasing your company’s values. 

When you buy a Gift of Hope from your business, you’ll receive an e-card, social media graphic, and e-signature to share - and you’ll be featured in our gratitude posts on LinkedIn and the Irish Times* (for gifts of 300 & more*). If you need any help at all, please email corporategifts@concern.net

11. Any other questions we haven’t covered here?

If you have any burning questions or want to learn more, don’t be shy! Pop over to the Contact page where you can leave a note for our friendly Gifts team or find other ways to get in touch. Your kindness can make a world of difference to so many people and we’re happy to help in any way!

11. Where does the money from all the gifts go?

All the generous donations to gifts will go into one of our four global programmes - Education, Livelihoods, Health, Emergency - depending on what gift type you have picked. School kits go to “education”, safe delivery kits to “health” and so on.