Mississauga, ON —Twenty per cent of Canadians wait just days before Christmas to finish their shopping, according to a Strategic Counsel poll. If you're one of them, World Vision's Gift Catalogue offers you unique gifts that top the tie you got dad last year or the too-big socks that grandma pretended to love.

"Even December 24 ^th isn't too late to get that last-minute gift if you order online from World Vision's Gift Catalogue," said Caroline Sausik, Gift Catalogue Manager at World Vision. "You can print out a picture of your gift right from your computer and wrap it up in time for Christmas morning."

World Vision's Gift Catalogue offers everything from water buffaloes and piglets to water wells and medical supplies. Distributed to needy communities in more than 20 countries, these unique gifts help children and families improve their daily lives. Each gift comes with a card, featuring a photo and a description of the item. The giver can present the card to their friend or loved one personally, have World Vision send it, or print out an e-card immediately if ordering online.

"Giving through World Vision's catalogue is one of the most meaningful things that I've ever done at Christmas," said Andrea Lee, an Ottawa shopper who used the Gift Catalogue last year. "People loved the gifts because they were part of helping others."

Last Christmas, Canadians purchased more than 75,000 gifts from the Gift Catalogue, valued at $6 million. World Vision staff members overseas report that the most popular items on children's "wish list" this year include chickens, goats, cows, medical supplies, and warm clothing.

To check out alternative gifts from the Gift Catalogue, call 1-800-268-5528 or click here . 

World Vision is an international Christian relief and development organization working in more than 90 countries, providing help to more than 85 million people each year.