WWF's Endangered Animal Adoption program lets you adopt an endangered animal (you pick the species) in exchange for your sponsorship payments. Different sponsorship/adoption packages come w/different stuff but the basic idea is you get a picture of your animal, a plush version of your chosen species, some "official" adoption papers, and updates on how the animal and the species is doing.

When I was little, I LOVED being given animal adoptions as gifts. I have vivid memories of being the proud adopted parent of a panda, a manatee, a hippo, and a blue whale. I showed my adoption papers and photos of my animals w/great pride during show & tell, as well as did school projects about those species. Being a proud parent really got me fired up and interested in what was happening to these species as a kid and it is an interest that I have carried into adulthood.

While WWF animal adoption is not a conventional gift, it is a really memorable one for those budding young naturalists who want to feel involved and/or help save endangered species. A very worthwhile gift for a great cause, in my opinion.

Who could resist helping this adorable Panda or many other endangered animals. I was lucky enough to see 2 Panda's several years ago at the Singapore Zoo for all of about 30 seconds. I know they were safe in the zoo but I am sure they would enjoy being in their natural environment alot more. Go on, make enquiries in your country and Adopt. It will make you feel good.

Whether you live on the 98th floor of a Manhattan high-rise or a farmhouse with dozens of animals roaming, this is your chance to help endangered animals strengthen their species. Great for kids' gifts.

Cough up some cash to adopt an animal and get a gift bag too. Would make a perfect gift for all your animal lover friends. (via kayzee)

I love animals! (via badbunnie)

It's a wonderful thing to do. It also makes a great gift :)

You may be wondering which endangered animal you should adopt.

My advice: avoid the whale, and don't let the elephant or tiger in the house.

WWF does send you a nicely sized stuffed (um, I mean plush) endangered animal with your $50 donation. I'm thinking about getting the anaconda. I figure it's got to be either really long or really badly proportioned - you can't lose either way!

This is the coolest gift. It's hard to think of anything I'd rather have. Adopt an endangered animal. Sweet!