Frequently Asked Questions
What are Survival Gifts?
UNICEF Survival Gifts are a collection of over 40 gifts essential for child survival and development.
Survival Gifts provide crucial aid to children living in areas affected by poverty, conflict or natural disaster. When you order Survival Gifts for family or friends, real life-changing items like vaccines and food are shipped from UNICEF’s warehouse in Copenhagen to children and families in need around the world. A description of each gift is included with every order and you can choose to receive a printed card with envelope, a printable PDF card, or send a personalized e-card with your order.
How Does It Work?
When someone orders a UNICEF Survival Gift real items are shipped from our UNICEF warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark, to children and families in need around the world.
Are Survival Gifts real items?
UNICEF Survival Gifts are real items that are distributed in response to real need. As a result, an item from the same category, in extreme circumstances, may be substituted by UNICEF in response to need i.e. if there is a disease outbreak the value from one vaccine category may need to be substituted for another vaccine i.e. Polio vs Measles.
How is UNICEF able to quantify the impact?
The number of lives impacted by each survival gift has been determined by assessing how many of each item a person needs, or how many people each item can serve, to make a life-saving difference. This can range from the number of doses of a vaccine or food item that is needed to protect a child from a disease or condition; to the number of supplies for children in an educational or health kit; to the number of people that a water pump or tent has the capacity to support.
What is a matched gift?
Matched gifts are possible through the generosity of our partners. When you purchase gifts with a matched icon, your gift will have double the impact.
What do the e-cards look like?
E-cards will be sent to your gift recipient within 24 hours or if you wish to send it on another day, that option is available also.
What do the print cards look like? How long will they take to reach me?
Cards can be mailed to the gift purchaser or the gift recipient. During non-peak times, the cards may take up to 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If you are ordering close to the holiday season, please check posted information regarding cut-off times.
What do the printable PDF cards look like? How do they work?
The printable PDF cards are emailed to you after your purchase. They are designed to print out on one side of a standard 8.5x11 piece of paper. You simply fold the paper to make the card. These cards are identical in design to the paper cards and are a great way of giving a last minute gift without worrying about cards arriving in time.
You will need a PDF reader to print your cards. If you require one, you can download Adobe Reader for free here.
Why can’t I order paper cards with some gifts?
Some of our gifts this year “e-card only” gifts, which only have e-card or printable PDF card options. These gifts allow us to offer a greater selection to you while keeping costs low.
The only gifts where e-cards and printable PDF cards are not available are Gifts of Sharing. These cards come with a redemption code on them, so paper cards are required.
Do all Survival Gifts qualify for a tax receipt?
YES. In addition to helping children, all Survival Gifts purchases qualify for a tax receipt. You will receive a tax receipt via email for gifts purchased online, and the options of a paper OR emailed tax receipt for orders received through the mail or phone. Tax receipts will be for the total gift amount of your purchase.
Why do some gift prices change from one year to the next?
Survival Gifts purchased globally or locally from manufacturers are susceptible to price changes, as a result of exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in the cost of materials and shipment. Fortunately global quantities are high enough to ensure UNICEF is able to find the best prices while adhering to UN quality standards.
Can my gift be directed to a particular country?
Unfortunately, gifts cannot be directed to a particular country. Managing the delivery of items on this level would increase costs, and UNICEF wants to ensure your gift goes where it is needed most for the least amount of money.
Can I personalize Survival Gifts for my recipient?
Yes! You can include the recipient’s name, your name along with a personal message. Or, you can request for a blank card and write a personal message when you receive the cards to add that personal touch.
How long does it take for a Survival Gift to reach a child?
Survival Gifts are sent to the field in a coordinated way depending on the needs identified by our local teams in the field. UNICEF also has established contracts with our suppliers, to enable delivery of items in the event of emergencies, when timing can make a vital difference.
Are items procured by UNICEF produced with regard to human rights?
UNICEF applies the highest international standards of social responsibility, ethical procurement, safety and regulatory compliance in all the products we procure and deliver to the field. We select our suppliers fairly, openly and transparently, and our procurement practices are based on the highest ethical principles of trust, teamwork, honesty, and respect for the rights and dignity of others. We systematically conduct social and quality audits, product testing, and quality control inspections.
Our commitment extends to ensuring our suppliers conform to the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact which outlines a set of core values in respect of human rights, labour standards, including child labour provisions, the environment and anti-corruption policies.
Suppliers have to sign a statement acknowledging terms and conditions related to child labour provisions when they bid, and again when the sign contract with UNICEF. If at any stage, UNICEF discovers that a supplier breaches its contract and contravenes the agreed policies, the contract is terminated and the supplier is blocked from further business with UNICEF.
