Okay, I just found the most fabulous charitable gift/registry idea ever, thanks to A Practical Wedding blog. The guest writer couple explain it much better than someone who only gives to charity for others' birthdays ever could, but in summary: you buy a goat for a special needs kid in Africa who would normally be hidden away, give them status in their society, make them feel less alone and educate them, their family and their village on their needs and potential, plus they get a goat for companionship, delicious milk/cheese and, once bred, food.
GENIUS.