Seattle: Holidate with the Girls at U-Village.

Now that it's the holidays, you'll be hearing from every charity in the world wanting you to sponsor children, feed lonely hobos on Xmas, and cure diseases. But how many charities give you a discount shopping pass, free cocktails and appetizers, and a bag full of goodies? More cosmos and less address labels, Doctors Without Borders.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8 and 9, you can attend the U-Village Holidate With the Girls. For $25 you get a reusable shopping pass good for 20% off at the participating stores (there's a list on the page, but it includes Papyrus, Fireworks, Gap, and Barnes & Noble - that's practically your whole holiday shopping list right there!), a drink ticket, snacky appetizers, and a gift bag full of samples, coupons, and full-size products from merchants in the shopping center.

I've been to this a couple of times, and while it's not as lavish an affair as it used to be (though the price tag has gone up), it's still fun, and all event proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House. So if you haven't started your holiday shopping and you'd like an excuse for a charitable shopping date with the girls, sign up!