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Plastic Donuts: Giving That Delights the Heart of the Father
Once you see your gifts from God’s perspective, your giving will never be the same.
When she was a toddler, Jeff Anderson’s daughter opened his eyes to how delighted God is with our gifts. She brought him a plastic donut from her play kitchen, and he was surprised by the intensity of his reaction. His delight in receiving this simple gift—and his daughter’s joy in giving it—led him to dig deeper. Anderson would not rest until he found the scriptural connection between our gifts and God’s heart.
Plastic Donuts removes the awkwardness and uncertainty that often accompany discussions about giving. Now you can think differently—and biblically—about what and how you give.
Your gifts can capture God’s attention and connect you more intimately with His heart. Plastic Donuts brings everyone—leaders and followers, teachers and learners—onto the same page.
When she was a toddler, Jeff Anderson’s daughter opened his eyes to how delighted God is with our gifts. She brought him a plastic donut from her play kitchen, and he was surprised by the intensity of his reaction. His delight in receiving this simple gift—and his daughter’s joy in giving it—led him to dig deeper. Anderson would not rest until he found the scriptural connection between our gifts and God’s heart.
Plastic Donuts removes the awkwardness and uncertainty that often accompany discussions about giving. Now you can think differently—and biblically—about what and how you give.
Your gifts can capture God’s attention and connect you more intimately with His heart. Plastic Donuts brings everyone—leaders and followers, teachers and learners—onto the same page.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Anderson
200 books62 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 23, 2018
This book will take you about an hour to read.
It may cause you to be more generous.
I give it the 3-star "sure, read it, if you have time and no other books around" rating.
I don't want to give it four stars because I think that in some of his illustrations the author mashes together the old covenant sacrificial system a bit to much with new covenant giving, and somehow manages to mostly leave the good news of the cross of Christ out of things at the same time.
However, I don't want to give it two stars because the author also has a high level framework for thinking about giving that isn't entirely unhelpful.
Perhaps if the book was twice as long he would have delved more into how the cross drives Christian generosity. But the hour long book didn't go there, which is too bad.
It may cause you to be more generous.
I give it the 3-star "sure, read it, if you have time and no other books around" rating.
I don't want to give it four stars because I think that in some of his illustrations the author mashes together the old covenant sacrificial system a bit to much with new covenant giving, and somehow manages to mostly leave the good news of the cross of Christ out of things at the same time.
However, I don't want to give it two stars because the author also has a high level framework for thinking about giving that isn't entirely unhelpful.
Perhaps if the book was twice as long he would have delved more into how the cross drives Christian generosity. But the hour long book didn't go there, which is too bad.
June 1, 2019
In this easy to read book, Jeff Anderson uses a heartwarming story about a simple gift his daughter gave him to teach us about our Heavenly Father.
What’s most intriguing about the book, is the intentional lack of clarity concerning certain “religious” doctrine that this book decides to address; reminding us the importance of exploring God’s word in order to find our own answers concerning such mysteries.
Anderson closes the book with much welcomed clarity, reminding us the most important principle concerning giving is to examine the motive of our hearts, and that no amount is too small, & no extravagant gesture is necessary, if Christ doesn’t have first what He wants more than anything: the gift of our heart.
What’s most intriguing about the book, is the intentional lack of clarity concerning certain “religious” doctrine that this book decides to address; reminding us the importance of exploring God’s word in order to find our own answers concerning such mysteries.
Anderson closes the book with much welcomed clarity, reminding us the most important principle concerning giving is to examine the motive of our hearts, and that no amount is too small, & no extravagant gesture is necessary, if Christ doesn’t have first what He wants more than anything: the gift of our heart.
December 6, 2018
This is a short little book that raises a number of issues when it comes to having a generous heart towards God and His church. While I do not agree with the stance that tithing is no longer applicable, I was encouraged that the author suggests we give even more than that as we are able. Using cute stories, illustrations of giving experiences, and testimonies of both himself and others, the book is engaging and thought-provoking.
April 15, 2024
Plastic Donuts is a short book about the heart of giving. The author explains four truths that can guide giving acceptable gifts to God:
1) The amount matters
2) We determine the amount
3) God desires us to give according to our abilities
4) The condition of the giver's heart is what makes the gift pleasing to God
My favorite quote: "Imagine His receiving your gift. Like a plastic donut in daddy’s hand, your gift falls to heaven’s floor as God picks you up in his arms and assures you that what he really desires is your heart… and the donut is just a tool you use to give your heart to him."
1) The amount matters
2) We determine the amount
3) God desires us to give according to our abilities
4) The condition of the giver's heart is what makes the gift pleasing to God
My favorite quote: "Imagine His receiving your gift. Like a plastic donut in daddy’s hand, your gift falls to heaven’s floor as God picks you up in his arms and assures you that what he really desires is your heart… and the donut is just a tool you use to give your heart to him."
July 23, 2024
Read this one at work too. Quick, simple, and insightful. Here’s the book in a 3 sentences: When you give, God delights in your gift (although He does not need it). There is no required amount for believers to give, and there was no required amount in the Old Testament (there was more to giving than the tithe). However, the amount should matter to you, and it definitely matters to God.
December 4, 2025
Glad I read it, but didn’t feel super passionate about doing so. Key takeaway is that there are four rules for biblically-based giving.
1) The amount matters.
2) We determine the amount.
3) We give according to our ability.
4) The heart makes the gift count.
1) The amount matters.
2) We determine the amount.
3) We give according to our ability.
4) The heart makes the gift count.
May 12, 2018
Great book on generosity that pleases God the Father!
January 10, 2024
Quick, easy read on how we should be giving to God.
October 14, 2024
Helpful in evaluating what is important with regards to giving. Sharing different perspectives and scriptures was helpful.
Read
February 8, 2025Thought-provoking little book about generosity/giving.
March 13, 2017
Excellent book on giving because of our faith.
February 1, 2016
I've read books on giving. I've heard sermons on giving before. I've considered asking for money here on this blog. (Operators are standing by.) I've seen articles and listened to opinions that cover lessons for both the giver and the receiver. I'm sure you have as well.
So why would I even bother trying to pass off another book and opinion to you? Simply put, because this book is different and gets at the heart of the Father.
It's a short book and a quick read that is aptly summed up by author Jeff Anderson all the way in chapter 5.
That's why this message will not unpack the tithes of Abraham, Jacob, Malachi, Melchizedek, or the Pharisees. Nor is Plastic Donuts a message about triggering blessings, dodging curses, sowing seeds, or not robbing God.
You also won't hear any ideas about how the tithe was for farmers, not fishermen; was applied to crops, not currency; was actually the last tenth, not the first; was expected to be given two to three times annually, not just once.
But you will hear more about this: acceptable gifts.
And that is exactly what Jeff Anderson does. He does not spend our time going round and round about particular scriptures and what they meant to the original audience. He does not write to make anyone feel guilty. In fact, by the end of this book, he leaves more about giving open to the reader than he does declaring anything set in stone.
He begins with his own story of his daughter sharing a plastic donut. He references the Genesis account of Cain and Abel. From there he chases after the heart of God. He shares from a changed perspective and honestly, he has me thinking. I am thinking both as a child of God who wants to give God acceptable gifts. I am also thinking as a pastor, knowing that money given can fund ministry.
Plastic Donuts was gifted to me by my good friends over at Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. I think they give with the same heart that Jeff Anderson is talking about in this book. They ask for my thoughts and I pass them on. You should check this book out.
So why would I even bother trying to pass off another book and opinion to you? Simply put, because this book is different and gets at the heart of the Father.
It's a short book and a quick read that is aptly summed up by author Jeff Anderson all the way in chapter 5.
That's why this message will not unpack the tithes of Abraham, Jacob, Malachi, Melchizedek, or the Pharisees. Nor is Plastic Donuts a message about triggering blessings, dodging curses, sowing seeds, or not robbing God.
You also won't hear any ideas about how the tithe was for farmers, not fishermen; was applied to crops, not currency; was actually the last tenth, not the first; was expected to be given two to three times annually, not just once.
But you will hear more about this: acceptable gifts.
And that is exactly what Jeff Anderson does. He does not spend our time going round and round about particular scriptures and what they meant to the original audience. He does not write to make anyone feel guilty. In fact, by the end of this book, he leaves more about giving open to the reader than he does declaring anything set in stone.
He begins with his own story of his daughter sharing a plastic donut. He references the Genesis account of Cain and Abel. From there he chases after the heart of God. He shares from a changed perspective and honestly, he has me thinking. I am thinking both as a child of God who wants to give God acceptable gifts. I am also thinking as a pastor, knowing that money given can fund ministry.
Plastic Donuts was gifted to me by my good friends over at Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing. I think they give with the same heart that Jeff Anderson is talking about in this book. They ask for my thoughts and I pass them on. You should check this book out.
July 9, 2013
FTC disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a short book at only 109 pages, but it's full of thoughts and ideas about giving. Most of us who have been in church for any amount of time have heard things like "To NOT tithe is to rob God." or on the opposite side "The tithe is an Old Testament mandate and we live under grace." Author Jeff Anderson doesn't take either of these approaches, but rather the approach of Christians should give God their plastic donuts.
What does that mean? His daughter gave him a toy piece of food from her kitchen set one day and he saw the delight she had in giving him what she was able to give freely and willingly. He came to the conclusion that is how our giving should be to God.
This would be an excellent book for a small group discussion or to make into a sermon series at your church. I'm not sure the average person would pick this up on their own because, honestly, money is a topic that is shied away from in many churches. What pastor likes to get up and teach on giving? It's a hot topic and certainly one that can ruffle feathers of the flock. But the way Anderson approaches it, it's a Biblical concept that doesn't dictate what you should do except to give joyfully. THAT is something I think all Christians can agree is a great idea.
I think it's great this book is out there as a resource for both individuals and churches, and I hope that the ideas within Plastic Donuts become the attitude of giving we see in western Christianity.
This is a short book at only 109 pages, but it's full of thoughts and ideas about giving. Most of us who have been in church for any amount of time have heard things like "To NOT tithe is to rob God." or on the opposite side "The tithe is an Old Testament mandate and we live under grace." Author Jeff Anderson doesn't take either of these approaches, but rather the approach of Christians should give God their plastic donuts.
What does that mean? His daughter gave him a toy piece of food from her kitchen set one day and he saw the delight she had in giving him what she was able to give freely and willingly. He came to the conclusion that is how our giving should be to God.
This would be an excellent book for a small group discussion or to make into a sermon series at your church. I'm not sure the average person would pick this up on their own because, honestly, money is a topic that is shied away from in many churches. What pastor likes to get up and teach on giving? It's a hot topic and certainly one that can ruffle feathers of the flock. But the way Anderson approaches it, it's a Biblical concept that doesn't dictate what you should do except to give joyfully. THAT is something I think all Christians can agree is a great idea.
I think it's great this book is out there as a resource for both individuals and churches, and I hope that the ideas within Plastic Donuts become the attitude of giving we see in western Christianity.
October 30, 2012
A combination of financial geek and spiritual guru, Jeff Anderson brings us this modern day parable of the talents. Anderson shares the story of his daughter’s gift to him of a pink plastic donut, one that he had first bought for her. It was a simple gesture that brought a proud Papa smile to his face, and it perfectly captured the heart of giving. We are to give according to what we have been given, in amounts we determine as a heartfelt response to God. Anderson’s Rule # 1: There Are No Rules may leave many folks uncomfortable, as “It’s always easier to follow rules than follow a living God.” Rather than rely merely on a formulaic tithe, as many sermons espouse, Anderson uses Scripture to show that though the Bible clearly commands us to give (“No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed”), gifts vary widely from person to person, with God’s pleasure shown on those whose hearts are rich toward Him. Giving practical examples, such as avoiding debt or getting out of it early to increase giving ability, as well as living simply (“gut-wrenching decisions…{gasp}…canceling satellite television…”) he inspires us to greater giving, with greater joy and freedom, as we seek to honor our Lord.
August 24, 2013
With a title like Plastic Donuts, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Author Jeff Anderson, former CPA and day trader, begins the book with a story about his young daughter bringing him a plastic donut from her play kitchen. He shows his delight at the “gift” and she reacts with great pleasure. Anderson draws connections between this little interaction and our giving of our finances to God—which He doesn’t require, yet receives with delight.
As many of us know, any sermon or discussion about giving can be a sensitive subject, yet Anderson takes away the discomfort that can come with it. He digs into some of the questions often asked by veteran givers and new givers alike. Questions like, “Why give?,” “What’s an acceptable gift?” and “Does the amount matter?”
He could have gone deeper into some of the answers, but at the same time, I found the book to be not only a good Biblical introduction to giving, but a reminder to the faithful givers who may have forgotten why they give.
Because of its short size and Anderson’s easy-to-read writing style, I read it more than once and will be promoting it in our church library.
As many of us know, any sermon or discussion about giving can be a sensitive subject, yet Anderson takes away the discomfort that can come with it. He digs into some of the questions often asked by veteran givers and new givers alike. Questions like, “Why give?,” “What’s an acceptable gift?” and “Does the amount matter?”
He could have gone deeper into some of the answers, but at the same time, I found the book to be not only a good Biblical introduction to giving, but a reminder to the faithful givers who may have forgotten why they give.
Because of its short size and Anderson’s easy-to-read writing style, I read it more than once and will be promoting it in our church library.
October 22, 2014
Jeff Anderson offers a fresh take on the area of giving which is both insightful and thought-provoking. The experience of receiving a plastic donut from his toddler-aged daughter, and the joy the both of them experienced from it, serve as the metaphor which unites the book. I was impressed with the thoroughness of Anderson's Bible research on the topic. There are a few citations I might quibble with, but they do not detract from his overall message that we must think more deeply and purposefully about giving because giving is a means for us to connect with God's heart. It's a short book, and in this case, good things come in small packages.
June 18, 2013
Book Review - Plastic Donuts: Giving that Delights the Heart of the Father by Jeff Anderson - this a short, easy to read, engaging book on the nature and purpose of giving in the Christian life. It would make a very good book for small group discussion. The central metaphor is from the author's 18 month old giving him a plastic donut. And the delight that both he and she felt at that small gift.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/plastic-donuts/
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/plastic-donuts/
May 15, 2014
Giving that delights the heart of the father ---
This is a book about generosity
--- my gifts can be acceptable to God!
--- are my gifts, from the heart?
--- give the amount and way that the Lord prompts
--- while the tithe is confusing, amount does matter and it should be according to my ability
We determine the amount to please the Father
Lot's of scripture referenced and new insights (see above) were found in this short book.
This is a book about generosity
--- my gifts can be acceptable to God!
--- are my gifts, from the heart?
--- give the amount and way that the Lord prompts
--- while the tithe is confusing, amount does matter and it should be according to my ability
We determine the amount to please the Father
Lot's of scripture referenced and new insights (see above) were found in this short book.
June 16, 2013
Excellent explanation on meaning of giving and the affect it has others. Mr. Anderson uses the example of a child's toy to demonstrate one way to extend a gift of oneself to another and to bring happiness in the process. He has other examples as well. Very sweet book and one that is quite enjoyable.
December 16, 2014
Refreshing to read about giving in the context of relationship
So many books about giving focus on either principles and rules or the blessings that givers receive because they give. This short book is a great reminder that giving impacts our relationship with God the Father, and our giving is for his joy! So many great principles.
So many books about giving focus on either principles and rules or the blessings that givers receive because they give. This short book is a great reminder that giving impacts our relationship with God the Father, and our giving is for his joy! So many great principles.
August 1, 2012
This book uses Scripture to challenge what you have always assumed about Christian giving. Jeff Anderson pursues the question, "Why does giving matter to God?"
Good book! Would work well for group studies in churches.
Good book! Would work well for group studies in churches.
August 13, 2015
Jeff Anderson has given me a new perspective, and released me from legalistic guilt I carried, regarding giving with his emphasis on the heart and purpose for giving rather than the amount one gives. This little book packs a powerful message!
September 20, 2013
Though provoking book about giving.
August 24, 2013
what makes a gift acceptable? #plasticdonuts @Acceptable_Gift @BlueBridgeTC @HannahSkaanland @nelsonsearcy http://justinfarley.blogspot.com/2013...
October 29, 2013
Great little book to read and very different from any book that I had read about Giving or Tithing. It is the attitude of your heart which does matter all the more on your giving!
August 6, 2016
This book promotes some scriptural principles concerning Christian giving but completely convolutes why they give. According to Anderson, we give so God will think better of us.
August 15, 2015
A short read that makes you think about how you give. There were a few facts in the book that did not have any annotation to them.
March 16, 2021
Very brief, moderately helpful. Could have covered more ground. Discipleship and theology of money would be nice.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews