One of the best parts of the holiday season is the feeling of gratitude it instills upon us. We often take many aspects of our life for granted—our friends, family, health, and steady jobs. So during this time of year, we like to encourage our customers to give a gift that not only sends the perfect message but gives back to the community it is made by. To help you, here are 10+ fair trade gifts that are part of a sustainable and prosperous cycle of empowerment for artisans around the world.
Nepal-Made Fair Trade Pet Products
Let your cat snuggle up and sleep in this all-natural cat cave and support a noble cause while you’re at it. Crafted from sustainably-sourced boiled wool, its natural temperature-regulating properties will keep felines feeling just right season to season.
Shopping for your dog? These all-natural dog toys let you play with your pup and support a noble cause simultaneously. Challenge your dog to a tug with the felted wool design. It exercises your dog’s jaws and helps clean his or her teeth, too.
Not only are these natural toys fun for your pet, they’ll make you feel good, too. Each one is made by women in Nepal making fair wages. These are jobs changing their lives, instilling financial independence, and helping send kids to school.
Festive Peruvian Gifts
These fun winter hats are a festive twist on a holiday tradition. Brimming with personality, they’ll last for years of holiday cheer. Made with soft, cozy yarn, the network of knitters and crocheters in and around Lima hand-make each product. They’re also paid fair wages, a concerted commitment co-founders Javier and Patricia Dam made to the people of their native country. The couple have been helping support their fellow Peruvians for over twenty years.
Looking to stay extra warm? The Peruvian Trading Company also makes handcrafted convertible neck warmers. With the pull of a drawstring this beautiful scalloped neck warmer converts into a hat to keep you warm and in style all winter long.
An alpaca throw from Shupaca is not your typical couch-surfing blanket. From it’s construction to its look, it is a super-soft and extra-special way to get cozy. Made in Ecuador, Makers Lori and Andrew Schuster work directly with craftspeople in South America. They ensure each receives fair wages for their work creating all of Shupaca’s alpaca goods.
Did you know… In the region of Ecuador where these throws come from, the alpaca is an honored animal? So you can rest assured that not only the crafters are treated fairly, but the animals are as well.
Quilling For a Cause
Try your hand at a traditional art form. This quilling kit for beginners teaches you how to create intricate designs by carefully rolling and shaping strips of paper. The Makers behind this product paired up with artisans in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, who handcraft the cards and DIY kits. These workers are receive above-average wages, benefits, and job training. The company is a member of the Certified Fair Trade Federation.
Spice Up Your Gift Giving
These spices were curated to help take almost any food in a tasty new direction. Whether you’re grilling, baking, sautéing, or just need a little extra flavor, Curio Spice Co. is always the right choice. Sourced locally when possible to ensure quality and freshness, around 90% of the spices are certified organic and half are Fair Trade Certified.
A Darn Good Gift
The wood yarn bowls and silk sari yarn from Darn Good Yarn are made in India by women who are paid fair wages under safe working conditions. This company is committed to seeing women succeed. Through economic empowerment and Fair Trade practices, not only are the yarn and bowls useful, but they’re beautiful as well.
Yummy and Beneficial Vanilla
Spice things up with pure vanilla flavor—deep, rich, and full—made from sustainably grown, Fair Trade vanilla beans. The vanilla extracts and powder are an affordable luxury that will make a difference not only in your baking and cooking but also in the lives of the people who cultivate them by supporting Fair Trade farms that pay fair wages and advocating for better working and living conditions.
Do Much More With a Washcloth
These densely knit washcloths are surprisingly great at picking up small crumbs when you’re wiping down the countertops. They’re equally adept at dislodging baked-on food when you’re scrubbing pots and pans. In the bathroom, use it as a personal washcloth. Toockies gets your skin clean without leaving you feeling scrubbed raw. Over 270 women in Nababpur, India, knit the Toockies in fair-trade conditions. This provides a critical source of income for their families and empowers women in the community.
The holidays are a time to give and give thanks for your blessings. While it’s always nice to see the reaction on someone’s face when you’ve gotten them the perfect gift, it’ll feel better when you know that buying from a Fair Trade company can help local communities. Do more with your gifts this season and shop Fair Trade.