Shopping Fair Trade for the Holidays: Giving in Both Directions

Looking for a unique, thoughtful, personal gift that will fit your budget? Look no more. For years, several organizations have been quietly supplying affordable, handmade, high quality gifts, from one-of-a-kind baskets and dishes, to breathtaking jewelry, to children's toys and musical instruments. Even more - these organizations work hand-in-hand with their craftsmen and craftswomen, not only giving the artisans a fair price for their work, but also helping to determine and interpret the demand of buyers and popular fashions. Through these practices, these organizations create sustainable sources of income for impoverished families and communities around the world.

So this holiday season, give gifts that give in both directions. By supporting fair trade and purchasing fair trade products, you give not only to the people you are buying for, but also to those you are buying from.

Here are some places to get started:

Ten Thousand Villages: Diverse products, including art, baskets, jewelry, kitchenware, bags, and purses.
A Greater Gift: A program of SERRV International, offering crafts, decorations, furniture, jewelry, etc.
Global Exchange: A wide range of products, from equal exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate, to clothing, crafts, stationary, jewelry, and educational materials.
Equal Exchange : Coffee, tea, chocolate, and related products.

Fair Trade gift ideas:

In my neighborhood, it is tradition to take plates of cookies around to everyone during the holidays. Rather than using plastic plates or trays, this year I purchased seven small baskets (on clearance at Ten Thousand Villages for $2) to serve the purpose. The baskets will hold cookies and holiday treats, and serve as a unique, practical gift, as well.

If you know coffee, tea, or chocolate lovers, go no further than Equal Exchange or Global Exchange. Equal Exchange products are often cheaper than commercial gourmet products, because the organization works directly with the farmers, not through middlemen. Many also believe that Equal Exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate tastes better than other available counterparts.

Pamper the woman in your life with home spa products from Global Exchange.

"I'd love to support local artisans and farmers, but I can't afford it!"

Fairly traded gifts are often more affordable than you think, because you are doing business more directly with those who create your products. For gifts that will fit your budget, look at the selections for under $10, under $25, and under $50. You may be surprised at what you find!

Fair Trade shopping is a win-win situation for everyone involved! Artisans get a fair price for the work. Shoppers get high quality products at a low price. Loved ones get thoughtful, unique gifts.

Happy shopping!