Give the Gift of Fair Trade

Unfortunately, many of the products on this year’s popular Christmas gift list have been made by people in other countries who only receive a few cents for an incredibly long day. Fortunately, there is a better way to support the economies of other countries besides shipping them our jobs. Many organizations like Ten Thousand Villages, People of Hope Crafts, and Gifts with Humanity offer jewelry, home decor, and other gifts that are bought at a Fair Trade price.

Recycled Silk Scarf - $18.00 from Ten Thousand Villages

Recycled Silk Scarf - $18.00 from Ten Thousand Villages

Buying certified Fair Trade gifts ensures that the artisans are paid a fair wage and have the opportunity for a better quality of life than those working for exhaustingly long hours at slave wages. Ten Thousand Villages works “with over 130 artisan groups in more than 38 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America… building long-term relationships with artisans that are based on mutual understanding and respect.” People of Hope Crafts offers crafts made by the people of El Salvador who are using their arts to rebuild after a devastating Civil War. Gifts with Humanity is part of Global Fair Trade Crafts Inc., a $1 million a year outlet for Fair Trade artisans from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Royalty's Patchwork Purse - $69.99 from Gifts With Humanity

Not only will buying a Fair Trade gift make you feel better about your purchase, but you are guaranteed to find something completely unique. Most of the crafts are handmade, and they even have plenty of gifts under $25.

Flower Box - $4.50 by People of Hope Crafts

Flower Box - $4.50 by People of Hope Crafts

So as you’re looking for gifts for your loved ones this year, give a gift to your world community as well. Buy Fair Trade.

Steve McAllister  (360 Posts)

Steve McAllister, Modern Hippie Mag's resident Lifestyle Guru, describes himself as a Renaissance Man. An author, filmmaker, songwriter, and perpetual artistic experimenter, he has recently re-released his second book The Rucksack Letters into paperback to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the journey. His latest book, a comical foray into philosophical science fiction, is How to Survive an Estralarian Mind Meld. His latest artistic project is The Labyrinth of the Unbroken Path. .