Last night I hosted a little party for friends to come and purchase gifts from Karama and Noonday, two fair trade brands which sell products made by artisans from around the world. Christmas is a great time to put a little extra love in the gifts you're giving. By purchasing fair trade, you're insuring the people who made it are being paid a fair wage for their work and supporting communities all around the world.
Karama's Knots of Love Necklace might have been my favorite find of the night. (Thanks to Jason for buying it for me for an early birthday present!) It's from Ethiopia and made out of recycled artillery metals by a collective of HIV+ women. I just love the idea that shell casings, the remnants of conflict found in the mountains of northern Ethiopia, can be repurposed into something beautiful. I have it on in the photo above, behind the super cute alligator I'm holding which, clearly, I was really excited about.
Both brands offer great gifts for friends, moms and sisters: beautiful jewelry, scarves, iPad cover, even the perfect present for the yoga nut in your life. A lot of this looks like it came straight from Anthro. Many of the ladies who came last night were surpised at the quality of products and variety.
What are some of my other favorite products? Well, ok, just because you asked!
I love Noonday's Stacked Arrows Necklace. The Knitted Bangle (on my wrist in the alligator photo above) is made from alpaca yarn knitted around a gourd, crazy! The Baby Alpaca Striped Blanket look so cozy and the Handmade Stationary (above) is beautifully created by 6 women in the slums of Jaipur, India. Noonday also offers Sseko Sandals, which we love!
Karama's Papa Owl (above) would make an adorable gift for a child. Love these earrings. Their fabric covered notebooks are a perfect stocking stuffer for most anyone. The Maisha Scarf is currently around my neck and not coming off anytime soon.
All of the products are available online and will ship in time for Christmas! Check out karamagifts.com and noondaycollection.com.
Happy shopping!
PS. Our visit to a fair trade soapstone co-op in Kenya last year.
thank you so much for hosting Jenny!! Such a fun time. Love your passion and enthusiasm for shopping with purpose :) can't wait for the next one!
ReplyDeletethank you so much for hosting Jenny!! Such a fun time. Love your passion and enthusiasm for shopping with purpose :) can't wait for the next one!
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