With just a couple of weeks left until Christmas, those who celebrate the holiday are hurriedly rushing into department stores and desperately searching online to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.
For the most part, we will all appreciate the thoughtful gifts that we receive this holiday season, but, admittedly, we probably don't need many of the things that we get.
Americans spend around a total of $465 million each Christmas season, with the average American Christmas shopper spending approximately $700 - which is a lot of money for things we don't need.
In the spirit of giving (that Christmas supposedly embodies), consider purchasing gifts for your family and friends that are not only creative, lovely gifts, but also provide economic empowerment or resources to those who really need it.
1. Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages is an online store that really has something for everybody -- jewelry, scarves, bags, candles, kitchenware, lamps, furniture and so much more! All of the products are crafted by artisans in developing countries, such as India, Colombia and Kenya, and then sold on the website thanks to long-term, fair trading relationships.
2. Baby Teresa
If you're shopping for a new baby in your life, check out Baby Teresa. The online shop sells fashionable baby clothing and accessories that are 100% organic cotton and fair trade. For each baby outfit that is purchased at the store, Baby Teresa will donate an outfit to child in need, in countries including Peru, Egypt, Uganda, France, Australia and Indonesia-- hence its motto, "Buy once, give twice." When you buy a baby accessory on the site, a portion of the funds are donated to buying formula for babies in orphanages in these countries as well.
3. Cuddle + Kind
If the child in your life is a bit too old for the products on Baby Teresa, they would probably love one of these hand-knitted dolls from Cuddle + Knd. Each doll is made from natural cotton, costs about $55 and is used to provide meals to 10 children in need. The different doll options include mermaids, deer, bunnies, cats and a penguin.
4. Elephant Landing
The pillows, scarves, throws and table runners sold on Elephant Landing are created by women in rural India, many of whom are widows and single mothers or other women whom would otherwise not have a source of income. The women are paid fair wages and 100% of the profits made from the products are used to provide employment and expand educational opportunities for women in southeast India.
5. Mitscoots
Are buying American-made gifts important to you? Mitscoots may be the shop for you. For every pair of socks purchased (that are 100% American-made), the company donates a pair of socks of equal quality to an American in need. Mitscoots also employs individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness.
So instead of purchasing that jewelry, scarf, baby hat, doll, pillow, or socks from your mall or department store, consider buying it off of one of these 5 sites, or any of the 150+ companies listed here - all of which are social good companies with fair trade or donation elements. Your friends and family members will have great gifts, and you'll be buying a gift that gives back!
