While searching for interesting inexpensive gifts, I came across the site Ten Thousand Villages. It is a site which sells unique items handmade by disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. Ten Thousand Villiages is a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association, and sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for the artisans and their families.
Below are a few of the more interesting finds I came across on the site.
Peace Dove Cinnamon Box
I have owned a box similar to this one for about a decade now (and I picked it up second hand, so who knows how old it really is). Even after all the years I’ve had it, when I open it up, the scent of cinnamon is still strong. It makes for a nice pick me up, and my toddler just loves to sniff it. At $10 it seems like a great pick for a holiday gift, especially since it has the peace dove on it.http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/peace-dove-cinnamon-box
Matchbox Retablo Ornament
This tiny Peruvian retablo nativity is made with plaster figures in a painted matchbox & includes a special gift card telling how it was made. Although it is small it packs a lot of novelty at the small price of $6. http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/matchbox-retablo-ornament
Embroidered Aceh Purse
This stunning and unique handbag is produced by artisans in a refugee camp in Aceh province in Sumatra, using traditional embroidery techniques. These people were displaced by the tsunami of December 2004. The bag sells for $44. http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/embroidered-aceh-purse
Shipping costs for items are very typical for size and weight. There are also 4 soon to be 5 brick and mortar stores, as well as, local festivals that sell these goods to benefit their organizations. Locations can be found on the website.
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