Give Unique Affordable Fair Trade Gifts

PoorSanta — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 03:14:06 +0000

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.

Poor Santa» fair trade gifts

Give Unique Affordable Fair Trade Gifts