Fair Trade - Great Gifts

Ok, I’m two days too late, but I did start writing this in October so I’d like to call attention to the fact that October was Fair Trade Month and highlight an organization that has embraced these values since before Fair Trade organizations even existed. It’s called Ten Thousand Villages and while there are over 100 retail stores across the country, they are a non-profit organization doing some pretty cool things across the globe.

I discovered them in Alexandria, VA and spoke to the woman running the store to learn that Ten Thousand Villages is part of a worldwide movement striving to practice fair trade. They are a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and a member of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), both of which aim to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries and to change unfair structures of international trade.

I’ve always been drawn to culturally influenced art, but there’s something extra special about it when you know that your money is going to help a specific person or even a community. It’s a win-win situation - not a handout. Look on their website and you’ll see the actual people, communities and organizations who are learning skills and participating in global trade. The bottom line is that there are some gorgeous goods here, with the bonus of an interesting story behind each. With the holidays coming, consider buying from a fair trade organization this year - the prices are great, the gifts are beautiful and you can share the story as well.