Gifts That Give Back
By Jessica Stafford
I don’t know about you, but Christmas gift-giving is a source of stress for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the cute wrapping paper, the sticky to/from tags, the piles of presents under the tree. What I do NOT love, is the process of getting it done. I want each gift to be just perfect for that person, which generally means that it takes me forever to make a decision. There’s the budget to consider, the last dates to ship by, the Amazon flash sales, the still-arriving toy catalogs! And on top of that, as I’ve learned more about fair trade and working conditions around the world, I’ve tried to be more conscious about where I spend my money.
Each year for the past several years, I’ve decided to try and buy several gifts from organizations that give back. They are either fair-trade certified, employ women across the globe, or give part of their profits back to those in need. I still stick to a budget, but I feel better knowing that my money is purchasing both a gift for my family member, and doing some good in the world.
So here are a few of my favorites! Hope these can help you as you’re making your list (and checking it twice…)
#1 - PREEMPTIVE LOVE COALITION
The Preemptive Love Coalition works in Iraq, Syria, and the United States, to “unmake violence and create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.” They provide relief for refugees on the frontlines of conflict including food, water, and medical care. Then, they go into refugee camps and provide jobs through small business grants and coaching, to empower these families for a better future.
You can purchase items made by refugee women in Iraq and Syria. They get paid for their work and can provide food for their family, and you get a beautiful gift for a loved one! I gave my grandma this soap and washcloth set one year. And how sweet are these little crocheted animals? I love that kiddos would get a cuddly friend while learning about the Syrian refugee family who created it by hand for them.
All of the products at Prodigal Pottery are handmade by women fleeing homelessness, domestic abuse and sex-trafficking in Alabama. The women they employ are residents of a long term shelter which offers safety and care for women and their children for up to 2 years, and from a safe house outside of Birmingham, Alabama for women fleeing sex-trafficking. Each purchase supports their programs which provide financial training, emotional care and support, professional skills, and assistance finding stable living situations and transportation to help transition these women into independent living situations.
I love these adorable state ornaments (one for all 50 states) and these monogrammed ring dishes would make the perfect gift for someone on your list!
Noonday Collection partners with Artisan Businesses in vulnerable communities around the world. They help develop these businesses through fair trade, and create dignified jobs for those who need them. They also support families pursuing adoption through “Adoption Trunk Shows,” in which 10% of the profits are donated to the adopting family.
I love their wide variety of jewelry and accessories. I’ve purchased necklaces and earrings as gifts from Noonday before, and when they came, wished I could keep them for myself! My girls would love to find these stylish scrunchies under the tree and I know a few guys in my life who would love to upgrade their dopp kit.
Mercy House exists to engage, empower, and disciple women around the globe in Jesus’ name. They empower women and teenage mothers around the world through partnerships and sustainable fair trade product development. Mercy House also entirely funds Rehema House — an organization with two maternity homes in Kenya. They rescue pregnant teen girls and teach them life skills to create a better future for them and their children.
I love the mission of Mercy House and have been keeping up with their work for many years now. I purchase from their store whenever I can. I love their jewelry, but I also love that they offer a wide variety of products including home decor, seasonal, gift boxes for teachers, new mommas, and more.
I can see some of my friends loving these reusable shopping bags. Anyone on your list love coffee? Check out their gift collection just for coffee lovers (I especially love the Espresso and peppermint soap bar!).
Do you have any other favorites? Found any great treasures from these organizations? Share below! Merry Christmas shopping!
We’d love for you to join us for Christmas this year at Community of Hope: Indoors, Outdoors, & Online. There is something for everybody and we hope to have you be a part of it. Click below to learn more about our plans for the most wonderful time of the year.