Gifts That Give: Valentine's Day Edition

With Valentine's Day just around the corner I thought it would be nice to share another meaningful gift guide filled with beautiful items that strive to respect the dignity of those who create them.

And not only are these items gifts that give, but they are also great alternatives to the not-so-original gifts you typically find for Valentines. I mean, just how many stuffed animals holding hearts need to be made each year? And I know I'm not the only one who usually donates them within a year - two max!

Searching for thoughtful gifts with meaning helps me to enter more fully into the celebration of love each year. That doesn't mean that I don't gravitate to gifts with hearts or those that are red, pink or purple, but I do try to find unique items and items that are Fair Trade certified to make sure that my holiday celebration doesn't come at the expense of others.

Below are just a few of the many options you could give to a loved one this Valentine's that aim to provide a fair wage to the hands that went into making them. Each link contains some information about the particular item and how the sellers are working to make the world a better place through their business practices.

1. The Root Collective - Gabby in Cranberry Spiral 

2. Mata Traders - Have To Tri These Earrings

3. OpenSky - Pollock Pink Scarf

4. OpenSky - Mukisa Necklace

5. Uncommon Goods - Precious Dipped Lace Heart Necklace

6. Allafia - Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion (Lavender)

7. RGB Nail Polish - in violet, bare, and coral

Beyond these, there's always Fair Trade chocolate, wine, and coffee - the true way to my heart ;)
Or you could always plan a day together or make a gift to cut on costs and consumption!

What are your plans this Valentine's?

Peace,
Sarah

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Small Business Saturday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the most known shopping days of the year, but there is another Thanksgiving weekend holiday that you may not have heard of:

Small Business Saturday.

There are so many reasons why it is a good idea to support small businesses in your neighborhood - and it can go beyond just buying food locally (though I do love me a good farmer's market)!

Here are just a few I can think of off the top of my head:

1) It boosts your local economy.

2) You often have a better idea of exactly where the money you are spending is going - especially if the store carries fair trade items.

3) It's a great way to build community. You'll often meet the owner of the establishment who may share with you the idea behind the store and why they began their journey in entrepreneurship.

4) Local stores can have more unique pieces that you won't have to worry about duplicating gifts.

This holiday season, why not make it an effort to shop locally where you can?

And just like any other shopping holiday around this time, many of your local businesses are offering great sales today!

For my Ohio/Cleveland friends, one of my favorite Fair Trade Stores, Revive, is offering 15% off of any purchase with the code:SHOPSMALL from now until Monday! I already have these beautiful earrings in my cart and this stunning dress might just have to come too.

If you're in the Berkeley area, there are tons of adorable boutiques and shops. My mom and I picked up a delicious smelling candle from The Old Yak Bazaar (another Fair Trade store!) on our walk around town yesterday. I'm already considering wandering back down the hill to snag this ring and this scarf.

Fourth Street in Berkeley is an adorable part of town with lots of local shops nestled amongst the bigger names. Mom treated me to a new calligraphy pen and ink from Castle in the Air. It's a shop you should venture into simply because of the marvelous decorations and amazing stationary pieces!

Not sure where to find a local business in your area? Try Yelp and Shift Your Shopping. And, as always, Google is a great help!

Think big. Shop Small.

Peace,
Sarah

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