Friday, February 3, 2012

Valentine Gift Ideas...

Valentine's Day is only 11 days away. Before you head out to the stores this weekend looking for that perfect gift, please take a look at the companies featured in this post. You will find a variety of gifts that will bring a smile to your loved ones face and make a huge difference in someone else's life.

Trade as One
This company was born out of a desire "to use fair trade to promote sustainable business and break cycles of poverty and dependency in the developing world."

Trade as One is putting their mission statement into practice by working with a number of producers around the globe. These producers craft products such as jewelry, chocolates, wallets, journals, scarves, ornaments and toys. They have something for just about everyone. The gifts range in price from $5.00-$40.00.

On each item page you will find information about the producer of the product, the country of origin and how free trade is making a difference in that producer's community.


Tom's
Tom's Shoes began after Blake Mycoskie's visit to Argentina. When he discovered that several children he had befriended had no shoes to protect their feet, he wanted to do something to help. Blake created Tom's Shoes based upon this simple idea- for every pair of shoes purchased a new pair of shoes is given to a child in need. "One for One."

Tom's Shoes start at $54 a pair- which sounds pretty pricey, until you remember that you are actually buying two pair of shoes (one for you, one that Tom's donates).

My two cents- these are the most comfortable shoes I've owned in a very long time.

Amazima-
Amazima was featured on this blog in January.  But, since these necklaces made by women in Uganda are a beautiful accessory to most any outfit, I thought I'd throw the idea out there again.



GoBena
For the coffee drinker in your life, this company offers fresh-roasted, gourmet, fair trade, organic, shade-grown coffee with 100% of the profits spent on orphan care around the world.

GoBena has several products to choose from...
Several coffee blends- $12.95 per pound. These are full pound bags, not the 12 oz. bags typically found in stores)
T-shirts ($5)
Coffee mugs($7)
Stainless steel travel mugs ($7) 
A great gift basket ($39)



Happy Shopping!!

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