Gifts for Good
Ethical selections for the globally minded from our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide
Since this is the season for giving, we have selected various items from our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide that benefit communities and charitable organizations around the world. Particularly pleasing for the folks that have everything and want to share the wealth, or anyone with a sharing spirit, the following items represent the most rewarding gifts one can give.
Lemlem Printed Rustic Scarf
Support global artisans and chic winter accessories with the purchase of a Lemlem scarf. Handmade in Ethiopia, the bold hues and beautiful color combinations are block-printed and inspired by traditional Ethiopian paintings.
Handmade Paper Garland
Ethically sourced from women from Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, these handmade paper flowers are a welcome alternative to humdrum commercial tree ornaments.
Spektral + Sto-Lang Paper Mobiles
These laser-cut velum paper mobiles are perfect for newborns and adults alike. The goods are made in Europe from factories that employ 300 mentally challenged people, a concept borne by Swiss designers Briggita and Benedict Martig-Imhof of Tät-Tat.
Krochet Kids Peru Beanies
The altruistic friends behind Krochet Kids International hope to empower the women of Africa and now Lima, Peru by teaching them a skill to provide for their families: crocheting. Each limited-edition, hand-crocheted beanie comes in a variety of styles and colors, all made of wool and acrylic-blend that bears the name of the women who stitched it.
Heifer International Chicks
A small donation to Heifer International will purchase a flock of chickens for a needy family in Heifer International’s global outreach program. Producing up to 200 eggs per year, your donated bird will help fill a child’s belly with essential protein.
Seahorse Socks
As a way to support his charity tutoring program 826 Valencia, Dave Eggers of McSweeney’s started a pirate supply store in the heart of San Francisco. The money goes to helping local youth develop their writing skills, and the lucky someone on your list gets a pair of pirate-inspired socks.
Jambox Charity:Water Edition
Jawbone has joined forces with charity:water to help support staff and operations in bringing clean, safe drinking water to billions living without it. With each purchase of the powerful little bluetooth speaker, Jawbone will donate $50 to support charity:water.
UNICEF Bangles
Give a lady some responsible style with these bracelets, whose proceeds go to support UNICEF’s programs around the world. The accessories are made from durable rosewood and polished brass in India.
