The holidays are upon us and with them the flurry to find the perfect gift for loved ones. This year, consider giving to not just people, but the planet, too, by shopping our Fair Trade Gift Guide.
Fair trade is a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers, and the environment. It is a model for the global economy rooted in people-to-people connections, justice, and sustainability.
The fair trade movement has grown in demand over the decades – the most obvious sign being the development of multiple fair trade organizations and certifications, which promise that producers receive and give their workers a living wage, supply chains are ethical and sustainable, and labor laws are followed.
Every item recommended in this article comes from our thousands of certified Green Business Network members (and specifically our fair trade members), which meet or exceed Green America’s standards for social and environmental responsibility.
For the Homebodies
The 100% Organic Hemp Bed Sheet Collection from Delilah Home features hemp fibers, known for softness, breathability, and temperature-regulating properties, as well as being one of the more sustainable crops.
Make a statement at home with the Jellyfish Cocoa Lamp from daiseye. The lamp is made from fossilized cocoa leaves and wrought iron and is sure to get all your guests talking.
Add a splash of color to your home with the Funky Mushroom Trio chime set from Mira Fair Trade, made of reused metal.
Liven up a boring refrigerator with the Beaded Rhino Magnet from Wireworx, handmade from glass beads in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Handcrafted in an artisans' cooperative in Ecuador, this pair of Fair Trade Ecuadorean Tagua Chess Pawn Figurines from Cadeaux du Monde is a wholly unique gift.
For Those Who Love Fashion
The Raja Rainbow Hoops from WorldFinds are a beautiful gift, with an even more beautiful story. This fair trade business works with women artisans around the world—including women in India, who use fabric scraps from traditional Kantha quilts to create pieces like these earrings.
All the art lovers in your life will be wowed by the jewelry of Dunitz & Company. These Degas Ballerina Earrings feature the unmistakable work of Edgar Degas created with wood board made from recycled eucalyptus.
Gift a loved one with a gold-dipped rose crown the from Belart and help them become the fantasy character of their dreams.
A perfect gift for the activist in your life, the Mantra Bracelets from Mayan Hands feature various inspiring words and are made of 100% cotton.
For the Globe-Trotters
WorldFinds’ Kutch Mosaic Crossbody bag is the perfect accessory for those on the go, small enough to not be cumbersome, while still eye-catching and ideal for all the important things you need to keep handy.
Travel organized with the Wayfarer Traveler Jewelry Roll from Tenfold Fair Trade Collection. The piece is made from handwoven organic cotton by artisans in Cambodia, screen-printed by hand using eco-friendly dyes, and accessories from vegan leather, including a loop on the back to hang the organizer.
For longer trips your friend is taking, gift them the Batik Patchwork Weekender Bag from Fair Trade Winds. Batik is an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to the whole cloth and this bag is made of 100% cotton with upcycled flour sack lining inside.
For the Little Ones
The Travel Tic Tac Toe Game from daiseye is a great stocking stuffer for kids of all ages! The drawstring bag is made of cotton with a kantha stitch tic tac toe board for use with the Neem wood X and O chips found inside.
This gift is double the fun for kiddos! The Hand Felted Tooth Fairy Pillow from Just Creations is both a lovely doll for kids and its small pocket for lost teeth is the perfect way to welcome the tooth fairy.
Encourage the artistic pursuits of anyone with Tenfold’s Pine Crayon Bundles, made from pine brances and sold in bundles of 10.
Books are a staple gift for a reason—especially when they boast such a fascinating story! Reach and Teach offers several genres for all ages. This book, The Pearl Hunter by Miya T. Beck, for middle grade readers, follows a young pearl diver who goes to the ends of the earth to rescue her twin sister, stolen by a ghost whale, in a fantasy world inspired by pre-Shogun era Japan.
Give the stylish gift of A Day at the Beach Kids' Patchwork Pants made of 100% cotton in Nepal from Soul Flower Boho & Organic Clothing.
For the Foodies
Never skimp on the spices with this South African tomato pepper, featuring sun-dried tomato, black peppercorns, garlic, onion, red bell pepper, olives, and basil, sold by Just Creations. This spice comes from Burlap & Barrel, which sources spices directly from farmer cooperatives and small farms.
Up pizza night with the fun and handy Bike Pizza Cutter from Fair Trade Winds.
Try out new meals with Reach and Teach’s Cook Real Hawai’i cookbook by Sheldon Simeon, boasting uncomplicated, flavor-forward recipes.
In an ever-stressful world, give yourself and loved ones some grace and compassion with a warm cup of cinnamon tea from Traditional Medicinals.
Or maybe your giftee is more of a coffee person. There’s no better coffee than Velasquez Family Coffee, featuring quality coffee from Honduras, like the Maximo's French Roast Coffee (dark).
