The Best Fair Trade Websites to Shop this Holiday Season.

Dec 9

We all know someone, a family member or friend, who is conscious about protecting our ecosystem. They love and appreciate those handmade items. They shop at local farmers’ markets. They appreciate homemade items and take the time to really care about their purchases and value where they come from.

I have put together a list of reputable Fair Trade websites that benefit artisans and communities around the world. A Fair Trade organization is usually non-profit. They partner with artisans and communities in underserved areas. The profit made from the sale of the items goes directly to the communities and artisans. These organizations are a wonderful opportunity for women. They provide them with a source of income contributing to family expenses. It allows them to pay for their child’s education ultimately keeping them out of reach of human trafficking.

Read my article about Nomi Network, a charitable organization, that combats human trafficking by empowering women through job training programs in Northern India and Cambodia communities.

I’ve chosen a handful of items from my favorite Fair Trade sites and Etsy. Etsy is a great place to find those unique, one-of-a-kind, and even personalized gifts. Etsy retail site only features artisans, and crafters that make or design their own items. Etsy only takes a very small fee from their listers. There is no cost to the consumer for using the Etsy site. You can be assured the cost of the purchase is going directly to the creator.

There are so many wonderful and special items on Etsy there are too many to count. You can have a personal photo transformed into a pillow or a blanket. A handmade hat from soft Llama or Alpaca wool. Handmade Jewelry or a healing crystal, handmade journals, soaps and lotions, homemade candles. There are also specialized gift tags and kids’ activity sheets. Stop by my Etsy page “Young Explorers” for inexpensive digital printouts of activity sheets geared toward children 12 and under. The sheets will fill their time and expose their minds to different cultures around the world.

Here is a list of some of my favorite Fair Trade websites:

The Little Market. This non-profit organization was started by two women, Lauren Conrad, and Hannah Skvarla. After visiting Uganda in 2012 they saw a need to help talented and creative women get their beautiful products out to a wider market. They feature handmade items created by women in underserved communities around the globe. Every sale improves the life of its creator.
You will find handcrafted items from blankets to decor, soaps, fragrances, handmade totes, and candles, items for the kitchen to name a few.
Fair Trade Winds: Work with 150 artisans covering 57 countries. At Fair Trade Winds a significant amount of every purchase directly benefits the creator. The owners are committed to the Fair Trade principles of sustainability, and ethically sourced items that benefit struggling communities around the world. They have 4 shops located in Maine, Colorado, and Washington State, with more to come in the near future. You will find clothing, bags, gifts for the home, and toys.
Invisible World: This company is a little different but has the same means to an end. They have been working with the same small family-owned companies from Asia and South America for an average of 15 years. They have the most beautifully designed Alpaca wool sweaters, hats, gloves, wraps, ponchos, and blankets.
- Daphne Alpaca Hat, Scarf & Glove set - Beautiful design and colors
Wakami Global: Beautifully designed unique jewelry from Guatemala. Wakami is recognized as one of the top 5% of B-Companies in the worker impact area. Providing work for women empowers them and provides a source of income for the home, essentially used towards the education of young girls.
- Earth Bracelet - Everyone loves a wrap bracelet! They look so colorful and enhance any outfit.
ESTROGFairTrade: This organization partners with members of the Fair Trade Membership network. Their products will connect you with the Etsy Shop and directly with the creator of the product. Their line of products features amazing handmade Bulga Baskets of all sizes, colorful handmade kitchen aprons, and oven mitts.
- Bolga Basket Fair Trade-M - Perfect for the farmers market or grocery store. Available in multiple sizes and colors. Organic, sustainable fabrics.
Global Goods Partners: A non-profit organization, launched in 2005, partners with over 60 artisan groups from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Working with women-led community-based organizations.
- Felt Arctic Animal Ornament Set - These whimsical creatures will adorn the tree for years to come. Made by women artisans in Nepal.
Etsy: A website platform that features handmade and items by artisans and creators. It is a reputable platform that charges a small fee per item when a creator sells through their site. There are unique products and personalized items from coffee mugs to t-shirts, handmade jewelry, to gifts for pet lovers, and children.
Nomi Network: A charity organization that provides workplace development to end modern-day slavery. Shop products to help the organization grow and reach more communities.

Another year is winding down and we have so much to be grateful for. What a great way to end the year on a positive note and give the gift of Fair Trade.

ConsciousTraveler.Co wishes you and your families a safe and Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year. May the coming year be filled to the rim with good health, prosperity, and happiness.

If you liked this article subscribe to my blog and follow me on social media. Let’s Connect!