Holiday Gift Guide: Home Edition

 

It's time to think about Christmas shopping and we've got a roundup of home gifts that give back. Who's on your list this season? A sister-in-law, co-worker or friend? Why not choose a gift that has impact?. Delight that special person on your list with something beautiful for their home.

 

This roundup of home goods were made with love all over the world. Each purchase means you're making a difference in someone's life. Bring beauty to the people in your life, but also people in need around the world. We've selected a handful of some of our favorite items that given back generously to artisans in Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, Ghana and Ethiopia.

 

Tip: Order early to avoid disappointment. All these organizations and businesses of purpose ship from the US. Choose to have the item shipped to you or directly to the person you are giving a gift to.

 

 

 

Beeswax Votive Candles from Guatemala
Eden Por Saluda | Price: $10 for a set of 3

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Three all-natural beeswax votive candles with a cotton wick that come in a hand-made box. The candles are 100% natural and have beneficial properties that help the respiratory system because beeswax naturally absorb toxins, allergens and dust in the air.

 

Purpose

Each Edén product is handcrafted by, and provides an accessible income, to a local entrepreneur with a disability.  Guatemala has few resources for people with disabilities, and an estimated 1/3 of Guatemalan households care for a family member with a disability.  Many of these adults spend their days alone, without socialization, and are discriminated against in the workforce. Edén is changing this through labor inclusion that is based around the individual strengths of each entrepreneur so that they can thrive in their work and build confidence and income. With this autonomy, they give back to their communities and create social and economic growth for themselves. 

 

 

 

Pocket Napkin Set from Haiti

2nd Story Goods | Price: $28 for a set of 4

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These classic cotton napkins with locally-printed words remind us of what’s really important when we gather around a table for a meal: to pause, give thanks, enjoy, and savor. The best part? The word tags also work as a "pocket" to hold tableware, flowers, notes, place cards, or whatever else your imagination desires! Also, great for the holidays, you can get creative in using them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and more!

 

Purpose

2nd Story Goods understand how it feels to want to buy things that are good for the people who made them, the planet, and you. This is why they've been working on the ground with their artisans in Gonaives, Haiti for 10 years, creating recycled, handcrafted goods for a livable wage. Last year their impact enabled over 108 children to stay in school, not because of hand-outs, but through the dignity of their parents’ work with 2nd Story Goods.

 

 

 

Mini Wood & Bone Spoon Set from Kenya

Tirzah International | Price: $18 for a set of 4

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Hand-carved from olive wood and inlaid with hand-carved bone in sets of 4, each of these mini spoon sets feature their own distinct variations, textures and colors.

  • 2.25" x .85"
  • Sustainable olive Wood & Upcycled Natural Bone
  • Crafted in a woman-owned studio

The Kenya Collection employs artisans across Kenya, including HIV-impacted women participating in Tirzah's microenterprise empowerment programs in Kibera. Showcasing the diversity of Kenyan artistry, it features handcrafted jewelry, accessories, low-impact dyed leather, and home decor using natural and and upcycled materials.

 

Purpose

As a sustainability initiative of Tirzah International, every item at The Tirzah Bazaar is curated for you to make a difference in the life of an artisan and give back to Tirzah's mission with your purchase.

 

Tirzah International focuses on tackling the core issues affecting women by partnering with programs centered around microenterprise, leadership development and local sustainability.
 

 

 

Bolga Market Basket from Ghana

The Little Market | Price: $88

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Stylish, sturdy, and roomy, the Bolga Market Basket doubles as a chic tote and a beautiful storage solution in your home. Handwoven by artisans with sustainably sourced veta vera grass, each basket will be just as adored as the treasures you choose to fill them with.

 

  • 15.5” x 9”.
  • Handle drop: 7.5”.
  • Handle drop at sides: 2” x 1.5”.
  • As with all handmade items, variations will occur.

 

Purpose

Every purchase empowers artisans from rural communities of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana. On a path to financial independence, the artisans work in safe and empowering environments and earn fair wages through dignified work.

 

The Little Market is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic self-sufficiency of women worldwide through dignified income opportunities. Our mission is anchored in the fundamental belief that every person has the right to safe jobs and fair, livable wages. Each piece is made following fair trade principles, ultimately contributing to a life-changing sustainable income and giving back to the people who made it.

 

 

 

The Mama Box Subscription from Haiti

Haiti Mama | Price: $279 (4 boxes per year)

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Looking for a special gift that gives all year? This is it! The Mama Box by Haiti Mama is a quarterly box subscription filled with lifestyle, beauty and home décor products. Each box contains 6 or more artisan products. Boxes ship on the 15th of February, May, August and November. 


Purpose

Did you know that in Haiti 80% of the kids in orphanages have families? Parents need jobs, not orphanages. 100% of The Mama Box revenue is reinvested into the Haitian economy. These boxes have created work for 250+ artisans. Haiti Mama trains Haitian parents and they pay fair trade wages. The only way we can change the orphanage system is to support the alternatives. Haiti Mama has  partnered with other organizations in Haiti who share their mission of job creation to connect consumers to as many mamas as possible. The more mamas that subscribe, the more mamas they can employ. 

 

 

 

Hand-woven Ribbed Cotton Throw from Ethiopia

Give Back Goods| Price $79

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This beautiful throw is exquisitely handspun & woven by a small group of talented Ethiopian artisans. Dyed with AZO-free color and available in two unique designs, this lightweight blanket is the perfect addition to a picnic, beach trip, living room spread, or used to wrap up on a cool fall evening. 100% locally sourced eco-friendly cotton. Machine wash & dry.

  • Colors: Azure and Sand, Azure and Tangerine, Azure and Navy, Azure and Gold
  • Size: 38x72

 

Purpose

This fair trade home and lifestyle brand has had long-term partnerships with talented artisans in Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Kenya who work in women-led small businesses. By developing healthy, sustainable, and profitable partnerships, they are able to bring artisanal handcrafted pieces to a global market. These artisans create beautifully unique natural fiber handspun and hand-woven textiles and baskets.

Employing a longstanding and rich traditional art form, these artisans spin and weave 100% locally grown environmentally friendly high-quality fibers. The pieces are then washed and accented with AZO-free dyes.

Handcrafted with skillful hands and careful attention, each piece has unique qualities in natural texture, softness, and color. They are committed to providing high-quality jobs to their suppliers as well as unique products for their customers.

By creating a sustainable niche for these artisans, they help to ensure their craft supports the health, education, and economic stability of their families. They believe that conscious consumerism — in which the act of buying is also one of giving — is a powerful way to effect change.

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Travel on Purpose has received no commissions or affiliate payment for listing these items.

We just love them and want to share them with you!