It’s holiday shopping time… While doing research for an upcoming post on social enterprises, I found a few websites that sell fair trade goods produced in developing countries. There were a few cool items that caught my eye, so I thought I would share in case anyone is looking for holiday shopping ideas.

Fair Trade Shops

Escama Studio
Super cool handbags and accessories made from recycled aluminum tabs by women and men in Brazil art co-operatives. Each item has a tag with the name of the artist who made it. You can see photos and information about the artists on Escama Studio’s website. Favorites: Francisca pop top evening bag and chica rosa pop top mini clutch.

Indego Africa
Indego Africa sells accessories and home décor produced by women in Africa. The organization assists women by providing training and access to export markets. Favorites: agaseke baskets and plateau baskets.

SheaPet
SheaPet sells organic shea butter shampoos and conditioners for dogs and cats. The Northern Uganda Shea Processor’s Association produces the shea butter. Favorites: shea butter shampoo and skin repair and dander care.

Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages has a wide variety of handmade jewelry and home decor from artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Favorites: gourd box, leaves of Bali condiment set, pinwheel circles frame, tuareg necklace.

Trade for Change
Trade for Change sells jewelry, accessories, skin care products, home decor, and pet products handcrafted by women in Ghana. Global Mamas works with the artists to create sustainable business opportunities. Favorites: pot holder sunflower red and tea towel hanging ferns.

World Women Work
World Women Work sells clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home décor made by women in Kenya, Nepal, Indonesia and 11 other countries. The organization promotes education, economic independence, and wildlife conservation. Favorites: beaded Maasai belts and zebra print pashmina, beaded leather dog collar, fetish pendants on shell rope.

Sustainable Gifts for People in Need

The website below is not a fair trade store; it is a non-profit organization that provides livestock, tools, supplies, and services to people in developing countries. You can select what you would like to give and then donate on-line.

Outreach International
Donate a goat, sheep, chicken, or water buffalo. Help fund education or health services. Give carpentry tools or a sewing machine. Outreach International works to create sustainable solutions to overcome poverty.