Fair Trade Stocking Stuffers

I recently went shopping online for some fair trade stocking stuffers (at our house, both kids and adults get goodies in their stockings) and I figured I might as well share some ideas with you all since I'd already done the legwork. :-)

Friendship Bracelet Trio from Trade As One, $12.00


No stocking would be complete without chocolate!
These Organic, Vegan, Fair Trade Peanut Butter Bites ($0.65 each) are my favorite indulgence from my favorite chocolatier, Sjaaks!


I think these Madero Mod Mirrors would please anyone from young to old - from Global Girlfriends, $12.00


How about a sweet barrette from The Hunger Site for just $2.95?


I know gelt is a Hanukkah thing and I'm talking about Christmas stockings here, but to me (and my five-year-old son), gelt is festive and fun no matter what holiday we're celebrating.
Hanukkah Gelt from Sweet Earth Chocolates, $7.50 for a bag of 15 pieces


This Galaxy Bracelet, also from Trade As One, was very popular at my gift party last weekend - it's prettier in person than in the photo, $19.50 (matching necklace also available).


For the tea aficionado in your house, how about some loose leaf Masala Chai from Art of Tea? $10.00 for 3 oz. (approx. 45 cups) - this is one of my personal faves.


I'll let you in on a little secret - Santa's definitely going to be leaving this adorable Rosebud Bracelet in my stocking this year! On sale for $11.40, also from Trade As One.


My son loooves his hackey sacks from UPAVIM Crafts, and they are just $3.50 each!


Of course, gift certificates are always a popular choice for stockings, and most fair trade sellers offer them. To select from a list of my favorite fair trade retailers, just head to the right hand margin here on the blog and check under the heading "Some of my Favorite Fair Trade Online Shops".


And finally, what stocking would be complete without some candy canes?
Organic Candy Canes by Pure Fun at Natural Candy Store, $3.99 for a box of 12

Fair Trade Gift Baskets

If you're feeling the time crunch as Christmas approaches, why not cross some names off of your gift giving list quickly and easily by purchasing a few fair trade gift baskets? I've rounded up a few of my favorites to get you started -

Unity Fair Trade Marketplace has as nice selection of fair trade gift baskets; one of my favorites is Chai and Chocolate for just $22.95.

The Global Exchange Online Store also has some great baskets - their Aromatherapy Gift Pack would make a thoughtful selection for a candle loving friend - $26.00.


Next on the list is the SERRV store, where my top pick from the gift basket department would have to be their Winter Warmth Basket, priced at $22.00 (I sampled some of the Divine mint chocolate at my party last weekend and it was really good).


Also from SERVV, I think this sweet little bag is a great choice for those on a budget at just $18.00.

Gift baskets have the added advantage of being able to be shipped directly to your friend or loved one, which can really be a life saver in these final weeks before Christmas. I avoid the mall at all costs during this time of year (actually, pretty much year-round). :-)

Just a quick post to apologize for the lack of content this past week... I always get super swamped with work this time of year, plus I've been really busy prepping for my fair trade party (tomorrow!). If you haven't already done so, please be sure to follow A Gentler World on Facebook; when I get overwhelmed like I am right now, I tend to post quick links and blurbs there instead of publishing full blog posts.

Hope you all are enjoying your holiday season! :-)

Video Break

I'm working on a post about fair trade clothing and thought I'd share this video as a warm-up for my upcoming topic...

Party Time

Well, I decided to follow my own advice and host a combination fair trade shopping party and fair trade chocolate tasting. If you're local (Humboldt County, CA), I hope you will join me on Sunday, December 5th for some excellent shopping and tasty chocolate - email me for directions!

I've already received the merchandise from Project Have Hope, Trade As One, and Mayan Hands, and everything is absolutely gorgeous! I've been doing a little advance shopping already. :-)

Fair Trade Christmas Ornaments

The holiday season has provided me with a generous bounty of blog post ideas! Today let's talk about Christmas tree ornaments - they are fun, inexpensive, and everyone loves them. Buy them for your own tree and grab a few more to decorate the tops of your packages with this year! Here are some of my favorites -

Peacock ornament with traditional zardozi beading and embroidery from India.
(There are many other beautiful animal designs also available from Greenheart.)


Beaded reindeer ornament from MayaWorks.


Ceramic star ornaments from Partners for Just Trade.


Blue lotus ornament from SERRV (tons more cute designs here!).


Resplendent Rooster Ornament from SERRV
(note to hubby: I want one pretty please!)


Gold Star Garland from Trade As One


Haitian Straw Stars from One World Project


Llama Christmas Ornament made from reclaimed rubber from DIGS


Hummingbird Gourd Ornament from TurningLife


Hand Embroidered Ornaments from Unity Fair Trade Marketplace

Giveaway Results

Thanks so much to all who entered my fair trade chocolate giveaway! It was fun to read your responses and learn a little more about you all.

Congratulations to Aimee, the lucky winner of the chocolate bars!