Re-think Where You Spend Your Money- Part two

In my last post I talked about how you should shop local, small businesses this holiday season and year round. In this post I'm going to be talking about a few different ways to shop for friends and family that you may not have ever thought about. 

I love shopping on Etsy! For those that don't know what Etsy is, it is a website that basically serves as a network of online, small businesses. But, these small businesses all offer hand made or vintage items; everything from soap, candles, and jewelry to children's toys, stationery, and furniture. This is a fabulous way to shop small businesses if you don't have any in your area or prefer to do your shopping online. I really can't say enough great things about this site! Right now they have a whole gift giving section that is broken down into sections so you can easily find great gifts for everyone on your list. As an added bonus you can even narrow your search down to businesses located in your city or state. How awesome is that?! I bought a ton of artwork for Harrison's nursery from artisans on Etsy, and I am going to be buying him and his Daddy some Christmas presents from there as well. Here are some shops I love;

• 2 Hearts Desire: They sell hand-crafted wood items including children's toys.
• Sapling Naturals: Hand made soaps are their specialty. They have something I just discovered called felted soaps. Basically its a bar of soap with felt around it which acts in the place of a wash cloth and helps keep the soap from slipping out of your hands. Genius!
• Pockets of Art: Jewelry and children's toys
• US Wood Toys: They sell hand-stitched underwear. Just kidding they sell wood toys.
• Mama May I: Handmade learning toys, specializing in Montesorri style, open-ended toys. 
• Manzanita Kids: Simple wooden puzzles, stackers, teethers, building blocks, etc... 
• Monkeys Always Look: Unique hand-stamped rings. This store is a must for new moms on your list! They have pretty rings that your child's name can be stamped on. 
• Pop Heart Press: Educational art; flashcards, alphabet posters, etc... I have a couple things from them in Harrison's nursery. Their customer service is top-notch. The idiotic post office bent by alphabet poster even though it was in a sturdy mailer with "DO NOT BEND" stamped all over it. And Pop Heart Press replaced it promptly with no questions asked. 
• Paisley Dog Press: Letterpress stationery, gift tags, and wedding invitations. They have really cute Christmas cards! Added bonus: they are located in Reading, Pa!

I have always been the type of person that is willing to help others, and after returning from 5 weeks volunteering in Kenya this  took on a whole new meaning. Finding ways to help others has become a sort of passion of mine over the past few months, and it has extended into gift-giving in the form of supporting charities. Of course you can support your favorite charity by volunteering or writing a check. But a lot of charities also sell products in order to raise money, and this can be a great gift-giving opportunity. Why not give a gift that will put a smile on your loved-one's face while at the same time supporting a great cause? When finding charities to support, Google is your friend. Love the environment? Cool! Google "environmental charities" and see what pops up. Obviously, do your research to make sure they are a reputable, legit charity. Too lazy to Google? That's ok- I have two wonderful, deserving charities that you can support

• Kintendo Children's Charity (KCC): This is an amazing organization located in Kenya, and was started by Marcus, a person I met while in Kenya last summer. Marcus is an amazing individual who is devoting his time to KCC. He has helped start a school and is in the process of building dormitories for the students so that they no longer have to live in the slum that is located down the road from the school. Seriously, he is doing amazing things and deserves your support!
  
  The store sells various items including t-shirts and jewelry. Everything is made in Kenya and supports the school, feeding program, and women's group. Marcus has everything outlined under each product so you know exactly what percentage of your purchase is going to which part of the charity. The jewelry is gorgeous and is made from recycled magazines. It is made by a handful of women who have started a women's group as a means to lift themselves from poverty. I have one of their necklaces and literally every time I wear it I get multiple compliments from friends and strangers alike. This organization is close to my heart, and I can not say enough great things about it! You can find out more about Marcus, the organization, the school, and see how the dorms are coming along on his blog.
• Punjammies: These are gorgeous hand-sewn pajama pants, shorts, and t-shirts that are made in India by women rescued from human trafficking. The women seek refuge with the organization, are given counseling, and then when they are ready are trained to sew the items. This is not a sweat shop-type situation; the women are treated with respect and receive good wages. This is a way for them to learn a marketable skill and help lift themselves from poverty while at the same time healing from their harrowing experience in the sex trade. More can be learned about their parent organization; The Princess Project, here. 
• Live Worldly: Ok, technically this isn't a charity. BUT, when you buy something a portion of the profits goes directly back to the product's country of origin where it is put to good use through local non-profits. A couple years ago I stumbled upon this website and they only sold a few things including brazilets; which are bracelets from Brazil. It is said that if you wrap the bracelet around your wrist, tie it in a knot three times, and make a wish with each knot that the wishes will come true when the bracelet falls off. A portion of the proceeds benefits a a charity dedicated to saving the rain forest. I love these bracelets and when I discovered them I promptly bought one for myself and some friends (they make amazing stocking stuffers, by the way!). The company has grown immensely, and brazilets are now just one example of the hundreds of fashion-forward things they sell. 

Lastly, if there is an art-lover on your list you should consider supporting local artists and art galleries. Artwork is also a great gift for someone who just bought a home, I can't think of a better gift then something they can hang up on their new, empty walls! If you live in the Reading, Pa area the Goggle Works is an amazing place to go to find local artists. There are several exhibitions going on at any given time, and there is always something amazing to look at. Normally, all of the artwork is for sale, although, it can be a bit pricey. For more affordable gifts you can visit their store to find art prints, photographs, art books, jewelry, vases, etc... There is even a really cool kids' section with unique, fun gifts for little ones. If you have a creative person on your list, there are classes available in several different mediums as well. I love wandering around the galleries and store inside the Goggle Works- there is always something new to see! Be sure to check out their calendar of events. Often, the artists offer glass blowing and pottery demonstrations. What better way to warm up on these cold winter days than by sipping a cup of coffee from the cafe while walking around appreciating great art?

So, there you have it! Please consider who you are supporting and where your money is going before buying something for your loved ones this year. You're going to be buying presents anyway. Why not support great causes, people, and small businesses in the process?

Peace, love, & happy shopping!