Christmas is almost here, friends! This will be my only “gift guide” for 2016. As you are finishing up online shopping, I want to give a shout out to those presents that give back by meeting needs (i.e. clean water, meals, books, education) or by empowering others (i.e. creating jobs for those in poverty, providing counseling for survivors.)
I’m blessed to work in a “give-back boutique” (local to my hometown) that I would love to share with all of my local friends. (Local friends: You must visit The Giving Tree!) Yet, I am aware that most of my readers aren’t local and I want to share some of these incredible companies with you, as well, sweet readers! The boutique I work in sells numerous products from companies empowering others and meeting needs. I’ll share a few of those with you! In addition to that, I’m going to share some companies that I’ve learned about through various ministries, conferences, and blogging connections. I want you to know about these products that give, not only to recipient of the gift, but also to the one who crafted it. Our dollars can truly spread hope!
Listen sweet friends: of these companies, only two of them give me any kind of compensation. I will tell you when we get to those. I keep it very real with you all, you know. My primary reason for sharing any of these companies and products is simply to spread hope. I believe in each of these businesses. What I know of them is absolutely inspiring!
Here are a few of my faves!
1) Raven and Lily: my favorite earrings come from this company! I bought these gold, leather, leaf earrings at IF: Gathering last February. They are my favorites and I wear them entirely too often. Raven and Lily is committed to empowering women in impoverished countries across the globe by creating jobs, honoring artisans, and providing unique fair-trade items. I’m a fan.
2) Thistle Farms: This company employs women healing from exploitation, human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Every product is all natural and provides jobs for these brave survivors! I have this lip balm in “tea tree mint” and it smells incredibly fresh while also fighting nausea. I need this sort of thing in my life.
3) Noonday Collection: Noonday empowers artisans to create their own flourishing, fair-trade businesses in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries. The jewelry is some of the most stylish jewelry you can possibly find on the market. I especially love this necklace! Wouldn’t this be pretty with a tunic and utility vest?
4) Mudlove: I buy these bracelets for everyone from The Giving Tree! If you live far away, you can shop online! One of my favorite bracelets to wear is this “Be the Change” band.
5) Sseko Designs: You may be familiar with the adorable strappy, lace-up sandals sold by Sseko. The sandals are made in Uganda and I’m thrilled that Sseko now designs jewelry, as well. I was so excited when Sseko mailed me these earrings right before Thanksgiving in exchange for my honest review of the product. Here is my honest review: BUY THESE! For real friends, I just love the Brave Earrings with the laughter charm. The gold tone matches all of my favorite jewelry and clothing. I wrote more about them and the story they tell on the blog here. {This is where you can find my real review.} I’m so thankful for companies like Sseko!
6) Branded Collective: This is also available at The Giving Tree, local pals. Everyone else, you must check this company out online! I own a small, copper cuff just like this one. Branded Collective employs survivors of human trafficking where the women colaborate with local artisans to design and craft the jewelry. It is my hope that you will read a bit about this company to educate yourself. You can make a difference in the life of a brave survivor.
7) Krochet Kids International: I am an affiliate for Krochet Kids and I loooove their hats! I just mailed one as a gift this morning! I’m not going to include my affiliate link here. I’d rather you just learn more about the company and give in ways that provide jobs and alleviate poverty. However, my website does usually have a zillion Krochet Kids banners and ads–so if you ever forget the name of the company, just check back here. This hat is called The Abby and I think it’s rather pretty! Krochet Kids works with women in Northern Uganda and Peru to empower them through jobs, education, and mentorship toward a sustainable livelihood for the woman and her family. That’ll preach.
8) Hand in Hand Soap: For every bar of soap purchased, Hand in Hand donates one bar of soap and one month of clean water to a child in need. Give an all-natural gift to a loved one while giving the gift of clean water to another. What a beautiful picture of giving. Our local boutique sells this line and I love the scent of this Sea Salt Sugar Scrub!
9) JOYN India: This company made my very favorite purse! I learned about them last year at IF: Gathering, as well. JOYN products are 100% handmade and JOYN employees are provided jobs for a sustainable income, education, medical, a daily meal plan, and vocational training. While I cannot seem to find the purse I own on the website, I do really like this trendy Jade, fringe tassel as a keychain!
10) The Giving Keys: The Giving Keys is a company on mission to help those affected by homelessness. This give-back company creates jobs and shares stories with meaningful words on repurposed keys. I’ve seen these again and again, but haven’t purchased one just yet. It’s definitely on my list! I love this gold necklace with the word Brave because that’s what Jesus is doing and is contining to do in my life. He makes me brave. I am only ever brave for Jesus, and only ever brave because of Jesus.
In my first draft of this post, I included several other companies. For the sake of simplifying the post, I’ll share the other companies at a different time. But friends? I pray you will find ways to use your dollars to spread hope and love. What is pure and genuine religion in the sight of God?
May we all seek to love God and to love others with all of our heart, soul, and strength.
May we give in ways that our love for Jesus shines brightly illuminating a dark world.
May we be vessels of His hope.
For His glory and by His grace, may our hearts prepare Him room.
From my heart to yours,
~Courtney
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for widows and orphans in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
~James 1:27 NLT
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