So the retailers have been on the Christmas prowl since this summer. I saw Christmas trees up in stores in August. Back to school supplies in stores before school was even out and Christmas shopping in August! No wonder there’s global warming; we can’t get our shopping seasons correct.
All that said, I am all about getting a jump on holiday shopping because I hate the stress of a crowded marketplace when I’m trying to find the perfect gift for my in-laws or my very-hard-to-shop-for, he-has-everything father, who’s birthday just happens to be December 25!
However, this year, I am trying not to sell my soul to the devilishly successful online marketplaces of Amazon, Target.com, overstock.com, etc…
If I can’t find it at a local retailer, I’m going to frequent sites with a good cause. Sites that stand for something and give part of their proceeds to help others. {Don’t be forlorn, big retailers actually do give back as well. See here.}
So without further ado, I give you my current list.
The Noonday Collection: Great collection of jewelry and accessories. Their mission is to create economic opportunity for the most vulnerable artisans in the developing world. Interested in the cause? Read more here.
International Sanctuary. This is a lovely collection of jewelry created by survivors of human trafficking in India. Interested in the cause? Read more here.
Ruhamah Designs. The beautiful jewelry and accessories from this company are also designed and hand-crafted by Indian girls rescued from sex-trafficking. Many of their survivors were SOLD as young girls and have never known life outside of prostitution. Interested in the cause? Read more here.
Indigenous Designs is a collection of Women’s and Men’s clothing. Their goal is to support and preserve fair trade wages and artisan cooperatives, invest in natural and organic fibers and environmentally-friendly dyes, and spread the beauty of handmade, eco fashion. Interested in the cause? Read more here.
31bits.com sells beautiful jewelry to support artisans in the developing world. They receive a sustainable income and holistic education, empowering them to rise above poverty. Interested in this cause. Read more here.
Higher Ground Roasters. This coffee company’s mission began with an effort to purchase the best coffee available, and roast it perfectly. They give back to the local and global community and support environmental preservation and conservation by purchasing 100% Certified Organic, Fair Trade, and Shade Grown Coffee. Interested in the cause? Read more here.
HipCycle is an online retailer specializing in upcycled goods. Their mission is to offer upcycled alternatives to traditional home decor, jewelry and fashion as a way to reduce global waste. They are trying to educate consumers on the benefits of upcycling. Interested in the cause? Read more here.
These are just a drop in the bucket of online retailers with a cause. If you have a favorite, please comment below. Happy shopping.
SPL
