Fair Trade Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the onslaught of Black Friday deals and cheap sales. But what if we chose to use our purchasing power for good? 

Fair trade products ensure that the people behind our gifts are employed in respectful and dignified ways, and that care for the natural world is embedded in every product. When you buy fair trade, you are supporting a different present that leads to a brighter future: one driven by better economic practices, better profits for workers, and operating within the natural limits of our biosphere.

Here are three gift ideas for the conscious consumer this holiday season:

Give a gift that keeps on giving. Subscription boxes are a great way to give a gift that lasts. Try FairTradeLA’s FAIR packages with curated items from our business members. If your giftee is a beauty addict, try Beautyologie’s Fairest Box of the All filled with fair trade goodies.

Try experiences instead of things. Has someone always wanted to know how to make your special family recipe? Gift them a cooking class and make it together. Get some ethically made essential oils and spend an afternoon DIY-ing your favorite soap combinations. Gift cards to the zoo, symphony, or the trampoline park are great ways to give the gift of memory and quality time. If you’re looking to travel in the new year, choose an ethical option like Sarilla’s trip to Rwanda to meet the makers behind their tea.

Shop fair trade directories. At Fair Trade LA, we have an incredible community of business members to choose from. Check out our business member directory for a full list! Our fair trade friends in Chicago and New York have their own business member directories as well, ensuring there are plenty of fair trade options to choose from!

If you want to get a headstart on your shopping, FTLA has a silent auction happening until November 13th! Sign up to bid on incredible items like wine tasting tours, hotel stays, and gift cards to your favorite fairly traded brands. 

How will you be shopping with a purpose this holiday season?