Buy International. Wait a minute. Get your recommendations straight here, Janece. First you say buy local and now you are saying “Buy International?!?”
Yup, that’s what I’m saying. We are both a local and global community. Our primary relationship with the world, for most of us, is economic. This is a chance to choose how our dollars will impact the broader global community. Will it support unsafe, unfair, uninspired, mass produced products? Or will it contribute to individuals, build local communities and economies, and make a difference in the quality of life around the world?
A few years ago, I wanted to get something more than just a gift card to a bookstore for my Aunt Karen. While she’s a voracious reader and I know she would love more books—I wanted to buy something unique, something that would have meaning and bring more beauty into her day-to-day life.
I found ceramic birds similar to these by artist Lulli Luca, through Novica.com. Lulli lives in Peru and works full time as a professional artist. Novica’s mission is to provide a connection for and to artisans around the world.
I’m still happy about that purchase.
Recently, I found Ten Thousand Villages. I can’t recommend them highly enough. From their website: “To us, each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people … offering extraordinary products born of their rich cultures and traditions.” If you are lucky, they may have a local store near you.
In a similar vein, look into buy Fair Trade (learn more about Fair Trade here). Simply search on “fair trade gifts” and you’ll find a treasure trove of gift ideas.
There are far more ideas than I’ve compiled here. In fact, not buying anything at all and giving gifts of time. The possibilities are limitless. In fact, I bet you know of several that I didn’t list here. Please leave a comment and share with us the ideas you know of or have done yourself.
Here’s to all of us waking up this year … ♥
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