Shop Wiser Part 2 – My Holiday Favorites
As I make my Holiday Gift List (and wish list) each year, I love to empower others. There are such beautiful ministries and partnerships everywhere I turn. Here are a few of my favorites and I hope you’ll consider them as you make your holiday wish list this year.
These companies are making a difference in the world.
You can find these and more on my Pin board right here.
Karama Gifts
You might remember hearing about Karama Gifts before – because a portion of sales from ABC Scripture Cards goes to this wonderful company.
Karama, an Arabic word meaning dignity, was founded on the principle that individuals flourish when given opportunity to provide for their families through creative and purposeful work.
I am flipping out over the New leather line! Specifically, the Around Town bag. I JUST bought a nice bag this very color – and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t get this one. Beautiful and supports artisans across the world. Every time someone compliments it? You have a wonderful chance to tell the story of fair trade.
They also do a beautiful job with jewelry! So many options including the above Serengeti Set. Definitely a new favorite of mine. Would make a great gift for any mom, sister, aunt or mother-in-law!
They have so many wonderful gifts from children to home – every price point too!
Grace and Lace
I fell in love with Grace and Lace – specifically the founder Melissa on Shark Tank. Yes, you read that right. I watch that show and love it. It’s because I’m a dreamer, a product creator and I am always rooting for people just like Melissa. I was SO PUMPED to see her business get a big YES. So her story get displayed all over the world – for God’s glory. And watch her use it for good – so much good.
Read the MISSION behind this beautiful company.
And, let us not forget her boot socks are precious and now an entire line of products! I cannot even handle these itty bitty leg warmers.
The next product – I’ve been needing for years. I like trendy dresses, but just not mini skirts. She has the “dress extender” and I love it!! Such a great gift for any girl in your life.
Enjoy Melissa’s full story here! From miscarriage to accidental business to shark tank to changing the world!
Carol and Company Gifts
Ruth Grigson was one of the very first stores to call and ask to sell ABC Scripture Cards and I think she still sells the most of anyone in the country. She is right up near Chicago in Barrington.
I love Ruth’s heart for the customer and her heart for spurring on other businesses and ministries. In addition to ABC Scripture Cards, she has beautiful gift and jewelry options for everyone on your list. Today, I’m sharing a couple of my favorite “giving back” products that sells.
Behind the Glass Pendants: These beautiful “Behind the Glass” necklaces are available in so many colors and shapes. They are manufactured by Hearstrings who is donating a portion of the profits to the non-profit charity “Helping Honduras Kids.” This organization helps provide education and a home to children that have been abandoned, abused and/or neglected.
Material Good Little Shirley Vase: I just love to give flowers in a tiny vase! Now, check out the story behind the Shirley Vase. In honor of her late grandmother, company founder Lauren Burman donates 10% of Little Shirley sales profits to organizations working to cure cancer or spread awareness about the disease. Now that’s real good. SOLD!
Giveaway Time!
I have been SO touched how many of you are giving my book as gifts. It touches me so much. So, I am trying to do the same with buying books by authors I know and love. One of those I love is Erin Burchik. She is a Parkview Panther and old family friend.
Our family loves her new book! Animals of the Nativity
Would you like one too?
ENTER TO WIN!
I’m giving away one book AND! And this sweet ornamant/towel set by Karama Gifts to one random winner.
Just say hi below or share about a company you love to shop with or company that gives back.
Winner will be chosen on Monday.
UPDATE – winner chosen on 11/24 – Helen Spitler! Congrats.
More products and ideas on my Holiday Wish List pin board here.
I just discovered your blog today. I absolutely love the Scripture cards!
Hi there! Would love to win this giveaway! Planning to give the scripture cards for a gift this year!!
Hi! Love your blog and love all of these gift ideas and products!
Beautiful products! My family has been giving to St. Jude’s for several years now. It just attaches an even greater meaning to Christmas for us!
Love your blog, Courtney!
hey Courtney! I can’t wait to read your book! I have your alphabet cards beside my kitchen sink. A friend gave them to me and my mom told me they were yours-I had no idea! I love them. Excited for you and all that you’re doing!
I love, love, love your blog!
You inspire me every week!
Wonderful gift ideas that give and then give again.
Beautiful! Thank you~~
Lovin’ the dress extender! I’m six feet tall, so it’s hard to find dresses/skirts that are a decent length!
I love Noonday Collections which developed out of a need to support orphans, but has grown into a company that gives fair wages to women overseas, which in turn brings their families out of poverty. Their jewelry and accessories are great!
Congrats Helen! You won! Email me your address!
Love the bag you posted, Courtney! I am a big fan of Noonday as well. Beautifully made and empowering women around the globe.
Love these ideas!
Purchased the adorable little vase from Carl & Company for my Mom and Mother-in-Law. They both are always clipping off flowers from their garden. Just love all the beautiful color options. Thank you for great ideas and an always inspiring blog!
I love your Scripture cards.
Thanks for the wonderful gift ideas that also give back. Several would be perfect for people I know.
LOVE the bag
I would LOVE that book for my two little boys! I’m trying to grow my collection of Christmas books!
Hey Jeannie – you won the towel set by Karama.
My sons teacher is fighting cancer right now. Love the vase as a gift for her!
What beautiful gift suggestions! Thank you for sharing (as always). My dear friend, Karen Berry, also created a lovely gift, PrayerBowls. She designed the PrayerBowl after hearing about a how a sweet lady prayed for her during a serious illness. Karen then designed a bowl to help capture daily prayers so she, and others, could remember to pray constantly and with intention. Karen has inspired me and others with her obedience in prayer!
Thanks for this list Court. I’m done with gifts for my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws now!
I recently discovered a company out of Charlotte, NC called The Marketplace. http://www.themarketplacenc.com. Awesome mission 🙂
Thank you! And I like 31Bits
Hey Molly! You won the book!
I always look forward to your emails. They make my day and give me inspiration and motivation to light people up! Great gift ideas! Some of my favorite stores to shop in Marietta, GA: Signatures, Cassabellas and Ivy Lane.
I love these gift ideas. Thanks!
LOVE this series!
Great list to kick off the Christmas gift shopping, thanks!
So happy I was brought to your sight. I LOVE this list of thoughtful, beautiful gifts that also give back. Win, win!
Thank you for doing this wonderful series. Your blog has been a great encouragement to me!
I love your scripture cards and would love to win the giveaway!