If you missed the first day of #SHOPWISER – start HERE. It explains why we are spending a week with a heart-conscious holiday gift guide.
I am soooo excited about today’s group. Stick around and you’ll have a CHANCE TO WIN some seriously amazing gifts.
Let me tell you about four companies. Four world-changing organizations. They all share something in common. They are in business to empower others. These companies create, build and expand so that others across the world can survive.
For many of these artisans and craftsman – this is actually life or death. These jobs allow some to put food on the table for the first time. These jobs allow some to choose a life of dignity over slavery.
Think of your Christmas list. And how it might connect with one of these companies. So many will be blessed as a result. It’s a ripple effect of dignity and God’s love.
1. Noonday Collection
This isn’t just a story on the news. These are real people. Real women with kids to feed. Real stories of dreams fulfilled because of beautiful goods we can buy and wear proudly. My sweet friend Paige does an amazing job as an ambassador telling the story behind each piece. The stories behind every artisan is a work of God’s hand across the world.
I have a confession. I bought this necklace for someone in my family for Christmas and then I might have worn it out for a test drive. OMG. I just admitted that. It’s back safely in the bag. Maybe I should wrap it with tape. It’s amazing. And, I LOVE telling the story of Noonday when people ask about it or anytime I wear something Noonday.
Thank you Paige and Noonday. I love your business and your heart for women across the world. So, shop through Noonday and get your favorite fashion-forward friends and family something fabulous … or win this beautiful bracelet below.
2. Tegu
I learned of Tegu at my first and only Harvard wedding. A smarty pants friend of mine married another smarty pants Harvard grad. While at the reception, the discussions started getting good. We were having a discussion about a few men with giant brains, with hearts of equal size. This table was discussing the founders of Tegu. Brilliant concept – magnetic blocks! Even better concept – the mission behind the product. They asked this question:
Could we create a for-profit company based in Honduras that would foster a positive social impact through its business?
Do you know how many people have new ideas? Lots. Do you know how many people get “moved” and inspired on trips across the world? Lots. Do you know how many people come back and do something about it. Few. I am crazy about what Tegu is doing.
As a mom, I think the product is brilliant and worth every dollar. A sturdy carrying case to keep in your purse or bag for those waiting rooms? Carpool lines? (They come in other sizes too – above set has 8 blocks). A product that holds up over time and spurs creativity in my children? Come on. See the gallery. Love it.
These are on our wish list this year. We’ve played with our friends’ blocks and I have no idea why I don’t have them yet. I realize these aren’t “new” to the market – but this concept is always fresh …. and world-changing. Even our toys can have social impact! Give the gift of Tegu or win a set below. (Thanks Sam & Amber for connecting me to these great guys.)
3. Market Colors
Very similar to the stories above – you have another incredible human behind this story. Meet Lizzie (full story here). She went to Africa and came face-to-face with poverty in a new way. She couldn’t come back and forget. So, Market Colors was born: dedicated to mitigating financial hardships and improving the quality of life of the impoverished in Africa.
As a fellow Summit Church friend – I’m so happy to help further her mission. I’m happy to tell you about a couple great gift ideas. Gifts that impact others beyond the recipient.
I just love this clutch! So fun. I know one sister that would love it. Sorry, sis. Totally didn’t draw your name this year. Here’s hopin for ya.
What about this cute scarf? Love it! Check out all their awesome goods here. Win it below!
4. Karama Gifts
Last, but certainly not least. Did you know every time you buy a set of ABC Scripture Cards, a portion goes to this amazing organization? I’m so thrilled that my friends Susan and Cabell told me about Karama. As I learned more, I fell more in love. As we stood side-by-side at the dotMOM conference I learned even more.
I was blown away by this photo. This is where these guys live and work. This is how they make my new green scarf. I will wear it with such pride, praying for the very hands that made it.
And, now for my favorite hoops of all time. Really, I LOVE the look of a big hoop. However, I do not like the look of my ear lobe being pulled to the ground. These are perfecto. So light, so comfy and beautiful. I get compliments so often and say,
“Oh thanks – they were made with recycled metal by HIV positive women in Ethiopia.”
That’ll open a great discussion in passing. 🙂
Enjoy shopping with my friends at Karama Gifts this holiday season and enter to win MY FAVORITE HOOPS below.
#SHOPWISER: Day 1, Shop To Give