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#SHOPWISER: Day 2, Shop to Empower

If you missed the first day of #SHOPWISERstart 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.

 

shopwiser day 2

 

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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

 

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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.

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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.”

 

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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.

 

So, ENTER TO WIN one of these FOUR amazing gifts.

Just say hello or your thoughts on “shop to empower” if you have time.
One random winner drawn for each, will announce this weekend.

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62 Comments

  1. this is a huge blessing! my husband and i are always burdened (ok, maybe just me) with what to by friends and family at christmas, that is meaningful. these are meaningful and empowering! thank you for doing this!

  2. What amazing stories!!! It really makes me rethink how and where I’ll do my holiday shopping. Thank you for shinning the spotlight!

  3. Such a fantastic idea!!! Love them all. Partial to Tegu of course but that necklace is gorgeous! Thanks for inspiring, court!!

  4. Love all these! I’ve been dying to buy something from Noonday. I pinned a beautiful summer hat and I’m kicking myself for not buying it right away. Maybe they’ll have it next summer…

  5. Gorg! I want your favorite hoops. Please tell me I qualify. Love you friend and your Jesus loving heart! Xoxo

  6. Love the idea of wearing these items and praying over the hands who made them. Thanks for broadening my world today.

  7. I love these products. I have tried to be intentional this year about every gift, purchasing with ‘giving back’ in mind. I still have several to get. Thanks for the links. I hadn’t heard about Karama Gifts. LOVE those earrings!!

  8. I love this post!!! I am laughing out loud at you wearing that necklace for a test drive!!! So funny! Happy Tuesday! xoxo!

  9. I bought Tegu blocks a few years ago right after they showed them on the Today show and then returned them as a dumb mom not realizing that my boys WOULD grow up one day and could play with them. Boo! But I love this post and I am onboard with this powerful idea of empowering others with dollars we would have already spent! Good Stuff, Courtney!

  10. Hi Courtney! We are enjoying our first year of Light ’em up! You’ve got some great suggestions here – thanks so much!

  11. Thanks for the great ideas! Every time I see a pic of you wearing those hoops, it makes me want a pair! And those blocks are a great idea for my nephews!

  12. I’m a Noonday Ambassador (so obviously a huge fan) but I would LOVE to win those Tegu blocks for my little boy.

  13. I’m also a noonday ambassador, and am so excited to see moms using their voice to help other moms in such profound ways! I adore tegu and am excited to learn more about all of these amazing companies you are teaching us about!

  14. Awesome list !!! We have Tegu on our family wish list, but so happy to hear & spread the word about these other great companies 😉

  15. Thank you for the great gift ideas and ways to give back. I have a great friend and coworker that bought a pair of earrings on a mission trip from a lady in a one room “house”…I love hearing people compliment her on them and hearing her tell about them. It is a wonderful testimony, as well as many of these items, on what God can use us and these people for!

  16. I have just recently heard about Noonday. I love everything about it – the purpose, the jewelry, the empowerment. I would love to win the bracelet!

  17. These are such good ideas. I am definitely going to look at those Tegu blocks for my nephews. And I think Noonday would make great teacher gifts.

  18. Love these items, and love shopping with companies that make a difference in the lives of families across the globe

  19. Thanks for sharing… I’m at a place where I want things to have meaning behind them and make a difference.

  20. Tank you so much for these sites! I hate to just buy gifts for people because that’s what is done. I’m going to print out the descriptions of the organizations that I buy each gif from so the recipient can see where the money goes! I love all the products and I’d love to win one! Thanks!!!

  21. Just happened on your blog and love this list! Everyone should also check out Better Life Bag- same idea of investing in women crafters in the 3rd world

  22. I LOVE me some Noonday! You crack me up that you took the necklace out for a test 😉 Thanks for sharing such great ideas.

  23. Great ideas! I love learning about “do-good” companies and always feel extra-great when I buy a gift from them 🙂

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