Popular Fair Trade Gifts
It’s now commonplace to step into any supermarket and see the Fairtrade mark on food products. Coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas are some of the popular items on offer that proudly display the blue and green logo. Seeing the Fairtrade symbol is a guarantee that disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries are getting a better deal for their efforts. The great news is that these benefits extend beyond consumables like coffee. Fairtrade gifts are also available and increasing in popularity.
Do we pay over the odds for fair trade products?
The answer to that is ‘not necessarily’. If you go back a few years you may be right in thinking that Fairtrade equalled “expensive” as the market price was higher. Buyers and suppliers look to cover their own costs while making sure the farmers and workers receive the set minimum price for their work. Buyers can also pay money on top of the set minimum price to support social projects and improve education and health.
However, with the increased demand for Fairtrade goods, the market is now being flooded and more products are being sold. This is good for the developing countries who reap the benefits and good for the consumer because it places Fairtrade products on a level playing field with non-fair trade when it comes to pricing. And let’s not forget that Fairtrade gifts are often hand-made from quality natural materials which are beautifully crafted and long lasting. Not only are you paying a fair price, you’re often getting a superior product.
Fairtrade gift shopping ideas
The range of Fairtrade jewellery available now is amazing. Ethically produced jewellery from locations such as Africa offers real diversity from typical high street jewellery. It’s little wonder that girls looking for something different are seeking out these products.
If you’re looking to buy a jewellery gift, how about these sets made by Masai women in Kenya. The jewellery helps support local women and children while the men drive cattle hundreds of miles for grazing. These vibrant grass weaves combined with glass beads can be worn as a bracelet, necklace or hair band.
Or why not treat your family member or friend to one of these funky Fairtrade bracelets made by local women in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Money from these jewellery items goes towards supporting medical facilities and a domestic violence centre.
Fairtrade homeware and kitchenware gifts are great for those who love natural wood products in the home. Brightly coloured bamboo lacquered serving bowls and salad bowls are perfect for hot or cold food.
Journals, albums and photo frames have proved popular gifts for years and they’re readily available as Fairtrade. Leather-bound journals with ivory cotton paper, photo albums bound in linen with interleaves made from banana skin, and photo frames hand-made from sustainably sourced wood from Eastern India are all ethical and all great gifts for someone special in your life.
 |
 |
 |
| A5 Timu Leather Journal | Medium Linen Photo Album | Manyara Wood Photo Frame |
These are just some of the Fairtrade gifts you can buy online. Why not explore and buy more of these gifts for loved ones and help support people and communities who are striving for a better life.