It’s Fair Trade Friday!

I can’t get enough of creative recycled products. Now more than ever it seems like there’s a vast amount being created every day, and when it comes to fair trade ones, you just can’t go wrong.

Here’s a few more I just love that I want to share…

Recycled Can Wallets
One of these would make a great gift for the man in your life. (Don’t forget Father’s Day is just a few weeks away.) It’s hip, one-of-a-kind, and would ensure he always has an excellent conversation piece on hand.
Purchased during a Global Exchange direct buying trip to Thailand, these wallets were made by a young couple living in Chiang Mai. Each one is handmade from local cans in the region. Sales directly contribute to their livelihood and improved standard of living. Choose from Thai Coca-Cola can, Singha beer, or Chang beer. ($20.00 each from GlobalExchange.com)

The Global Exchange Online Store also carries these great messenger bags- which I think would make awesome diaper bags. They’re handmade in Cambodia out of extremely durable feed bags and lined in cotton. Each bag features one main zippered compartment,2 smaller zippered compartments, a key ring, pen holders, and an adjustable cotton strap. It’sl arge enough to carry a laptop, books, the contents of your purse, or even a passel of kid supplies.

And don’t forget the most important feature of the bags- they’re fair trade. These particular bags were introduced to the U.S. through a Fair Trade business that employs landmine victims and polio afflicted women in Cambodia. Remember every purchase helps them earn a fair wage and make a living creating these products. ($49.95 each.)

Another great recycled gem made by the same Cambodian women’s group are their cell phone holders. Called “practically perfect cell phone holders”, they’re also made from recycled feed bags, lined with durable cotton, and have a velcro closure. Each holder has a snap piece that can be attached to any belt, bag, or purse, and obviously is one of a kind, since no two come out exactly the same. ($18.95 each.)

All items available at the Global Exchange Online Store. Recycled gift wrapping is also offered for $3.95. A free gift card accompanies each item that tells about it’s origin and unique story.

Happy Mother’s Day Eve! Yes, the day is tomorrow and hopefully you’ve found a special way to show Mom how much you care… and aren’t running around in a crazed panic right now because you’ve forgotten (poor Mom)! However, if that is the case- or if you’re just crafty and would like to make a really cool DIY gift that is great for any Mom- you’ve come to the right place.

This really great and simple DIY vintage picture frame bracelet would make an excellent gift for mom, grandma, or just about anyone else (including yourself). The idea comes courtesy of Maize Hutton, a Washington state-based artist whose website is full of cute DIY projects with instructions.

To make, just take an old wristwatch (that you own, picked up at a yard sale or on Ebay) and polish it up with a paste of baking soda and water. Then print up a picture of whomever you think Mom would like to look at all the time (a grandkid, perhaps?)- printing the little picture in black & white is a great touch that adds to the vintage feel. Then just pop off the back of the watch, cut the picture to fit, and replace the back. That’s it! Then just wrap it up pretty and you’re all set with a great personal gift.

Recycled bags are a great choice for the “green” mom. This bag is made of recycled plastic bags from the streets of New Delhi using a non-toxic process. Not only is the bag a great eco-choice, but the bags provide an income for the local New Delhi women who make them! World of Good will also donate 10% of their profit to a non-profit organization that improves living conditions for the local artesians who create these great bags. It’s a win-win purchase!

$24.95 at Amazon

The World Food Programme Feed bag is another great choice. The purchase of one Feed bag feeds a child in school for one complete year. Not only does this give underprivileged children the nutrition so badly needed, but it also keeps them in school longer and increases their quality of life….for a lifetime. For more information on the World Food Programme, go here.

The bag itself is made of burlap and cotton, is reversible and was inspired by the bags of food distributed by the United Nations around the world. A very hip way to contribute to those less fortunate than ourselves in this world….something any mom would approve of.

$59.95 at Amazon

It’s Fair Trade Friday…

For centuries the Chinese have been using “Jing Gardens” as a method of achieving inner peace and tranquility. Jing is considered to be “a freely available, universal source of energy that is capable of unleashing an overwhelming sense of relaxation.” Boy, that sure sounds nice… And who deserves that more than a mom?
I think these gardens-in-a-can are so cute, and would make a great alternative to expensive cut flowers for Mother’s Day this year. After all, Mom gets to watch them grow, they won’t die within the week, and who knows… they might just come through on that relaxation promise. It’s worth a shot, right? (Might want to get one for yourself while you’re at it!)
Your choice of: Colorful Chili (Fortune Flower), Sunflower (Joy Flower), or Vinca Rosea (Essential Flower).

$11.50 each from GlobalExchange.com

There are so many amazing, hand-stamped silver jewelry pieces on Etsy by so many talented artists. Seattle-based BirthDesigns is one of my favorites. I love hand-stamped silver because there are so many options for personalization - some of the best, I think, are children’s names & birthdates or personal messages. Perfect for Mom, Grandma, and especially the wife! (Um, hint hint to my husband…) Plus this artist offers font choices and a very wide variety of jewelry choices - necklaces, bracelets, earrings, charms, jewelry for kids and even men too.

So go see for yourself! And be sure to order soon… they’re still taking orders for Mother’s day, but can’t guarantee shipping dates (unless maybe you upgrade to faster shipping).