Tired of giving the old tie or cufflinks gift for Father’s Day? Us too. So how cool are these? Not only do they provide dad with some hip summertime footwear, but the built-in bottle opener is sure to make him the coolest dad on the block. Trust me, he’ll love them!

$42.95 at Amazon

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.

Don’t forget the expecting mom this Mother’s Day! This hip maternity shirt is available as a camisole, tank top, short sleeved t-shirt or a long-sleeved thermal shirt….perfect for any climate to keep Mom-to-be comfy (and looking very cool, too).

$33.99 at Jaminga

Practical moms will love this Collision Kit to keep in their car! Inside the cute zippered red case, you’ll find everything a mom needs in a fender-bender, including pre-printed cards to exchange insurance information, a disposable camera (smart!), envelopes for insurance and registration cards, pen, small clipboard….and it’s all small enough to fit neatly into a glove compartment! Very cool for any mom (and daughters, too!).

$14.95 at Amazon

For the mom who can find the bright side of any situation, there is the Safety Girl Roadside Emergency Kit. Inside the smart lunchbox tin you’ll find essential items such as:

• Space® Brand Emergency Blanket
• Safety Light Stick
• 5 Bandages
• 2 Antiseptic Wipes
• Instructions to Change a Flat Tire
• Instructions to Jump Start a Dead Battery
• Emergency Contact List
• Accident Record
• Safety Girl Pencil
• Purified Water
• Ghirardelli Squares Chocolate!
• Zox Breath Freshener
• Lip Moisturizer
• Gilead Aromatherapy Headache Remedy
• Shout Instant Spot Remover Wipe
• Dove Anti-perspirant
• Speedy Clean Cleansing Wipes
• 2 Dittie tampons
• Emergency Sewing Repair Kit
• Professional Nail File

This kit is so cute you might want to pick up one for yourself!

$44.99 at Amazon

Short of a day at the spa, natural skin care kits are one of the best ways I know to pamper yourself. So one of these gift sets are sure to be a treat for Mom- especially if she doesn’t normally use a lot of natural products. All of the kits below are highly rated and recommended, and just the right size to try out, so she’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. (Plus they’re all affordably under $30, so you won’t break the bank.)

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Daily Face Care Kit (For Normal, Dry, or Sensitive Skin)

Made in Germany in accordance to high safety standards, Dr. Hauschka Skin Care products are infused with extracts of organic and biodynamically grown plants. These plant essences directly impact the skin to encourage health and reveal true and lasting beauty. A deep commitment to holistic principles guides Dr. Hauschka Skin Care to reject the use of synthetic additives and animal testing. “We support the health of humanity and the earth.” (Plus, these travel-sized products come packaged in a cool tin!)
$20.95

Juice Beauty Organics To Go Kit

Juice Beauty had become very popular lately, developing many loyal repeat customers. Their products consist mainly of juice and seed extracts, along with other natural ingredients.This kit includes 5 of their most popular products- a creamy milk cleanser, refreshing hydrating mist, exfoliating green apple peel, vitamin rich-antioxidant serum and light weight oil-free moisturizer- so you can try them out before committing to a full-size version. A great added bonus: a bamboo washcloth is also included! Bamboo is super-soft and a naturally antibacterial material, making it great for use against your skin. (This one is on my personal to-buy list!)
$29.00

de-luxe Shea Butter Gift Set

Shea Butter is widely considered to be one of nature’s most effective moisturizers. It’s a natural antioxidant rich in Vitamins A and E, and has been used for centuries in the treatment of severe dry skin, including eczema and psoriasis. This gift set would be great for expectant moms, too.

Includes extremely rich & nourishing Shea Butter body balm, hand creme, 2 French milled bar soaps, and bonus exfoliation loofah. $20.00

Juice Organics Facial Trial & Travel Kit
I had to include this kit on the list just because I tried it and really loved it! Juice Organics (not to be confused with Juice Beauty, above) has a patent-pending base that is “expertly blended with certified organic juice concentrates to deliver powerful antioxidants, age-defying hydroxyl acids, essential vitamins and nutrients.”

For optimum “age-defying results”, experience the potent 3-step system with the 3 products included in this trial kit, organically mastered by Juice Organics’ chemists: Nourishing cleanser, vitamin antioxidant serum, and SPF 30 light tint moisturizer.

It’s also good to note the company’s certified organic ingredients meet the strict guidelines of the USDA National Organic Program.

Like many others who have tried this kit, I really liked all of the products. They actually did a lot more than I was expecting. I don’t normally use serums or moisturizers regularly, so the recommended regimen of applying them twice a day really did make a noticeable difference to my skin - I don’t think I’ve ever felt it softer, which was amazing. At this price it’s definitely worth buying -whether it’s for yourself or as a great gift.

Sale! $8.52