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This year more than ever, shopping small and with purpose is on the forefront of my mind. I know that sourcing gifts from small businesses can take a little extra effort and it's so tempting just to purchase from the big box stores... but I'm here to make it easier!
I've curated some beautiful gift guides for this holiday season (and beyond) from local, small businesses. They all have a few things in common, they are women owned/women run, have a great online shop and they support a great cause.
First up I'd like to introduce you to Shannon from Mango + Main in Annapolis, Maryland. Shannon met a group of seamstresses when she was working in Rwanda who made beautiful products but didn't have the connection to sell their goods in the US. Shannon began importing their goods, she began selling to her community and started an online shop of fair trade goods. Fast forward to June 2019, Shannon opened a beautiful brick and mortar fair trade boutique on Maryland Avenue in Historic Annapolis. I had the pleasure of visiting earlier in the fall to see the wonderful products myself and quite a few came home with me.
Why shop Fair Trade?
When Shannon sources the products from 25 different countries, she is supporting artisans and families all over the world. This model provides employment opportunities and helps empower impoverished communities. Most of the artisans Shannon curated from are women, and by creating jobs of women in these communities, it increases financial independency which can affect generations to come. When I visited the shop, Shannon told me that when you purchase from Mango + Main, you are gifting with purpose, and that really resonated with me.
I'm not receiving any compensation or benefit by writing about this business. It's from my heart that I tell you about Mango + Main and hope you consider doing some of your holiday shopping here. Now, let's get to the gift guides!
First up is my Holiday Gift Guide for Her. These are a few items that I'd love to receive this holiday season and I think would make great gifts for friends, mothers, sisters, heck any ladies in your life.
The Eclipse necklace is understated and gorgeous. I love the mixed metal. It is sustainably handmade by artisans in India and is only $30!
The Archer Salad Servers immediately caught my eye when I toured the boutique. And yes, they came home with me. They are gorgeous crafted by an artisan in Kenya and are made of Wild Olive Wood. These would make a wonderful hostess or housewarming present!
This gorgeous Blueberry Buti Scarf is so rich in color. The muslin is sourced from Bangladesh and is handcrafted in India.
The Sengly bag is a beautifully crafted tote and perfect for everyday use. It is an absolute steal at $68 and is made in Cambodia.
I love the simplicity of the Aurora cuff. It is understated and comes in silver and gold. This is a great stocking stuffer or gift for a girlfriend at $22. This cuff is made in India.
These Olive Wood Salad Servers are beautifully handcrafted. I love the feel of them and they are of great quality! These are made in Tunisia.
The baby + kid section at Mango + Main is so cute. It's the perfect place to find a unique, handmade gift for the little ones in your life!
The Muku Knit Headband is absolutely adorable and comes in 3 colors. They're handknit by artisans in Peru and so soft!
I picked up one of these Macreme Pacifier Clip in olive for my godson and it is so cute! Perfect for those boho vibes and comes in 4 colors. Handmade in Haiti.
This Lamb Lovely is SO soft. Such a beautiful gift for a baby!
I also picked up this Organic Wooden Teething Ring Bunny for my 9 month old godson and he loves it!
I mean, come on. This Muku Bear Cap is so cute! And it comes in 5 colors.
Shannon has so many great items for decorating for the holidays, and they are all so unique!
I think we all need a bit more HOPE and LOVE this year. These ornaments are hand beaded and from Ghana.
Mango + Main has a ton of ornament options, the Wooden Peace Doves are from Rwanda and the Sloth & Penguin are from Nepal.
They are made in Nepal.
Okay! If you made it this far, I appreciate you! I hope you enjoyed the start of my 2020 Holiday Gift Guides.
xoxo Kristin