OK people, we're down to the wire. If you're looking for last minute gift options that are fair and kind, you've come to the right place. Whether you want to order online and make sure that gift arrives by December 24th or you're currently running around downtown DC in a panic, there are plenty of options, so take a deep breath....and shop. :)
L to R: The Complete Works of Charles Dickens (collectible Penguin editions); made in the USA scented Voluspa candle; made in the USA Christmas socks; Organic coffee
Amazon:
There is still time to purchase made in the USA, fair trade, organic goodness from Amazon and have it delivered by December 24. All of the options above are available right now and can ship via Amazon Prime.
Gift Cards
Even if they are only available via e-mail at this point, you can print one out and put it in a holiday card or stuff it in a stocking. I strongly recommend purchasing one from Of a Kind.
Of A Kind
All of the tightly edited, limited edition lines they carry are made with careful attention to sustainability and produced here in the USA, and they carry a variety of stylin' option for both men and women. And folks, buying made in the USA is one of the kindest things you can do. When you make that choice, you are single-handedly:
- Supporting American jobs
- Creating demand for the skill and traditions of American artisans
- Maintaining a small carbon footprint
- Gauranteeing your item is free of child labor
This behind-the-scenes video on how Lizzie Fortunato jewelry is made paints the picture better than I can-- it's 100% worth watching to the end, but beware: I am now
obsessed with their line.
If you are lucky enough to be in the DC area, you have SO MANY options:
Proper Topper
Aside from their loverly hats, this place carries all manner of locally made, made in the USA, and fair trade gift items. From cashmere-wool socks to handmade ornaments to upcycled vintage jewelry, they truly do have it all. Bonus: everyone who works in the store is immensely helpful and can probably help you find something for anyone on your list. When I say everything, I mean it: books, candles, home decor...I could go on.
Proper Topper
Secondi
Incredible collection of lightly used designer and vintage scarves, sunglasses, jewelry, and bags. All women love these things-- you can't go wrong.
Teaism
This little tea shop is an oft-overlooked gift treasure trove. High-quality tea makes a great gift, but Teaism also has a great selection of gourmet chocolate, hot chocolates, brownie mixes and even a chocolate chip bacon pancake mix by
Vosges. They also have beautiful tea accessories and traditional Japanese teapots for sale at many locations. Last but not least, a bag of their ginormous salted oat cookies would make anyone very, very happy.
Whole Foods (candy aisle)
Whole Foods has one of the best selections of fair trade chocolate I have ever seen, and many of the brands they carry are made in the USA as well. A really nice bar of chocolate or a selection of several is going to make anyone happy, man or woman, young or old. *****Stay tuned tomorrow for my guide to the best in fair trade chocolate.
