If you want to shop sustainably this year, support small business, or just like unique, high-quality products at a reasonable price, we've got your back (or at least your wallet).
_ Marketplace Africa
This collective has clothing, bath-and-body products, purses, bags, crafts, and something for everyone _ thoughtful gifts anyone would love to receive. The website lets Africans sell their one-of-a-kind handmade goods to the entire global market. You're buying directly from the source, so you're benefitting not only the store owner, but also the economy. Prices vary widely. www.marketplaceafrica.com
_ Sudara
Sudara creates ethically and sustainably sourced clothing for men, women, and children. The brand came about because of a desire to help women escape sex trafficking in India. Twelve years ago, Sudara's founder partnered with a sewing center in India and taught six women how to sew a pattern for pants. The company was created to give women the chance to have an education, a job with livable wages, and to be free. Sudara is a Certified B Corps company, which means they meet "the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems." The products are beautiful, unique, high-quality, and feature fun colors and patterns and lots of options. https://www.sudara.org
_ Peace Frogs
This brand encourages you to get outside, enjoy nature, and make the world a better place. The company has been around for more than 30 years, and has a long record of creating fun, eco-friendly clothing and gear and supporting charitable causes. Their Spread the Peace Campaign is a designed to encourage people to "be kind to one another and stop the hate, fighting, and lack of tolerance," and seeks to promote joy, living in harmony, a healthy environment, and peace. Prices vary. www.peacefrogs.com
_ Statement Peace
This company creates "high vibration wooden jewelry" and other "pieces of peace" in its Southwest Florida studio. The company believes that energy is transferable, and that when you operate out of peace and love, the result is felt by all and creates a statement of peace. They want to transfer "passion, high vibrations, and good juju with the intention that you feel our vibes" into everything they create. Each piece of jewelry is considered a work of art, and includes a custom-designed wooden display stand. There's something special for both men and women, from yoga lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. For every item purchased, the company plants a tree. See the complete line at https://www.wearstatementpeace.com
_ Show the Love
This company sells items that are each designed to showcase and inspire a specific sentiment, inspiring and uplifting the person who wears it (and those who see it). What do you love or want more of in your life? This company truly cares, making their jewelry with recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. And they donate 25 percent of their proceeds to humanitarian and environmental causes. There are funky, unique, lovely items for every budget, from $50 to a big splurge. Visit https://showthelove.com with your Valentine and pick something you'll both love.
