Holiday gift guide: Fairtrade options for everyone on your list

‘Tis the season to consider our purchasing power

Gift giving is a lovely—albeit, often overwhelming—part of the holiday season. Let us help! We’ve curated a collection of Fairtrade certified products that are sure to satisfy and delight everyone on your list.

When you choose to gift Fairtrade certified products, you’re normalizing fairness by building demand for items that are cultivated with people and planet in mind. You’re voting with your dollar. You’re choosing to participate in a system of trade that’s rooted in partnership instead of exploitation.

Consumables are a great gift. You’re not presuming to know someone’s taste, merely offering a gesture of heartfelt appreciation. And Fairtrade chocolate is more than just a candy bar. It’s a lever of change!

When cooperatives sell their crops on Fairtrade terms, they earn the Fairtrade Premium on top of their selling price. Farmers know best what they need, so the Fairtrade Premium is invested democratically according to the priorities of the cooperative members. They might choose to fund the construction of a medical clinic, pay school fees for the children in the community or install a well. In just the last decade, Fairtrade farmers and workers have earned over $2 billion in Fairtrade Premium! 

for your vegan friend who tops every meal with a sprinkling of nutritional yeast

Crack open your cookbook and plan a special pasta dinner featuring NOOCH IT! (dairy-free cashew cheese). This delicious, grated-style topping features a blend of Fairtrade cashews, nutritional yeast, hemp seeds and spices, elevating every dish of your choice.

for your brooklyn vinyl dj cousin

Start with a bag of Fairtrade beans from Three Keys Coffee (and be sure that they follow the QR code on the bag–it will lead them to a curated playlist custom to that roast!). Then, pick out a beanie from Terra Thread. And don’t forget to set a time and date to catch up with a leisurely conversation over a good cup of coffee.

for the kiddos in your life who love all of the animals

Invite your favorite wee-ones to the zoo (or the aquarium, or the natural history museum) and pack a snack from Endangered Species Chocolate for your adventure–the inside of their wrappers include fun facts about animals, so it can even be a teachable moment (and it’s never too early to start talking about trade justice…just sayin’!). You can buy Endangered Species Chocolate online or at a retailer near you!

FOR YOUR STYLIN’ SIBLING WHO DETESTS FAST FASHION

In the words of Fairtrade brand partner, Kowtow, “Wear nature. Not plastic.” Kowtow is a seed-to-garment brand, made entirely from 100% Fairtrade certified organic cotton, and their full line-up of apparel offerings is exceptionally chic. We suggest a gift card followed by a night out on the town sporting their wardrobe’s newest addition.

FOR THE OLD SOUL WHO LOVES A JIGSAW PUZZLE

Pop over to Costco to pick up Belgian Hot Chocolate Drops from Belvas. Then put on the kettle (or warm up the milk of your choosing) and pull out the jigsaw puzzle so you and your dear one can enjoy a gentle time together.