International Crafts
Today's marketplace is truly international, but not everyone benefits equally in the global arena. The least we can do as consumers is try to promote fair treatment of those who may be unable to negotiate prices or other contract terms on an "equal footing" with international conglomerates. (And let's face it, that's just about everyone.)
To many, fair trade is just an economic term. Our definition, however, runs far deeper. At Ten Thousand Villages, fair trade is a partnership based on dialogue, mutual understanding, respect and direct contact between ourselves and our artisan partners in developing countries. Working with unemployed or underemployed artisans, we help them bring their crafts and cultures to North America, and to support themselves and their families.
Ten Thousand Villages operates as a business with a compassionate mission by maintaining integrity in our actions and relationships. We market quality products from diverse cultures around the world made by people that we know and care enough about to do business with in a manner that together we consider fair.
Visit the web site to shop online for all manner of international crafts. (Please note that the categories listed below are from the U.S. site. There is also a Canadian site with an entirely different selection of products!)
U.S. Categories include:
Holiday
Baskets
Global Treasures
Home Furnishings
Jewelry
Limited Edition
Musical Instruments
Personal Accessories
Plant & Garden
Stationery
Tabletop
Toys & Games
So what are my personal favorites? Well, that's a tough call. But here are some interesting choices:
