Gifts

16 Global Influence Free Trade Gifts For the Holidays: Gifts That Give Back

November 26, 2020November 25, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to the official shopping season, 2020 version! What’s better than giving everyone on your shopping list beautiful and thoughtful gifts? How about gifts that give back by helping individuals around the world earn a living producing products such as jewelry, housewares, accessories, and even toys? Your shopping budget can be a reason for someone else to give thanks!

Unbeknowst to most shoppers, many of the products we buy every day support forced labor. In contrast, products labeled “fair trade” support an honest wage for honest work. As I was researching including fair trade items on my shopping list this year, I realized there is an amazing variety of affordable products available now as consumers become more in tune with this issue. Some companies enable women to do skilled labor such as handcrafting to support their families. Others use funding to help support impoverished communities. Take a look at these amazing and unique gift ideas from around the world!

NOVICA Black Onyx .925 Sterling Silver Floral Dangle Earrings ‘Dreamy Forest’

Authentic: an original NOVICA artisan handcrafted fair trade product.
Includes an official NOVICA Story Card certifying quality & authenticity.
NOVICA works with Rupadana to craft this item
$47.99

Ten Thousand Villages Phoenician Glass Candle Holder ‘Desert Sands Candleholder’

Phoenecian Glass, Sand
tealight candle included
3Dx4H inches
Made in West Bank

$38.14

CUDDLE + KIND Avery The Lamb Regular 20″ Hand-Knit Doll – 1 Doll = 10 Meals, Fair Trade, Heirloom Quality, Handcrafted in Peru, 100% Cotton Yarn

FAIR TRADE: Empowers talented women artisans with equitable, fair trade employment

$75.00

Large Yikene Ghanaian Wing U-Shopper – Ghana Bolga Basket Fair Trade – 16″-19″ Across (Orange/Earth Tone)

HANDMADE: We keep alive a beautiful tradition of handwoven belly baskets, passed down from generations of Artisans in Ghana. Made of 100% sustainable natural organic elephant grass with goat leather handle. Supports impoverished farmers in the Bogatanga region of Ghana, West Africa

$55.00

NOVICA White Cultured Mabe Pearl .925 Silver Cuff Bracelet, Moonlight Vines

Authentic: an original NOVICA artisan handcrafted fair trade product.
Includes an official NOVICA Story Card certifying quality & authenticity.
NOVICA works with Komang Suastra to craft this item.

$114.99

Ten Thousand Villages Hand-Carved Wooden Nativity

Albesia wood handcrafted in Indonesia

$108.99

NOVICA Red 100% Alpaca Cardigan, Cherry Red Romance

$159.00

Fair Seas Supply Co. Turkish Towel, Peshtemal Towel – 100% Organic Turkish Cotton

ABSORBENT, QUICK DRY, LIGHTWEIGHT – Large 39 inch x 71 inch throw is perfect to dry off with after a shower or a swim. All of our premium towels are made from the finest eco-friendly organic turkish cotton, grown near the Aegean Sea in Turkey.

$44.00

Ten Thousand Villages Paisley Cotton Robe

Authentic Fair Trade Product. Ethically sourced and 100% handmade.
Block-printed cotton

$65.39

Taza Chocolate Organic Mexicano Disc Stone Ground, Variety Pack, 1.35 Ounce (8 Count)

$19.22

Women’s Merino Vine Leaf Felted Wool Silk Long Art Scarf Fairtrade

$29.99

NOVICA Cultured Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, Chalcedony and Quartz Cluster Earrings, Radiant Love

$21.59

Bridge for Africa Fair Trade Zulu Telephone Wire 8-inch Round Pedestal Bowl, African Rainbow

Handmade in South Africa, providing work for more than 500 Zulu families

$58.95

Tibetan Socks Hand Knit Wool Fleece Lined Long Slipper Socks

COZY & COMPASSIONATE: Made in Himalayan villages by local housewives, this generations-old handicraft allows mothers to stay home with their children and earn supplemental income.

$39.95

NOVICA Lapis Lazuli .925 Sterling Silver Oval Cocktail Ring ‘Pool of Memories’

Authentic: an original NOVICA artisan handcrafted fair trade product.
Includes an official NOVICA Story Card certifying quality & authenticity.
NOVICA works with Alok Jain to craft this item

$59.99

Ten Thousand Villages Coffee Scented Exfoliating Soap ‘Coffee Ground Exfoliating Soap’

Authentic Fair Trade Product. Ethically sourced and 100% handmade.
Hand-screen-printed card with detachable gamhar wood ornament
Coffee-scented vegetable oil soap with coffee grounds in paper box
3.2 ounce bar, measuring 3Lx2Wx1H inches
Handmade in India

$6.53

Prices are current as of writing. Descriptions of products are from Amazon. Contains affiliate links.

Have a beautiful day, and do something to help someone else! 🙂

Gifts

Fabulous Gifts for the All the Guys In Your Life and All Available on Amazon

November 2, 2020December 16, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Hi there! I hope you’re hanging in there as 2020 inches closer and closer to an end. One thing I can truly, honestly look forward to no matter what the circumstances are the year-end holiday celebrations. We have tons of traditions that go along with the Christmas season, and cooking and decorating also add to the joy of the season.

We don’t go overboard in our family with enormous gifts, but I do love finding something really unique and special for everyone on my list. I have come to rely more and more on Amazon for my shopping because we have a high risk family member so we avoid covid exposure if at all possible. Home shopping has really been a great service for our family.

I recently also became an Amazon affiliate and this post contains affiliate links, but I am absolutely a real customer too. I very much appreciate you supporting me and my blog. Thank you! 🙂

Now, on to the gift guide for guys. Guys can be really tricky to buy for, but I think I have found some really great items for you today. I like finding the more original items and also putting in a few established brands and old favorites. I hope these ideas help and inspire you as you start shopping for this year’s celebrations!

ENO Eagle’s Nest Outfitters Portable Hammock

This lightweight hammock is portable for all his great adventures! Accomodates 1-2 people. I love this bright tie dye, but the hammock is available in a multitude of color choices.

. Dan the Sausageman’s Sounder Gourmet Gift Box Featuring Smoked Summer Sausage and Wisconsin Cheeses

If you have someone on your list who appreciates food gifts, consider this great gift box. The company was selected as the 2018 U.S. Small Business of the Year for Washington State, this box is rated as “perfect” and “awesome” by Amazon reviewers.

. Personalized Super Mario Brothers leather handmade mens wallet

This wallet combines classy with fun nostalgia. It’s handmade and can also be personalized with a name or initials. What a cool gift!

. Humboldt Hands Original Woodsman Handmade Soap

Humboldt Hands is a luxury goat milk soap for working hands. The soap is made on the farm with fresh goats milk. It is tough on grease, grime, tree sap, barn muck and plant resins.

Tommy Bahama St. Kitts Eau De Cologne for Men

This breezy, classic scent features citrus, cedarwood, musk, and sea salt.

. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch

Gorgeous stainless water resistant watch from Citizen. Round watch with blue sunray dial featuring three subdials, placed indices, baton hands, and date window at four o’clock.

. Happy Socks Classics Gift Box

These bright, beautiful socks are just so…well, happy! A great gift to put a smile on someone’s face.

. Woodstock Candy ~ 80s Retro Candy Gift Box

Woodstock Candy has retro candy from any decade. Nostalgic and fun, these assortments make a great gift!

. Tommy HilfigerLightweight Puffer Vest

Classic but trendy, Tommy Hilfiger is the perfect choice for any guy on your list. This puffer vest is available is a multitude of colors.

. Complete Wet Shave Set from Mike the Mason

Mike the Mason Gift Set Includes: Hawk Safety Razor, Pure 100% Badger Hair Brush, Organic Honey Oatmeal Shave Bar, 5 Premium Mens Blades, and a Razor Stand

. Nineties Nostalgia Old School Gadgets T Shirt

This fun t shirt is available in several colors and is perfect for any nineties kid.

Oakley Holbrook Polarized Square Sunglasses

Quality sunglasses like a pair of sylish Oakleys make a great gift. Who wouldn’t love these classic shades?

Beard Comb

This engraved wooden beard comb is individually handmade in the Ukraine. The Comb also folds for storage and portability.

. Irish Patchwork Wool Cap

This Irish flat cap is made by one of Ireland’s oldest weavers in Co. Tipperary, using time-honored methods, passed down through generations at John Hanly & Co. The younger generation is making the newsboy cap trendy again, but a man of any age would love this classic.

. Sterling Silver Puzzle Ring

This striking silver ring is also an intricate puzzle, and the mystery of how to take it apart and put it back together has to be solved. How cool is that?

. Callahan’s Gourmet Hot Sauce Gift Set

Poblano, Habanero, & Black Pepper Chipotle. Great gift for the hot sauce lover in your life. Made weekly in small batches by Callahan himself in Seattle, WA.

. Personalized Docking Station, Charging Station, Phone Dock, Cell Phone Stand

This wood docking station can be personalized and is available in 8 wood finishes. The docking station is compatible with all cell phones including iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 plus, all kind of iPhones and all Android phones, and all kinds of tablets as well.

. SwissGear USB ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

A part of the iconic SWISSGEAR ScanSmart series, this pack entails a TSA-friendly, lay-flat tech compartment equipped with a padded 15” laptop sleeve and tablet pocket to scan your devices without taking them out of the pack. Durable zipper closure adds an extra barrier of security for devices and essentials throughout your trip.

An integrated USB port allows you to charge your smartphone, tablet, and laptop wherever you are. Perfect travel backpack for a guy on the go.

. Marmot Retro Snap Back Hat

This cool nostalgic hat is a great gift for the guy who appreciates staying on top of trends while still remaining understated.

. Custom Personalized Art Made From Real License Plates

All custom signs are made from real license plates and can be personalized with a name, team, birthday, anniversary, etc.

. Skullcandy Bluetooth Noise Isolation Wireless In-Ear Headphones With Mic and Volume Control

Most guys need a good set of headphones. These feature Bluetooth wireless technology, Rapid Charge: 10 Minutes = 3 Hours; 40 Hours of Total Battery Life, Adjustable Sensory Bass, and Noise Isolating Fit.

I hope this Amazon gift guide gives you a little inspiration to get started on your holiday gift shopping list!

Have a beautiful day, and happy shopping! 🙂

Gifts

Great Ideas For Holiday Shopping: Classic Gifts in Sophisticated Neutrals

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Now is a great time to begin to think about holiday shopping and get started on finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. When I’m shopping for myself, I look for a good quality item at a great price. But when it comes to gift giving, the focus shifts a little more to the quality side. After all, there are only a couple of gift-giving occasions throughout the year, and I want to give my loved ones a gift as special as they are. Don’t get me wrong, the budget isn’t thrown out the window with these Amazon finds, but I’m also looking for some other qualities. What is the star rating on Amazon? What reputation does the brand have? What kind of materials is the item made of? How unique and original is the gift? Is it special, for example artisan made or made in a country known for that product?

This gift guide is for the person on your list who appreciates the classics. Nothing super flashy, but beautiful, understated, high-quality gifts that are sure to be appreciated.

Here are some of my favorite Amazon picks, delivered straight to you!

First on my list is the mulberry silk sleep pillow. Silk pillows have become a top gift item this year because of the gentle treatment they provide for your hair and skin as you sleep, and because of the emphasis on the comforts of home. I love the deep steel gray color of this pure silk pillow.

The traditional tartan plaid scarf is made of a high quality cashmere wool from Scotland. These neutral tones will complement any look, from a blazer to a denim jacket.

Vera Bradley is an immensely popular brand for all kinds of beautiful bags. I love this soft and sophisticated Vera Tote in teddy fleece. Unlike the colorful prints, this bag is incredibly versatile and goes with a multitude of looks.

You can’t go wrong with a leather messenger bag. Anyone on your list will appreciate this classic and beautiful handcrafted bag in a warm brown leather.

The artisan Aleppo soap is made in Syria from an ancient recipe that is known to help alleviate skin problems. I think its distinctive look and packaging will make it a great addition to a holiday gift.

These attractive Turkish cotton hand towels are perfect anywhere in your home, equally useful in the kitchen, bath, or even gym bag. Made in Turkey from 100% fine cotton.

The sterling silver ring is just stunning, featuring multicolored genuine quartz stones channel set in the band and a large central gemstone.

The frosted faux fur blanket is so soft and pretty. What a beautiful gift!

Wristlets are a great little bag to add to the recipient’s collection, perfect for holding a cell phone and cards. This one is from Sakroots, one of my favorite brands.

Noise isolating blue tooth headphones from Skull Candy are a great gift for someone who spends a lot of time on a computer. This is especially true with so many of us trying to optimize all our online time neccessitated by 2020.

The tortoiseshell finish watch by Anne Klein is classic and fun.

These gorgeous earrings are the real deal: 14 karat gold fittings and Tahitian Black South Sea pearls. This is truly a special gift sure to be treasured.

The Dionis goat milk body and hand cream is made by a small company and would be perfect combined with other thoughtful gifts or as a stocking stuffer.

If you want a classic gift, a signature Coach logo wallet in khaki is a terrific option.

Scented candles are always a nice gift idea, and this set is pretty and versatile in neutral tones. The candles are hand-poured soy with an embossed design.

This s’well water bottle keeps drinks cold for an incredibly long time. I love the teak finish on this little beauty.

Finally, these custom made bracelets can be ordered in your choice of metal, stamping, and with an engraved message. They are so pretty and thoughtful. What a wonderful gift!

Thanks for checking out my shopping guide today! This post does contain affiliate links, and I really appreciate you supporting my blog! 🙂

Have a beautiful day, and happy shopping! 🙂

Gifts

Searching for the Perfect Gift for Your Besties? Here’s Your Best of Amazon Shopping Guide!

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Great Gift Ideas Delivered Straight To You

Click links for full details!

I’ll Be There For You Hoodie

Everyone’s favorite friends lend inspiration to this fun hoodie for your own favorite friend.

Sister I Chose Tumbler

This bright tumbler feautures a great sentiment for your friend who’s just like your sister.

Giraffe Nerd Print

Everyone loves a nerd right? Especially a nerdy giraffe on an artistic print.

Pura Vida Ring Stack

Any bff would appreciate this stunning ring stack.

Bath Bombs Set

Bath sets are nice, but this colorful one is definitely the bomb.

Michael Kors Cross Body Bag

Looking for a top quality gift for a top quality friend? Check out this Michael Kors cross body bag in blossom.

Best Friends Necklace

Check out the sweet sentiment attached to the card on this pretty necklace.

Coconut Spa Gift Set

Treat your bestie to some pampering with this coconut spa gift set.

Canon IVY Outdoor Waterproof Camera With Wifi, Bluetooth

This amazing and beautiful Canon camera is a terrific gift for anyone on your shopping list.

Pura Vida Seed Bead Bracelet

Pretty and delicate bracelet from Pura Vida is sure to be appreciated

Weirdo 1 and 2 Necklace Set

You know you two are weirdos, but you definitely belong together.

I’ll Be There For You Friends Pillow Covers Set

Perfect pillows for getting comfy and watching your favorite show.

Handcrafted Custom Cuff Bracelets

These gorgeous sterling bracelets can be customized just for you. Check it out!

Typewriter Print

Pretty and brainy, just like your bff.

Diary

Locking leather diary for everything you have sworn her to secrecy about.

Artisan Freshwater Pearl Ring- Fair Trade

How gorgeous is this sterling silver freshwater pearl ring? And it’s artisan crafted and fair trade!

Belle Art Print

Arty Belle print perfect for your princess-y friend!

Acorn Portable Bluetooth

This portable bluetooth is just too cute.

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog! 🙂

Have a beautiful day, and happy shopping! 🙂 I hope you find the perfect gift!

Gifts

The Best Stocking Stuffers On Amazon: Get A Head Start On Your Holiday Shopping With 16 Small Gifts She’s Sure To Love

October 13, 2020October 15, 2020 deb@bluewillowlaneLeave a comment

Today is Prime Day on Amazon! YAY! Prime Day offers amazing deals for Amazon Prime members. If you’re not already a Prime member, I highly highly recommend the service. I have been a member for years now, and it’s one of the best purchases we made. The best benefit is the fast free shipping on a multitude of items. I rely on that more and more during the pandemic. Amazon lets me check a box to display only Prime items, and I get a huge selection of merchandise that will be at my home in two days with no shipping fees. If it’s important to you to support small business, Amazon also has a handcrafted category and a small business category which they will often give you a bonus for supporting. A prime membership is something that has been valuable to me and my family, and we will continue to be loyal customers. I have recently become an Amazon affiliate, meaning I receive a small compensation if you purchase from them as a result of my recommendations. I do very much appreciate your support of my blog!

If you’re interested in a prime membership, click here for details.

Now on to the gift guide! It’s that time of year when we need to start thinking about the perfect gift for everyone on our shopping lists. Today I’m recommending some items that I personally love. Again, I’m a big Amazon customer, and I have either given or received these gifts and others from the same companies.

Finding gifts for all the women or your list can be a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers, a gift exchange, or a meaningful gift for someone special in your life, I’ve got some good ideas for you today.

Luca & Dani Bracelet Stack

Blue leather journal

Kendra Scott Cobalt Earrings

CO Bigelow Amber Candle

First, the Luca and Dani bracelet stack is just so pretty. The cardinal, red stone, and pearl bracelet set makes a terrific gift!

Everyone I know loves a journal, especially a gorgeous leather one like this. A beautiful journal is always appreciated.

You’re going to see quite a bit of Kendra Scott in this gift guide. That’s because I LOVE Kendra Scott jewelry. I had never heard of the brand until I bought the abalone cuff bracelet at a small store on the beach (after much internal debate about whether I should buy something for myself, which I don’t usually do) and I just wore the thing constantly because I loved it so much! Since then, I have received a number of jewelry gifts from my family from Kendra Scott for my birthday and Christmas, and it just makes me happy. These are updated classics you can wear with anything. The brand is not so pricey that you don’t want to ever purchase, but it’s not a cheap costume either. It’s quality that has held up for me. These cobalt drop earrings are just gorgeous for someone on your list who likes statement earrings.

I also very much enjoy the C O Bigelow brand. They have a very consistent quality with all of their products, and there’s just something about that classic vintage-y packaging. This amber scented candle is a great gift.

Cargo Cosmetics set of 4 limited edition eyeshadow palettes

Alex and Ani Statement Ring

Coach Khaki Wallet

Kendra Scott Fringe Necklace

For the beauty buff in your life, consider this limited edition eye shadow set from Cargo Cosmetics. It actually comes with four palettes in super cute packaging.

Alex and Ani is another brand I have found is always appreciated for a gift. They have a ton of stylish options like this silver statement ring.

Anyone on your gift list would appreciate a classic coach item like this khaki wallet.

This Kendra Scott fringe necklace is another striking piece that makes a great gift.

Luca and Danni Ombre Pearl Bracelet

Ombre Cashmere Scarf Made in Scotland

Alex and Ani Yellow Brick Road Wrap Ring

Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Pecan Candy

Pearls are always so pretty, and this ombre pearl bracelet from Luca and Danni adds a modern twist.

The cashmere scarf in ombre blue is just gorgeous and sure to be appreciated.

Here’s another fun item from Alex and Ani. This wrap ring has a Wizard of Oz theme, with the emerald colored stone and yellow brick road motif.

Know someone who likes candy? Try some delicious candy from Mrs. Cavanaugh’s! Pecan and chocolate is my personal favorite, but the company has many other delicious choices.

Campagnie de Provence White Tea Hand Cream

Gratitude Journal

Kendra Scott Abalone Cuff Bracelet

Waterman Paris Pen

A great hand lotion is always a good gift idea. This white tea hand cream is a fabulous option.

These days, we all could use a mindset of gratitude. This bestselling gratitude journal is a reminder to be thankful.

This bracelet by Kendra Scott is the original one I bought for myself that started my enthusiasm for the brand. I love this bracelet and think it makes an awesome gift. 🙂

Finally, this waterman pen in a gift box is an excellent choice for anyone on your shopping list.

I hope you will hop over to Amazon to check out all the excitement over the next couple of days! That’s where I’ll be doing my holiday shopping! 🙂

Have a beautiful day, and happy Christmas shopping! 🙂