A small gift at the end of the year means much more to clients if they know your purchase helped support a good cause. For this year’s gift guide, we’ve selected retailers who are making a contribution to their communities and the world in socially responsible ways. Better yet, the price is pocketbook-friendly: Each item is $20 or less.
Made by Hand
Novica, owned in part by National Geographic, is an online agent for artists from Brazil to Bali who make beautiful handcrafted products. Novica cuts out the middleman, putting more of your purchase price in the hands of the artist. This Jasmine Light Candle Set was shipped to us directly from Thailand and includes four jasmine-scented candles and a potpourri sachet. Wrapping and bow included. $19.95.
www.novica.com
No Sweat
Global Exchange is known in the travel biz for its “reality tours,” but the human-rights organization also runs a fair trade, sweatshop-free online store. African-safari clients will love the Brass Elephant Office Supplies ($12.50), which include one jumbo clip with a refrigerator magnet and two paper clips. Block-printed cards in the Blue Mod Gift Card Set ($18 for eight cards) are made from tree bark of managed Nepalese forests ($9.95 for six cards).
www.globalexchangestore.org
For the Chocoholic
Gourmet magazine’s Ruth Reichl called John & Kira’s her favorite chocolates. But beyond being yummy, the artisanal chocolate maker plows partial proceeds into community projects, such as urban school gardens. John & Kira’s will burn your agency logo onto a six-piece Wood Gift Box and tie it with a bow. Gift card included. $15.50. (Volume discount with orders of 25.)
www.johnandkiras.com
Bag Tags
With each purchase, the New York-based Uncommon Goods will donate $1 to a nonprofit, such as World Wildlife Fund or Americares. These metal Airplane Luggage Tags are adorned with a jet ready to take clients into the wild blue yonder. Stylish but durable enough to withstand rough-and-tumble luggage handling. $20 for two.
www.uncommongoods.com
