Believe it or not, I’ve already started my holiday shopping. I know what you’re thinking: I’ve been suckered by Corporate America with their October Christmas decorations, and their pre-Thanksgiving Christmas carol playing, and their adorable commercials where cheerful people dance around and wish you a “Happy Whatever-you-want-uhk-kuh.” But I remain uninfluenced by the not-so-subtle push to get me to spend money. I’m thinking for myself this year, and buying when inspiration strikes.
I consider myself a pretty decent gift-giver most of the time. I have my off years, though. My dad still hasn’t used the milk frother I gave him three years ago (who wouldn’t want their very own milk frother, though?!). But with the U.S. dollar being a really hot commodity this year (especially in my bank account), I’m looking for the most bang for my buck, which is why I’ve been putting extra thought into my gifts. I want them to remind the recipients of special moments we’ve had together in the past. I want it to bring back a wish or desire they’ve expressed. And I want the gift have meaning on its own, too. I’m trying to buy local. I’m trying to buy sustainable. I’m trying to buy fair trade. And I’m trying to buy items that are going to help someone besides the recipient.
That’s why, this holiday season, I’m going to be featuring goods on the blog that will help women and organizations that assist women and girls. Please do not consider this an explicit Washington Area Women’s Foundation endorsement of a particular product or company. It’ll just be interesting stuff I hear about that you should feel free to check out.
Shop ‘til we stop human trafficking with RIJI Green
According to Polaris Project, nearly 20,000 foreign nationals are trafficked annually in the United States. And nearly a quarter-of-a-million American children are at high risk for trafficking into the sex industry every year.
It’s hard to believe that slavery continues all over the world, from Asia to right here in the DC metro area. To help combat the issue, www.RIJIGreen.com is selling bags, journals, and other gifts made by victims of human trafficking. Money from the sale of each item will go to help these former victims of modern day slavery. RIJI Green hopes to raise $45,000 for International Justice Mission (IJM), a nonprofit that prosecutes trafficking perpetrators, provides aftercare for victims, and promotes justice systems.
Until November 22nd, 50% of the profits from RIJI Green products will go to IJM. 15% of profits will be donated to IJM through the end of the year.
As I hear about more opportunities like this, I’ll continue to post them here, so keep checking back! And if you hear about any yourself, feel free to post in the comments section or email me.
