13 unique online stores to buy good gifts
A story by Our Better World - telling stories of good to inspire action.
We've put together a list of online shops run by people in our community, so you can find some unusual gifts or treat yourself to something lovely. Bonus: you'll be doing good at the same time, just like they are.
What it sells: Quirky reversible dolls, jewellery and accessories.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Matcha5 offers training and a marketplace to rural and underprivileged artisans from the Philippines to Peru, so they can set up and manage their own e-store, build a sustainable business in the long run, and better the lives of their communities.
What it sells: Certified, pure organic argan oil.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Ayelli works with reputable community fair trade cooperatives in southwest Morocco, where women get fair, steady wages, a good working environment, and educational classes, offering them recognition and the power to better their daily lives. Ayelli also distributes its oil through social businesses in Asia, contributing to the social impact of those businesses.
What it sells: Creative, original bags handmade from recycled rice and fish feed bags.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Spurred by a traumatic experience of seeing a woman sell her baby, Bloom's founder set up a small workshop in Siem Reap, Cambodia, that commits to making quality recycled bags, paying its team of women sewers fairly and giving them a safe, cheerful working environment.
What it sells: Handcrafted jewellery made from landmines and artillery shells.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Saught offers its craftsmen insurance, fair pay and skills training opportunities. Each piece of jewellery is made from redeemed landmines or artillery shells, and is designed in collaboration with international, award-winning and emerging designers.
What it sells: Handmade batik products like scarfs and jewellery pouches.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: From sourcing for hand-dyed textiles from family-run businesses in rural Malaysia, to employing seamstresses from the lower socioeconomic strata, the Batik Boutique promotes high-quality batik products through sustainable fair trade practices. A portion of its proceeds also goes directly to community needs.
What it sells: Natural coconut oil soap.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Prema Touch offers all-natural, coconut oil soaps that are free from harmful chemicals. These soaps are made by survivors of trafficking and sex-slavery in Kolkata, India, in a safe environment for them to heal and earn an alternative livelihood.
What it sells: Bags, dolls and Christmas decorations.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Swags World partners with women artisans, such as those from the Boneca de Atauro cooperative in Timor Leste, to promote and sell their unique craft, exposing them to new markets and ensuring a fair wage. Each product also comes with the story of the artisan who made it.
What it sells: Hand-woven clothing and accessories.
Where it ships: Indonesia.
Why buy here: Focused on rejuvenating the hand-weaving heritage in Indonesia, Torajamelo collaborates with a community of weavers in the Sulawesi and East Flores regions to produce high-quality hand woven products. Profits help provide a viable alternative income for women in rural areas, instead of having to migrate to cities to source for work.
What it sells: Fine organic chocolate
Where it ships: Indonesia.
Why buy here: One of the first bean-to-bar chocolate makers in Indonesia, Kakoa works closely with smallholder cocoa farmers to produce organic chocolate made from 100% Indonesian beans. Sourcing directly from farmers allows them to directly benefit them and their families.
What it sells: Clothing, bags, accessories and beauty products.
Where it ships: Indonesia.
Why buy here: M.A.D. Indonesia (Making a Difference) doesn't just offer a good bargain, it channels the majority of its profits to support social projects that reach out to marginalised communities in Indonesia and beyond. It also promotes volunteerism and making a difference among Indonesian youth.
What it sells: Solar-powered lamps and phone chargers.
Where it ships: Singapore and Jakarta.
Why buy here: NDI, or Nusantara Development Initiatives, empowers women in rural Indonesia to be micro-entrepreneurs who bring clean and affordable light to their communities. Great for outdoor and camping needs, buying a solar-powered lamp will contribute to empowering women to bring light to more communities.
What it sells: Premium roast-to-order single-origin Arabica coffee beans.
Where it ships: International.
Why buy here: Bettr Barista offers disadvantaged women and youth in Singapore professional coffee education as well as life and emotional management skills. It also works closely with farmers who are committed to environmental sustainability and have a long-term positive economic and social impact on communities.
What it sells: Hand-knitted toys, home decor, and woolly warmers.
Where it ships: Philippines.
Why buy here: Knitting Expedition is a social enterprise consisting of women rice farmers from the Ifugao region in the Philippines. They craft and sell quirky toys, hand warmers, and home accessories to supplement income from the rice fields, so that they do not have to leave their home village to find work.
