In case you are like me and haven't heard of this place, I have to share my most recent exciting find - Ten Thousand Villages, an amazing store on Grand Avenue in St. Paul (across from Cafe Latte in the mall by Bread and Chocolate). The non-profit store sells handmade gifts, jewelry, decor, art and more for extremely reasonable prices. I was going nuts over the pottery, textiles, necklaces and instruments!
But what's really cool is that the company is one of the world's largest fair trade organizations and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization. Here's what I learned on the Ten Thousand Villages website:
The company strives to improve the livelihood of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries. Ten Thousand Villages accomplishes this by establishing a sustainable market for handmade products in North America, and building long term buying relationships in places where skilled artisan partners lack opportunities for stable income. Product sales help pay for food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.
How great is that?! This is my new favorite store and where I will be buying all my gifts going forward for my lucky friends and family. Too good not to share...
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Ten Thousand Villages is a great place! I haven't been there myself, but my friend from work gives me gifts from there frequently. I have a handmade coaster from Guatemala on my desk. It's beautiful. Let's go sometime!!
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