Looking for a gift which is truly exceptional and unique? Searching for something handcrafted from an excotic corner of the globe but wanting assurance that your money is going directly to the artisan who created it? NOVICA is your answer.
Travel is now the world’s largest industry, and as such, we as travelers have real power. We have the power to choose who we open our wallets to, and where we choose to travel has real economic and political significance. Using our power as consumers and economic leverage as travelers, we are able to support the most ethical destinations and organizations and send a message to the rest of the world in doing so.
In a world where there are so many mass produced products, with no record of who made them, and under what conditions, organizations like NOVICA give us the choice to say no to sweatshops and child labor, and to vote with our wallets for a happier world. They connect local artisans to a global marketplace of socially conscious customers.
One of the leading fair trade artisan websites in the world, NOVICA works with National Geographic to give talented artisans around the world a place to express their artistic talents and provide access to the world market. They have thousands of top fair trade corporate gifts, accessories, jewelry and home decor items on their website, all hand crafted from artisans from regions like the Andes, Bali & Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa.
The fact is, artisans from around the world (many living in rural communities) don’t have the means to sell their work on the international market. NOVICA gives them a free platform to do this, and reach customers on a global scale. They place teams in every region to offer regional support and provide artisans with all the backup they need; from product development advice, to quality control assistance.
A quick search through their product list reveals an obsession with every artistic tradition out there. They offer everything from Peruvian flutes to abstract paintings, African bangle bracelets to filigree rings, and a huge range of handmade gifts for men, for women, for good luck, for the eco-friendly, and for every occasion.
Meet Some of the Artists:
GIVEAWAY!
To celebrate our love for NOVICA, and to promote socially conscious consumerism, we are giving away a $100 gift certificate to be used on the NOVICA website before the end of July.
For this specific giveaway, entrants must be based within in the US, or be willing to ship to a US address.
Enter using the form below, and one lucky winner will be selected at random and emailed the gift certificate. Competition ends on June 20 2014 at 12am.
26 Comments
Oh my! This is such an amazing way to make sure the money is going to those who deserve it!
I agree! We need more companies like NOVICA!
I’d love to support something that is so beneficial to locals!!
It really is a fantastic concept – something I’m glad to get behind!
What an awesome company! Can’t wait to check it out!
I love all of their items – the artwork is so unique and different!
I love this company and its products!
Good luck in the comp!
Novica is doing great work and the artisans are truly amazing! Thanks for sharing Megan!
Completely agree! Thanks for visiting!
I think this is an amazing opportunity to pay it forward to people who really need it! Thanks so much for sharing, Megan, I will definitely be purchasing from them in the near future! I will also help spread the word, how amazing!
Happy & Safe Travels, Megan!
Marianne
Glad to hear Marianne! Happy and safe travels to you as well :)
I am so happy you posted about this website! I am definitely going to check it out now.
Glad we could introduce you to the website – hope you find something amazing!
Looks heaps awesome! What a great competition, Megan :)
Thanks Charlie! Good luck!
Locally made handcrafts are my favorite trip memories. I love knowing the people and stories behind the items. When traveling I look to buy meaningful items from ngo’s where I know that profits are being used for good causes.
I completely agree – meaningful items are the way to go; I’m so sick of having African souvenirs for instance forced in my face which were made in China!!
I feel so much better when I know my money is going to communities and the people in them rather than into the pockets of greedy corporations.
Amen – I’m so glad we are starting to see a worldwide trend in responsible tourism, and that more and more travelers are realizing we have the power to vote with our wallets :)
I love Novica. We have a whole collection of their instruments.
Very cool! I love NOVICA’s instruments! So much more unique than “made in china”!
I love shopping at Novica. They have such unique items!
And the great thing about ordering online is not having to ship it back or cram it into your suitcase! I never have the luggage space to bring things home with me!
All I can say is “fantastic!”. NOVICA is does amazing work. It’s great you’re raising awareness of the issue of fair trade, while promoting NOVICA and including a competition at the same time!! Great work :)
Thanks! We thought incorporating a competition would be a great way to raise awareness and promote a great company at the same time – glad you enjoyed the post!