Gifting fairer this season – our list
At Fairtrade International we want to help you navigate this busy holiday shopping season and gift fairer. Our communications and brand team shared some of their favourite Fairtrade products that are great gift ideas for family, friends, and any other special person on your list.
By choosing a Fairtrade product you are not only getting quality, but also making an ethical purchase to support small-scale farmers and workers around the world. Plus, you are contributing to supporting living wages, sustainable farming practices, and community development. How fantastic is that?
Remember different products are available in different places around the world so look online, in your local shop, or find what’s available near you because buying Fairtrade can bring joy to so many this season.
The Conversation Starter Bundle by Tony’s Chocolonely
For the newshound
From Public Relations and Media Manager, Rosamaria Mancini
Tony’s Chocolonely and The Washington Post teamed up to create the ultimate Conversation Starter Bundle. This box set includes two Fairtrade certified chocolate bars - Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt and Milk Everything Bar – and a Washington Post sticker set. Like the chocolate bar says: share a bar and start a conversation.
Why? Tony’s Chocolonely and the The Washington Post are both committed to uncovering stories that connect, inform, and enlighten. In addition, Tony’s Chocolonely founded in 2005 to combat child labour and forced labour in the chocolate industry, has been a Fairtrade partner from the start.
Details here.
Fair Trainer Active Lo True Blood
For the fashionista
From Brand Intergrity Manager, Patricia Magaña-Spiegel
The Fair Trainer Active is a classic sneaker made from natural materials by Ethletic. The upper material and additional inner lining are made from organic, Fairtrade certified cotton that ensures a breathable and comfortable fit. All other materials such as the laces, labels, and yarns are OEKO-TEX certified (a Swiss textile certification) and can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.
Why? Apart from the fact that it’s a great looking trainer, it’s also sustainable thanks to its Fairtrade cotton elements. Plus, it’s even possible to trace the product back to its origins; in this case, Pakistan producers South Asian Sourcing Pvt. Ltd.
Details here.
Handcrafted gift box filled with Fairtrade chocolate
For family and friends in Africa
From Marketing and Communications Manager, Amelia Watindi
Go to your local supermarket, pick out a mix of Fairtrade chocolates, pack them up carefully, and send them to your loved ones in Africa. The fact is that even though a lot of the world’s cocoa is grown in West Africa, it’s not processed into chocolate or cocoa there. This means it has to be re-exported back, which translates into expensive chocolate that not everyone in Africa can afford.
Why? Everyone deserves to have access to yummy chocolate that stimulates the release of serotonin and other feel-good neurotransmitters.
FAIR SQUARED shea hand cream
For the skin-care obsessed
From Communications Manager, Emily deRiel
This shea butter hand cream is super rich, smells delicious, and best of all, is made with Fairtrade certified shea butter and almond oil from Ghana. In addition, it was not tested on animals and is free from microplastics, aluminium, and palm oil.
Why? This Cologne, Germany-based company is not only committed to ensuring that farmers get a fair deal but also to zero waste, which means they package this product in glass jars that they accept back from retailers and shoppers.
Details here.
Melawear embroidery socks
For the person who likes to express their creativity in a subtle way
From Communications Manager, Giovanna Schmidt
These Fairtrade, organic cotton socks are cute and comfy. They come in different colours and seasonal designs and will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Why? Melawear is committed to sourcing and producing responsibly, which means they are helping to make the cotton and garment sector more sustainable.
Details here.
Zaytoun extra virgin olive oil
For the gourmand
From Digital Content Manager, Sibel Korhaliller
This rich and robust olive oil is grown by family farmers in Palestine whose ancestors have tended their trees by hand for generations. It’s perfect for cooking and for drizzling over salads and vegetables. Plus, it is the world’s first olive oil to be awarded Fairtrade certification.
Why? For olive growing cooperatives in the West Bank, partnering with Fairtrade has helped bring some stability, connecting growers with export markets and making olive farming more viable.
Details here.
Fairtrade Teas
For the person you hardly know
From Head of Communications and Brand, Julieta Tourne
You’ve drawn a name for Secret Santa but are unsure what they like. The simple, yet thoughtful, solution: a selection of teas. Whether they need a boost to kickstart their morning, detox after a night out, or a soothing cup for a cozy afternoon, tea caters to all tastes.
Why? Fairtrade tea is versatile, fair, and delightful.
Details below:
To embrace the day: ChariTea good morning
To detox: ChariTea ginger lemon
To take for a walk: Grune Erde Chai latte
To try something different TEMINISTERIET White tea with peach and rose
Breitsamer Fairtrade Honey
From External Relations Coordinator, Geraldina Shkurtaj
The Faires Frühstück (meaning “fair breakfast” in German) honey is both creamy and sweet and is the perfect accompaniment for tea, toast, or both. Plus, this “liquid gold” has all the extraordinary benefits associated with honey, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Why? Buying this product means supporting small-scale beekeepers in South and Central America who are receiving fair prices for their honey, additional bonuses for community projects, as well as long-term delivery and purchase agreements.
Details here.
Fairtrade Torrontés Chardonnay
For the wine aficionado
From Internal Communications Manager, Vicki Pauschert
With green melon and peach aromas, this unoaked Torrontés is dry with a delicious citrus flavour and a crisp, lingering finish. It’s ideal as an aperitif this festive season, or it can be paired with fish and creamy pasta dishes.
Why? Since becoming Fairtrade certified, the Riojana cooperative has invested its Fairtrade Premium in community projects, such as new secondary schools, clean drinking water, and a clinic. All the more reason to toast with this wine this holiday season - cheers!
Details here.