There’s something so lovely about March, it’s one of my favourite times of year. Finally feeling a bit of sunshine and warmth after months of feeling cold, the clocks go forward, there are baby lambs skipping about and we have Easter (and all its bank holidays!) to look forward to!
It’s also a great time to show your mum some love and let her know how much you love and appreciate her, and a Fair trade gift is a perfect way to give a gift that not only will she be delighted with, but one that also makes a positive difference to others all around the world.
We’ve selected our some of our favourite products that are sure to make her smile this Mother’s Day.
Refumade Bags
The stunning range of bags created in aid of Refugee Support come in a range of sizes and prints and are a beautiful, yet practical gift. Refugees are at the forefront of our minds more than ever at the moment, so it’s really great to be able to purchase items which help them to live and work in a dignified way, and show off their skills as craftswomen.
Handmade by refugee women at The Dignity Centre in Nicosia, Cyprus, all the proceeds from the bag go directly to the person who made it – and you can find out who it was on the information card which comes with it.
Choc Affair spring flavours
It’s always exciting to predict what the Choc Affair seasonal flavours are going to be and we definitely couldn’t have guessed some of these! Beautifully packaged as always, choose from either milk chocolate or Vegan dark chocolate depending on your mum’s taste – or why not try one of each?!
Using sustainably farmed cocoa and no palm oil, Choc Affair take care to respect both people and planet in the creation of their delicious chocolate. At every stage of its journey from bean to bar, their chocolate will have a positive impact, so all the cocoa used comes from family-owned companies just like ours. By supporting small farms and local co-operatives and giving them a sense of ownership and pride in the finished product, Choc Affair help ensure that the profits stay where they’re needed the most.
Just Trade Silver Plated Jewellery
We love all the jewellery from Just Trade, but their silver plated collection has to be one of our favourites. Treat your mum to a piece from the collection – earrings, necklace and bracelet are available and watch her smile widen!
Just Trade works in partnership with fair trade artisans across the world to create hand made contemporary fashion jewellery for the ethically minded. They are completely committed to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade as set out by the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO).
Namaste coloured throws
We love the stunning, brightly coloured throws from Namaste Fair Trade. Made from 100% recycled cotton, they are a useful gift that your mum is sure to love. Large enough to use as a blanket or bed cover, they provide a pop of colour wherever you use them!
All Namaste products are fairly traded, who believe that the best way to reduce poverty is through trade. Namaste seeks to support marginalised small producers and aims to help workers to move from income insecurity to economic self sufficiency. The manufacture of goods for Namaste generates income for the local community and these benefits enrich the quality of life of the local community.
Sheffield Candles
We can’t get enough of the candles from The Sheffield Candle Company, they make a great gift for any Sheffield lover! Named after various parks and places in Sheffield, the range of scents means you’re sure to find one that you love!
Handcrafted at the Sheffield Candle Company workshop in Sheffield, for over five years they have developed their own recipes using the finest ingredients to create a fabulous range of products. Hand poured, and using 100% natural soy wax and cotton wick, for a clean, Vegan friendly burn.
Artisanne Laundry Basket
A laundry basket may not be your first thought when you think “Mother’s Day gift” but we promise you that no one could be disappointed with the beautiful baskets from Artisanne! They really are a work of art for your home.
The Fair Trade Alibaba Laundry Basket is woven from sustainable ndiorokh grasses intertwined with long strips of repurposed plastic traditionally used for making bazin (prayer) mats. Artisanne works directly – without middlemen – with 85 artisans who are based in villages near Thiès in Senegal, helping to ensure the women earn a regular, fair and secure income for their products. They visit the villages several times a year and have a strong relationship with the weavers. Communicating directly with the artisans during these visits enables everyone to discuss concerns and challenges, which is a much-valued priority by all involved and helps ensure our quality is maintained.
Whether you choose one of these items, or something different, we hope you enjoy spoiling your mum this year – we have no doubt that she deserves it!