Current Holiday Activities

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed us by, and this gift-giving and celebration-of-our-oneness season is going so fast. Thanksgiving came and went last week. Whew. I truly hope all of you had much to be thankful for and enjoyed the feasting and conversation and hugging that comes with our late November holiday. I've been busy at Shopping for a Change, and I do have much to be thankful for, with much gratitude to all of you who have helped support us in many ways. Today, Thursday, November 29th, I am participating with other venders at the Domenico Winery's Ladies Night and a Night of Giving benefit event. The winery is turned into a giant Annual Holiday Boutique and we'll have our booth set up for greetings visitors and talking about our items and the philosophy of fair trade. Men are welcome too, as long as they shop for their lady. Admission is free. If you're in the San Carlos, California area, come on by. Check out domenicowinery.com for directions.

Our accessories collection has some nice new items added to it. Check out the Chunchu scarves, hats and fingerless gloves—trendy, very warm and perfect for the winter season. Each is sold separately. They'd make great gifts for girls or women.

Another beautiful and multi-functional item to consider for your holiday shopping is the Zulugrass Trio set of three similar-colored necklace strands that can be used as a necklace, choker, bracelet, waist belt or anklet bracelet. Three color sets to choose from: grasslands green, mother earth natural and pure water blue.






And don't forget we do have fifteen items on holiday sale. And we also have gift certificates. Often, the best way to buy for someone is to give them a gift certificate. All they do is come to our site and put in their gift certificate code for an item(s) at the same total value as the gift certificate.

Not Too Early for Holiday Shopping

Our hearts (and donations) go out to all the people in five states of the eastern seaboard who are displaced, have no power or heat, and lack food and gas in the wake of the superstorm Sandy. There has been an inspiring coming together of community spirit and helpfulness in the affected east coast areas that reflects our mission as well: helping those in third world countries (and here in the U.S.) in a spirit of sharing and helping to build lives. Our fair trade gifts and accessories provide helping hands to many communities living at poverty level. And we are unique in giving part of the profit from each gift to U.S. based nonprofits.

It is now only seven weeks to the holiday gift-giving season. Usually the holiday celebrations and gift-giving bring on a feeling of connected warmth and good feeling toward others. Yet, there is also a shade of commercialism associated with the holidays. Buying gifts can turn into a harried adventure of buying overly-commercialized gifts.

Fortunately, there are handmade, handcrafted gifts  that are more intimate and more expressive of our feelings of shared goodness and special giving. And these gifts—when they are fair trade—not only express a handcrafted care, but also help women, men and children in poor villages or towns who are working hard, being creative and disciplined at their crafts. They work and carry great hope toward creating a better life for themselves and their community.

We’ve started our Shopping for a Change Holiday Sale in this opening week of November. We’ve got fifteen items so far, each priced to save you money as you shop for gifts. Each item is unique and made entirely by hand using eco-green elements.

Among our outstanding items are the Angeline Suede Hobo Bag. This bag is from Fredd & Basha, comes in two colors, is hand stitched and combines leather and suede with decorative features, and includes two zippered pockets.

Another special gift item for men is our Organic Cotton Men’s Polo Shirt. This handsome, comfortable shirt comes from Tompkins Point, crafted from 100% organic cotton that is prewashed with an organic softener—for a great feel.

We hope to see you at our Shopping for a Change market for all of your gift-giving.









Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Horn It In

Shopping for a Change® is excited to feature our newest range of jewelry. Chub Bull, an artisan crafted line led by Esther Silvera, was created with innovation in mind. The company began as a small family business in Peru, but has developed into a fashion line focused on bringing new ideas into the style world. Chub Bull’s unique bullhorn accessories are inspired by Esther’s father, who used to make rustic bullhorn combs in a variety of shapes and sizes. As the simple horn objects became outdated, Esther found a way to combine her Peruvian heritage with her need to make something different. The result? Chub Bull’s beautiful handcrafted horn bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. 

Handcrafted using fair trade practices, this gorgeous jewelry captures the elegance of nature with flattering neutrals that compliment any outfit. Make a statement with your fall and winter wardrobe with these incredible pieces, or consider giving them as holiday gifts knowing that every purchase makes a difference for an artisan in an underserved community. 

Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Hostess Gifts That Continue Giving

Embroidered Organic Cotton & Linen Aromatic Pillow
Set of 4  from the Amazon in Peru $40

Next time you are welcomed into someone's home for a special occasion, bring a truly unique Hostess Gift!

Handmade, fair trade gifts are a memorable way to show your gratitude to friends and family. Shopping for a Change® should be your first stop for the kind of conversation starters that become proud display pieces instead of hiding in the back of the pantry.

Our inspiring home decor collection features the best handcrafted pieces created by artisans from all over the world. For a fun, aromatic gift other than flowers, start with the hand-embroidered Organic Cotton Aromatic Pillows  by Tallerqata. These petite organic cotton and linen pillows are a great way to freshen up small spaces as part of a spirited home decor look.

Tableware Gift Set from
Swaziland Africa $35

Original gifts for your stylish hostess should include this Tableware Gift Set   from Gone Rural. This fantastic coaster, napkin, and napkin ring set is available in a variety of rich colors, or try the Woven Coaster Set of 6 in gift box. Handcrafted by artisans in Swaziland, these incredible sets will be a huge hit with any hostess.

Bamboo Fruit Bowl $35

For more great hostess options, check out the Horn & Bamboo Salad Set, Horn Butter Knives, Teak Wood Cheese Set, Woven Coaster Set, Bamboo Fruit Bowl, or Organic Cotton Napkin Set. Each gift promotes sustainable economies, fair trade practices, and supports the lives and livelihoods of the artisans who create it.

Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Cinema Inspired Accessories

Pitch Perfect is this season's unexpected box office hit, and it's doing more than expanding the musical horizons of its audiences.

It's quickly popularizing a trend we can get behind. The modern, youthful styles in the movie were largely focused on a collection of eye-catching, flattering textile accessories. Based on layering lighter pieces, it creates a warmer fall look with spring and summer pieces, making your wardrobe last longer and go farther.

Handmade, fair trade goods from Shopping for a Change® are the perfect choice for the kind of fabric-based accessories that are elevating the average scarf to something more like jewelry. Knitwear is taking center stage with this trend, with highlighted layers made up of knit, crochet, and yarnworks that serve double duty as functional and fashionable pieces.

Scarves like the Any Which Way Scarf from Emilime are the perfect example. Versatile and eye-catching, it's the perfect fall accessory. With its 3 knitted buttons that can be fastened anywhere on the wrap, this alpaca wrap will become one of the most versatile pieces you own.

Handcrafted scarves, wraps, and sweaters from artisan shops at Shopping for a Change® do more than provide the top trends in fashion. Every purchase supports fair trade fashion, the artisans and their communities as well as nonprofit organizations right here in the United States.

Next time you go shopping, go Shopping for a Change!


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

A Lasting Impression at the San Francisco Ultimate Women's Expo

Shopping for a Change® was thrilled to take part in the recent San Francisco Ultimate Women's Expo, where we had the opportunity to share our story, explain our mission, and show off the stunning handcrafted, fair trade gifts we offer. Our handmade jewelry, handcrafted accessories, fair trade women's and men's apparel, and home decor were a bit hit. 

Our unique business model really resonated with people when it was explained to them while in our booth. We explained that the artisans are paid up front, and then when our customers made a purchase, how we split our net proceeds between helping those in need here in the United States as well as funding Community Improvement Projects abroad in our artisans' communities, in areas of clean water, health care and education.

Founder, Stacey Horowitz and Deidre Hall

Another exciting moment for us was when actress Deidre Hall, of Days of Our Lives fame, came to visit our booth to go shopping for a change.  We nearly burst with pride when she purchased two necklaces and admired a third, which personally belonged to our board member, Caroline Huo. Caroline being who she is, generously removed her necklace (which was in a color no longer available) and gifted it to Deidre, who graciously accepted it! 

We are more than pleased to see people taking notice, and we hope this is one step closer to making a real change for our artisans, our partnering U.S. based nonprofits and our overall mission.


Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.

Fair Trade Month

Fair Trade Month is here! Celebrate with handmade jewelry and accessories for Shopping for a Change®. Artisan gifts and crafts from our collectives and gifted artists are all fair trade products, and every dollar you spend helps to improve the lives of craftswomen all over the world.

Shopping for holidays gifts is the perfect way to  celebrate Fair Trade Month. Shipibo Embroidered Organic Cotton Aromatic Pillows made by Tallerqata in Peru, comes in a set of four. Home goods such as these make great hostess and housewarming gifts, birthday, holiday or presents for any occasion. Perfect for freshening up small areas, these beautifully handcrafted petite pillows bring together the  geometric  embroidery of the Amazonian Shipibo tribes and the relaxing scent of chamomile and flax seed. Their natural fragrance is so relaxing.

Jewelry with subtle sparkle goes a long way toward making even casual, comfortable clothing feel like something special. Aid Through Trade's gorgeous new 18-Strand Glass Bracelet comes in an assortment of beautiful colors including tinsel (shown right) and is a lightweight, effortless addition to your fall wardrobe. Handcrafted by female artisans in Nepal, this intricate bracelet is just one more way to ensure your purchases go farther.

Looking for more ways to support community efforts through fashion? Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, also celebrated during the month of October. 

Learn about how Shopping for a Change® business model works through our fun animated video. Read about our Community Improvement projects
 

Shopping for a Change® (SFAC) empowering others, transforming lives® is a web-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization where artisans (predominantly women) from developing countries, sell their handmade creations enabling them to earn a sustainable income and lift themselves from poverty. The net proceeds subsidize community improvement projects abroad as well as help fund select U.S.-based non-profit organizations of the web shopper’s choosing from SFAC’s partner list.