Things We're Loving — Vol. 6

An easy way to give back? Spend money with purpose. Rather than buying items that come from big brands made in unknown factories, we're looking for companies that tell a story and contribute to a community in need. Below, a sampling of feel-good items on our radar.

Photo courtesy of Interlink Books.

The Aleppo Cookbook Gift Set

The act of breaking bread is one of my favorite ways to bring people of different backgrounds together. Marlene Matar, one of the Arab world's most renowned chefs, recently released a cookbook that showcases the vibrant cuisine of Aleppo while acknowledging the civil war in Syria. Prosperity Candle is selling the book as part of a set that includes a spice mixture used in some of the recipes and a candle hand-poured by women refugees who are rebulding their lives in the United States. For every set sold, one third of proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, who are operating a hospital in Aleppo. ($75) – Berit, editor

Enrou Monterrico Flats

Spring is coming! Which means I'm thinking about new shoes — specifically a pair I can wear at work, on a plane, and at the beach (too early?). These neutral flats made by artisans in Guatemala look to be a perfect fit. Through Enrou's brands, almost 8,000 people are employed in communities around the world. Proceeds help artisans continue to do dignified work with a fair income, in safe work environment, and with job training. Additional support goes to community initiatives in health and finance education. ($54) – Becky, assistant editor

Photo courtesy of Good Spread.

Good Spread Peanut Butter

More than 1.5 million people have fled South Sudan for Uganda to escape famine, drought, and civil war in what is known — to fewer people than it should be — as the third largest refugee crisis in the world. Good Spread, a Boulder-based peanut butter company, has partnered with the non-profit Mana to provide therapeutic packets (peanut butter, milk, vitamins) to refugee toddlers who don't get enough protein. The goal is to divert a fraction of the $800 million U.S. peanut butter market to help the humanitarian crisis. I'm more than happy to help spread the word — and the condiment. ($18 for 3 jars) – Daniel, editorial assistant

Photo courtesy of Local + Lejos.

Local + Lejos Saira Napkin Set

A recent move has me rethinking the items I keep in my home, so I'm looking to add a few new and inspired pieces. I have my eye on these slate blue hand-block printed napkins for dinnertime. They'll be an upgrade from my usual folded paper towel situation. For every set sold, the India-based artisan can pay for one month of school for a child. ($32) – Berit

FashionABLE Stacking Rings and Bracelets

Even the most simple purchases, like a plain gold band or bangle for everyday wear, can be a change agent. The line of basic but beautiful jewelry put out by FashionABLE is made in Nashville, Tennessee, by women who have overcome extraordinary — and often terrifying — circumstances, ranging from homelessness to drug addiction to prostitution to a lack of economic opportunity. (From $34 and up) – Jeralyn, editorial director

Thistle Farms Travel Kit

I'm looking to restock my dopp kit, and this brand caught my eye for the work they do with women survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking, and prostitution. A residential program feeds, houses, and cares for up to 32 women. Four social enterprises (including the natural bath and body product line) employ residents and program graduates and further support the employment and training of more than a thousand women across the globe. ($25) – Becky

Jubilee Traders Tablecloths

A few years ago, I upgraded my beach game by swapping a towel for a nice, big Indian tablecloth that I used as a blanket. And just like that, mine was the prettiest perch on the beach, with room for four and a competitive Scrabble game. Jubille Traders makes block-print textiles in an array of intricate, colorful, one-of-a-kind patterns (red orange lotus is especially summery) and shapes. In addition to round, square, rectangular tablecloths, they have napkins, towels, and runners. Proceeds help break the cycle of poverty for the dozen artisans from outside Jaipur in Northern India, many of whom are practicing a craft that has been handed down for generations. ($64) — Pavia, CEO

Photo courtesy of Love 41.

Love 41 Toiletry Bag

If, like me, you adore leather goods, add this dopp kit to your suitcase. Made of full-grain leather, it will endure even the toughest of travels. All profits go to educating, job training, and feeding the poor in Africa. Love 41's sole mission is to help victims of the Rwandan genocide rebuild their community. ($129) –Helena, intern

Take a Stand Scarf

There are so many issues to stand up for these days that it's easy to feel overwhelmed — and a little lost — about where to start. I like how the Take a Stand project makes it a little simpler: Choose from four scarves depending on which community you'd like to support — Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, National Organization for Women, or the International Refugee Assistance Project. The Immigration Equality scarf is one that is especially close to my heart. ($102) – Becky

Photo courtesy of Bloom & Give.

Bloom & Give Cashmere Scarf

I always try to find the perfect balance between fashionable and smart when planning my everyday outfit, and I think this beautiful cashmere scarf is the item that my closet has been missing. Designed in the U.S. and handmade in India, half the profits will fund education programs for girls in India through their grass-roots partner Educate Girls. ($250) – Helena

Photo courtesy of Creative Action Network.

What Makes America Great Prints

Artists from Creative Action Network are releasing one print every day for the first 100 days of the new presidency, each one illustrating what has already made America great. Artwork is available for sale, with ten percent of purchases benefitting Dream Corps, a social justice accelerator that backs causes involving sustainable development and criminal justice. ($25) – Daniel

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Things We're Loving - Vol. 5
Things We're Loving - Vol. 4
Things We're Loving - Vol. 3