Shop With a Purpose

November is right around the corner, which means that the holidays and shopping for Christmas gifts is also upon us. In our family, I am the primary shopper for all gifts. I try to search for gifts that are really meaningful or fun for the person receiving it.  Sometimes I score big, other times not so much : ). From the beginning of our marriage and on into having kids, we've tried to keep Christmas pretty low key.  We want to celebrate the birth of Jesus and keep His birthday the focus of our holiday.  I also like the idea of doing the "want, need, wear, read" concept (one thing the kids want, one thing they need, etc) of Christmas gift giving. But this year I really felt God taking Christmas gift giving to a different level. How could I give a gift that would bless more than just me or the one receiving it?  Shopping with a purpose...giving gifts that would support those in need, those who are trying to support themselves after being trapped in human trafficking, supporting those who are trying to adopt a child...is my mission this year.  And honestly, it makes gift giving SO much more exciting!! I have already bought a few things and I have also been researching so I wanted to share some different opportunities I've come across with all of you.  I hope this will inspire you to shop with a purpose this year as well!


The first thing I bought was this freedom tee from Sari Bari, a fair trade company that supports women in India who have come out of human trafficking.  This particular tshirt is on sale right now for $10.50....which is a great deal! The fabric is soft and the design looks just like the picture on the link.  I will say that I ordered my normal size and it was a little small, so you may want to order a size up.  I also love the other items you can find on the Sari Bari site...blankets, home decor items, accessories, and other tshirts.


Sari Bari is affiliated with the company Freeset, which also supports women in India who have come out of human trafficking.  I first heard about Freeset at a Mom's conference several years ago. When we registered, we received one of Freeset's beautiful burlap bags!  I still have mine and LOVE it!  They have some really beautiful bags, shirts, and other items that would make great Christmas gifts! Freeset is part of the Fair Trade Organization and their products are environmentally friendly.  I really love this company and their desire to provide an income for women and their families, but also want others to get involved and connect with this business.






 The Noonday Collection is another Fair Trade company that sells beautiful jewelry and accessories made by artisans from around the world.  Right now they are also having a sale (until Oct. 31st) in honor of it being Fair Trade month. I love that Noonday's purpose is to help create meaningful opportunities in a socially responsible way to people around the world.



Orphan Sunday is coming up on November 8th, and there is a huge need to support orphans and families who want to adopt.  I didn't realize it, but the site Ornaments 4 Orphans is having a free shipping special if you spend $75 or more in honor of it being Fair Trade month!  They have some really nice ornaments that would look great on your tree, but it would also represent something very special.

Show Hope is an organization dedicated to support orphans and families who want to adopt.  Steven Curtis Chapman, who is a Christian music artist, and his wife, Mary Beth, are the founders of this organization.  Here's a video that shares their heart and tells how Show Hope was founded:
The different items in the Show Hope store go towards benefiting orphans.  What a great ministry!

147 Million Orphans was created to provide the critical needs of children impacted by the orphan crisis and living in poverty. Founded in 2009 by Gwen Oatsvall and Suzanne Mayernick, 147 Million Orphans provides food, water, medicine and shelter in the name of Jesus Christ. The name of our company invokes discussion and brings awareness to the worldwide orphan crisis. Provision begins with the vulnerable child , but we also work to preserve families through sustainable income projects and community reconstruction. This support is critical to break the ongoing orphan crisis cycle.  You can shop in their store and support this ministry to orphans! Right now all orders of $50 or more will have free shipping.

There is also a private Facebook shopping group called "Shop With a Purpose" that you can be added to.  Families are able to post their various fundraisers on the site so that those who want to support their adoptions can do so.  I have also bought something from one of these families.  It's SO neat to know that my small purchase will go towards bringing a child to their forever family!  Just go to the page if you're interested and request approval. Here is the charm bracelet I bought for just $5 that will support an adoption! 


I would love to hear of any other opportunities to support Fair Trade, orphans, or adoptions!  Put your links or info in the comments.  Thanks so much and hope you feel led to shop with a purpose this year!