The very first fairtrade gift I ever gave was completely by accident. I'm sure you're curious as to how that's even possible. Well, I signed up to bring a dish for a meeting at my church, dropped it off, bought some jewelry that was being laid out, and left before the meeting even started. I was late for my mom's birthday party and completely spaced a gift. I was so relieved that now I had something to give her.

She opened the black mesh drawstring bag and admired the necklace and earrings, and it wasn't until she started reading the back of the earring card that I realized this wasn't just any gift. She read the story of a girl who was sent to Greece at 15 years old to make money for her mom and was trafficked for 6 years. She was rescued by an organization there and sent back to her home country, where she found a job with Starfish Project. My mom thought it was incredible that this jewelry helped a young woman start a new life out of exploitation, and I was right there with her.

This was the first time I heard about human trafficking. Now years later, it has changed the way I spend my money, time, energy, and God-given talents. And to think it all started with one gift. It didn't stop there either!

I have been gifting fairtrade for 3 years now and every time I shop, buy and give, I see it as fighting for the people all over the world who are exploited for vulnerabilities they have no control over. Gifting fairtrade is looking at every one of those people and seeing myself, creating jobs to empower them, and putting my money towards a system that values their inherent worth and dignity.  

What’s so wonderful about gifting fairtrade is that you are not only buying a special gift for those you love, you are also supporting freedom for someone else, empowering them to provide for their families, and lessening vulnerabilities to break cycles of poverty and exploitation. What a wonderful way to take part in the spirit of Christmas!

I have gifted Starfish Project more times than I can count because their purpose, product, and packaging are everything I look for in a fairtrade purchase. They rescue, restore, and rehabilitate women from exploitation, hiring them to make jewelry while encouraging and aiding them in achieving their dreams.

And not just any jewelry but high-quality, hypoallergenic, and stylish pieces that are a joy to give or receive. Like the gold layering set! You could go all-out and gift them together as a classy and elegant layered look, or separately for more cost-effective giving.

Any way you choose to gift, it's a win-win-win. You get to take part in fighting against human trafficking, women in need are given a safe place and dignified jobs, and the recipient of your gift gets to open gorgeously stylish jewelry, wrapped in incredible holiday packaging. (Especially if that person is also you!)

And as a long-time customer, I have seen Starfish Project's packaging evolve over the years, and this Holiday packaging is just a work of art! This beautifully folded white gift box showcases a gold starfish symbol on the front, while the sides are accented with the most delicate geometric pattern, all tied up neatly with a golden silky bow.  

Pulling open the soft ribbon is sure to make anyone feel special! Once it's opened, that exquisite geometric pattern and the jewelry boxes inside are on full display.

It's so fun to see the iconic Starfish Project packaging so festively dressed in white and gold! As an added touch of perfection, the base of each box is decorated with a gold metallic starfish pattern.

Case in point, the packaging is amazing, the jewelry is breathtaking, and the power of your purchase to support these incredible women coming out of exploitive situations is EVERYTHING!  

I strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to gift fairtrade this Christmas season... it literally makes a world of difference to someone else!

- Whitney with Purposefully Purchased