Gifts That Give Back

Buy a Gift, Fund a Business: GlobalGoodsPartners.org, BuildaNest.com

At online boutique Nest, BuildaNest.com, the $60 you spend on floral Guatemalan tote will go toward...creating more Guatemalan totes! The site sells original apparel, jewelry, home and paper goods made by more than 100 exclusive artists and designers and gives microcredit loans to women in developing countries, enabling them to start and maintain a business selling their own products—which are then offered on the site itself.

Another likeminded organization, GlobalGoodsPartners.org, sells handwoven bracelets made by native tribes in Argentina and handcrafted beaded bangles made women in Tanzania (above). Global Goods Partners is dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting social justice and funds women-led market initiatives in local communities in 24 countries.