Artisan Gifts that Align with Your Values
Our mission at Shelf Love Collective is to make it easy for you, the conscious consumer, to shop based on your values. This artisan gift list is a continuation of that mission and while we do not benefit from promoting these products or brands, we believe in supporting the community of brands who do good for people and the planet. As we were researching brands and compiling this list, we were astounded and moved by how many value-based businesses are out there, devoted to making the world a better place every day in their own way. We hope this artisan gift list can offer the same inspiration for you as it did for us and help make your gift giving even more special.
This list includes 30 unique artisan gifts from 30 different value-based businesses. For quick shopping reference, we begin with clickable images of our top gift picks ranging from jewelry, skincare and fashion gifts to gifts for foodies, children and the gardeners on your list. Following, you can read about each of these outstanding brands, their missions, and shop their entire collections. If you enjoy this artisan gift guide, let us know in the comments, including any categories you would like to see expanded in our next gift guide!
Gift Ranking Criteria:
Research is what we do best here at Shelf Love Co! We thoroughly researched each brand and product that made the final cut on this top artisan gift list and ranked each on the following criteria:
➕ Ethical - Each brand must be transparent about their labor practices and treat their artisans with fairness, provide safe working conditions and living wages, and ideally be Fair Trade Certified.
➕ Sustainable - Each brand must be transparent about all materials used, the materials must be sustainably sourced with renewable materials and be toxin-free.
➕ Brand Values - We make note of the brand values that set these companies apart such as promoting regenerative agriculture, supporting marginalized communities and preserving heritage skills.
➕ Price Range - Each product is placed on a scale from budget friendly to luxury so you can shop based on your budget.
$= gifts $50 and under
$$ = gifts $50 - $300
$$$ = gifts over $300
At a Glance >> Shop Artisan Gifts
The images below are our top pick from each brand, sorted by category. Click any image to shop directly for the product or scroll down to learn about each brand with links to explore their entire collections.
Warning: You may fall in love with all 30 brands!
Jewelry, Accessories & Apparel
Home Decor
Textiles
Home & Garden Misc.
Culinary & Food
Skincare & Wellness
Table of contents - 30 Artisan Gifts
JEWELRY, ACCESSORIES & APPAREL
1. Dreamer & Co
Price Range: $
Ethical Materials - Supports Marginalized Communities
Dreamer & Co is more than just a jewelry brand; it’s on a mission is to empower artisans and uplift communities in Kenya and the Horn of Africa by breaking generational poverty cycles. Founded by Jessica Gardner and Baylee Eby in 2018 and now part of the Imani Collective family, Dreamer & Co is committed to creating sustainable change for over 50 artisans. With every piece, Dreamer & Co brings hope and economic independence to talented artisans who often face unstable work and low wages.
The brand’s design philosophy prioritizes mindful, high-quality materials that embrace durability and timeless style, reducing waste and encouraging a more sustainable approach to fashion. Dreamer & Co's commitment to quality over quantity ensures that each piece is both a cherished keepsake and a step toward a better future for artisan communities.
Our artisan gift pick: Kuota Hoops
“With heartfelt craftsmanship, every piece serves as a reminder to pursue your dreams, while each purchase contributes to making dreams a reality.”
2. Sanctuaire
Price Range: $ - $$$
Ethical Materials - Supports Marginalized Communities
The gift of jewelry- an oldie but goodie ;). We think it becomes an even better gift when ethically sourced materials are used to craft beautiful pieces that help create a better world. Sanctuaire was founded in 2018 with the goal of connecting humanity to the experience of sanctuary through creating elegant ethical jewelry and supporting the economically vulnerable. Designed with intention, each piece of Sanctuaire is wearable art that exudes beauty, charity, integrity, legacy, and compassion. 10% of all profits support vulnerable women and communities globally. Since 2018, they've provided over 50,000 hours of employment and hired 47 survivors.
Our artisan gift pick: Dainty Street Breaker Necklace (the perfect layering piece!)
“Through sanctuaire, I strive to adorn the world with beauty while giving back to those in need, ensuring that every piece of jewelry becomes a symbol of compassion and change.” — Holly Christine Hayes
3. The Brave Collection
Price Range: $ - $$
Sustainable Materials - Supports Marginalized Communities - Preserves Heritage Skills
The Brave Collection jewelry is handmade by talented Cambodian artisans who come from underprivileged backgrounds or suffer from disabilities. All artists work in a free, fair and dignified work environment where they are paid above average wages and receive benefits such as health insurance and stipends for their children's education. Each piece in their collection is carved and woven by hand in Cambodia using traditional metalwork techniques with brass, silver and gold vermeil materials. Additionally, 10% of profits are donated to fight human trafficking in Cambodia.
Our artisan gift pick: Tassel Cuff
“Our goal is to provide job opportunities to talented artisans, exposing them to a global customer and collaborating creatively. Additionally, 10% of our profits are donated to fight human trafficking in Cambodia. We work with partners on the ground to support programming that empowers vulnerable Cambodian girls.”
4. Multixply
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Ethical + Sustainable Materials - Supports Marginalized Communities - Preserves Heritage Skills
Pronounced "multiply", the brand was born out of the recognition that “fashion can be fair, art can be healing, and design can change the world.” Tanja Cesh founded MULXIPLY in 2010 after witnessing the devastating effects of human trafficking and the global crisis impacting marginalized and impoverished individuals. She envisioned a way to fight poverty by creating dignified job opportunities by blending her background in fashion with the talents of skilled artisans in need of work. By collaborating with female artisans and master craftsmen in rural areas, MULXIPLY has empowered Nepalese artists to showcase their craft, strengthen their communities economically, and elevate their social standing.
Our artisan gift pick: Cashmere Felted Scarf
“Our designs are a blend of what is timeless and trending. We believe in creating pieces that will be worn for years to come and for generations after that. Age-old practices ensure that our quality is tested. Our process is intentionally limited to what can be made with the tools and skills available to us in Nepal. Slow fashion means that each of our pieces is formed by hand -- one stitch, one cut, one forge at a time."
5. Heritage by Hand
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Heritage by Hand (HBH) is a lifestyle brand offering a curated selection of handmade goods by master artisans in Latin America who create products that are inspired by the natural world’s shapes, colors, and textures. Founded by museum consultant Heidi McKinnon, who has spent over two decades supporting cultural heritage, human rights, and women's rights across Latin America, HBH brings her passion for cultural preservation and environmental sustainability to the retail space. HBH emphasizes the importance of handmade goods crafted from organic materials, believing they enhance well-being while honoring the artisans' cultural heritage.
Our artisan gift pick: Balandra Pompom Tote
“HBH aims to elevate the work we represent with a singular respect for the cultures and people that make it and the life they breathe into it. HBH favors long term relationships with partner artisans so that impact can be sustained and they can maintain their at-risk, deep-rooted cultural heritage."
6. Christy Dawn
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills - Regenerative Practices
Christy Dawn is a clothing company dedicated to sustainability and craftsmanship. Each garment is made by local artisans in Downtown Los Angeles using deadstock fabric, minimizing waste and ensuring that every piece is sewn with longevity in mind. Their approach to fashion emphasizes quality over quantity, producing a limited number of vintage-inspired garments and individually numbering each dress. This intentional process reflects their commitment to thoughtful design, durability, and environmental responsibility.
In 2019, Christy Dawn launched the Farm-to-Closet initiative, a groundbreaking effort to reconnect fashion with regenerative agriculture. Through a partnership with Oshadi Farm in India, the initiative has revitalized 219 acres of land, implementing traditional farming and artistry practices that nourish the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. This model not only supports farmers and artisans by ensuring living wages and financial independence but also actively contributes to healing the Earth. By purchasing from the Farm-to-Closet line, consumers participate in a solution that supports biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and environmental restoration, all while wearing clothes that embody their values.
Our artisan gift pick: The Dawn Dress
“Wearing Farm-to-Closet is an invitation to wear your values. Each purchase helps replenish even more soil and sequester even more carbon. It’s not a donation, it’s an opportunity to participate in a solution — one where you look good and feel good at the same time."
7. Joyn Bags
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Joyn Bags began in 2010 with a mission to bring opportunities to underserved communities through the age-old art of spinning, weaving, and block printing in a small town nestled in the Himalayan foothills. From the start, Joyn’s vision was to create handmade products that uphold fairness, equality, and justice. Today, Joyn's bags are cherished by women worldwide, but their commitment remains the same: to create ethically made products that are good for people and kind to the planet.
At the heart of Joyn’s philosophy is their dedication to slow, hand-crafted production. Each bag is carefully made by skilled artisans, creating a meaningful connection between the maker and the owner. By managing production in-house at their Rajpur studio, Joyn ensures transparency, fair wages, a safe working environment, and profit-sharing opportunities for their artisans. Their small-batch, sustainable approach means each Joyn bag is beautifully unique, a piece of craftsmanship that can be treasured for years to come.
Our artisan gift pick: Malti Weekender Bag
“What will always be the most important thing to us is knowing who, how and where our products are made. Owning both the manufacturing part and the retail part of our business means we know our people, personally, we know their children, we get to work together each day knowing that we're creating something special."
8. MANDRN
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
MANDRN is committed to conscious fashion, focusing on timeless, handcrafted pieces made from the highest quality Javanese and Mexican leather. Founded by Kelly Kong in 2018, MANDRN was born out of a desire to create functional, timeless travel bags while embracing a “people-first” philosophy and manufacturing practices that prioritize quality and sustainability. The company collaborates with local artisans who have perfected their craft over generations, ensuring fair compensation and ethical working conditions. By repurposing leather that would otherwise be discarded, MANDRN promotes sustainable practices and slow fashion. Designed to last a lifetime, their bags age beautifully over time, embodying the brand’s dedication to creating pieces that are both stylish and environmentally responsible.
Our artisan gift pick: Ziggy Belt Bag
Our budget friendly pick: Puffy Heart Keychain
“100% genuine leather bags and accessories that look as great as they function. Handcrafted with love by Balinese and Mexican artisans. Made as uniquely as you."
HOME DECOR & KITCHEN
9. Shelf Love Collective
Price Range: $ - $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Shelf Love Collective is a home decor company committed to honoring the “slow decorating” movement by offering sustainable, non-toxic, and ethically made products. In a market flooded with cheap, unsustainable furnishings that contribute to landfill waste, Shelf Love brings together brands and artisans focused on high-quality, timeless goods. Their mission is to help consumers make intentional choices that are good for both people and the planet, starting with the decor in their homes.
Each product in Shelf Love Collective undergoes rigorous vetting and receives a Shelf Love Materials Ranking, ensuring it meets the company’s high standards for safety and sustainability. By promoting fair trade, eco-friendly practices, and non-toxic materials, Shelf Love makes it easier for consumers to choose decor that supports a healthier environment and ethical labor practices, helping to shift the industry toward a more sustainable future.
Our artisan gift pick: Arched Picture Frame
“We believe that the products we buy can be more than just things. They can provide fair wages. They can celebrate craftsmanship and heritage skills. They can honor our planet and natural resources. They can impact our future buying habits. They can inspire and bring joy."
10. Sombra
Price Range: $$
Sustainable Materials - Small Batch
Sombra is a Los Angeles-based brand that creates stunning ceramic objects inspired by architectural principles and natural forms. Founded by architect and ceramist Allison Shawn in 2021, Sombra’s designs blend architectural precision with handcrafted artistry, resulting in sculptural, yet practical pieces that invite presence and reflection in everyday living.
Dedicated to sustainability, Sombra prioritizes environmental responsibility by sourcing materials locally, recycling, and using plastic-free, recycled packaging. Sombra’s commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful design ensures that each piece is not only made to last but also adds a distinctive and timeless touch to any space.
Our artisan gift pick: Sandstone Jar + Other Kitchen Jars
“With our raw clay finishes, we celebrate the inherent material qualities of the earth. Every color, every texture comes directly from the alchemical transformation of earth meeting fire. To ensure our functional designs stand the test of time, we hone each prototype through an iterative design process informed by architectural practice. Each piece is made by hand in small batches and with dedicated craftsmanship.”
11. LIKHA
Price Range: $ - $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Through a blend of contemporary design and traditional techniques, LIKHA creates unique and sustainable handcrafted products, ranging from home décor to fashion accessories. Each piece is made using eco-friendly materials like natural straw, coco coir, and recycled wood, and showcases the artisans' craftsmanship, which has been passed down through generations.
LIKHA is dedicated to empowering Filipino artisans by bringing their time-honored local craft to the global market. The company's mission is to help artisan families overcome poverty by reinvesting a majority of its profits to support these communities. LIKHA's commitment to fair compensation ensures that the artisans not only earn a livelihood but also gain confidence and dignity in their work. By offering thoughtfully handcrafted, affordable products, LIKHA fosters a connection between consumers and the artisans, all while promoting sustainable practices and honoring cultural heritage.
Our artisan gift pick: Acacia Serving Boards
"We aim to provide more than just livelihood - through our partnership with local artisans, we hope to help uplift their status, develop their confidence and sense of self-worth, and uphold their dignity as craftspeople."
12. R+D Lab
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
R+D Lab is a creative studio dedicated to producing sustainable, high-quality products that blend modern design with traditional craftsmanship. With a deep respect for aesthetics, materials, and process, they collaborate with artisans and small manufacturers to create functional, meaningful items for the modern home. Their work is inspired by the connections between architecture, art, design, and fashion, resulting in unique products that are both beautiful and purposeful.
Rooted in a philosophy of sustainability and thoughtful design, R+D Lab uses natural resources like glass, textile, stone, and ceramics to create their collections. They emphasize slow, unhurried production that honors craftsmanship and embraces the imperfections that make each piece unique. By fusing tradition with modern aesthetics, R+D Lab delivers timeless, multi-functional products that balance form, function, and sustainability.
Our artisan gift pick: Velasca 1L Carafe | Ottanio Green
“Research and Design are at the heart of our namesake, providing experience and the impetus for collaborative exchange with artisans and small traditional makers."
13. Zuahaza
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Founded in 2019 by Tatiana Ordoñez, Zuahaza is a Colombian social enterprise dedicated to empowering artisans and preserving traditional crafts through collaborative design. Driven by the Muisca concept of “sisterhood,” Zuahaza's mission is to unify diverse communities of women through the revival of textile arts, aiming to be a force for healing and peace in Colombia's post-conflict society. By fostering a safe, equitable workspace, Zuahaza supports each artisan’s growth and dreams, embodying a shared commitment to cultural preservation and creative innovation.
Rooted in sustainable practices, Zuahaza emphasizes organic and eco-friendly materials such as locally-sourced cotton, fique fiber, and natural dyes. Their products, including textiles, baskets, and hand-painted ceramics, are crafted through a blend of ancestral techniques and contemporary design, resulting in pieces that embody both tradition and modernity. Zuahaza’s artisans carefully hand-spin, weave, and dye each item, employing minimal waste methods to repurpose leftover materials and reduce environmental impact. This combination of sustainable sourcing, handcrafted artistry, and community-centered values makes Zuahaza a unique brand committed to responsible fashion, Colombian heritage, and ecological consciousness.
Our artisan gift pick: Colorful Ceramic Kitchen Bowls & Mugs
“We are a team of women from diverse cultural backgrounds sharing one national territory, and one common mission: to preserve and revitalize traditional crafts through collaborative design and knowledge exchange.”
14. Ichcha
Price Range: $ - $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Ichcha, founded by three sisters, began with a mission to preserve and celebrate traditional handmade textiles while supporting artisans and their communities. Inspired by the artisans they met across India, whose craft has been a family legacy for generations, Ichcha promotes conscious living through sustainable products and thoughtful design. Working from their New York studio, the sisters travel to India to collaborate with artisans, developing collections like "Ichcha for Artisan," where artisans have creative control, with all profits supporting their communities. Ichcha's commitment to social impact includes funding education for women and organizing health camps, creating a positive impact that goes beyond textiles.
Central to Ichcha’s offerings is the art of hand block printing, an ancient technique dating back to the 12th century. This craft involves carving intricate patterns onto wooden blocks, which are then stamped onto fabric with natural dyes made from materials like flowers, leaves, and spices. Each block-printed piece is unique, as the handmade process ensures subtle variations in every impression. This eco-friendly technique not only sustains traditional methods but also connects artisans to their heritage and livelihood, as block printing has been a way of life for these families for generations. By supporting this craft, Ichcha preserves a timeless art form while bringing sustainable, culturally rich textiles to a global audience.
Our artisan gift pick: Block Print Kitchen/ Garden Apron
“It all started with a wish to preserve and promote the beautiful handmade textiles that are slowly losing against the world that's passing by very fast! It bothered us that the handmade crafts and craftsmanship were so undervalued, especially in countries like India where survival was more important.…Thus came ichcha, or 'a wish', to live and encourage everyone to live consciously; conscious of the environment and of the value and life of the products created and sought.”
TEXTILES
15. Mantas Ezcaray
Price Range: $$$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Founded in 1930, Mantas Ezcaray is a family-owned business that is dedicated to the traditional production of scarves, shawls and blankets. Working with local artisans, each one of their pieces is artfully designed and manufactured almost entirely by hand. Renowned for introducing Mohair into its creations in 1950, Mantas Ezcaray continues to craft luxurious, long-lasting textiles using the finest natural fibers, including South African Mohair, Australian Merino wool, and Mongolian Cashmere.
Sustainability lies at the heart of Mantas Ezcaray’s philosophy, from the careful selection of raw materials to the ethical treatment of the animals providing the fibers. By creating durable, high-quality blankets and accessories, the brand minimizes environmental impact, offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials. With each handcrafted piece, Mantas Ezcaray continues to preserve artisanal craftsmanship, while providing heirloom-quality pieces that blend timeless design with modern appeal.
Our artisan gift pick: Mohair Cuadros Ref. 4015 Throw
“The passing of time has meant that today we are the only manufacturers left in Ezcaray, and even in Spain, making blankets from Mohair, Cashmere, Alpaca, wool, etc. By choosing one of our blankets or accessories, you are not only acquiring a quality product, but you are also contributing to the preservation of our planet.”
16. MINNA
Price Range: $ - $$$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Founded in 2013 by Sara Berks, MINNA is a certified B Corp recognized for its commitment to ethical craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Specializing in handmade homewares, textiles, and wallcoverings, MINNA collaborates with master artisans in Central and South America. This partnership not only preserves traditional crafts but also creates meaningful job opportunities in these regions.
MINNA’s values of craft preservation, sustainability, and continual innovation guide every design and manufacturing decision, reflecting their deep dedication to responsible, thoughtful production. Rooted in a belief that business can be a force for good, MINNA operates with transparency, accountability, and a deep focus on human-centered practices. MINNA strives to build inclusive communities and challenge injustices locally and globally.
Our artisan gift pick: Tea Towel Bundle
“We care about the world and our place in it. Our collections are made in small batches by artisans who carry generational knowledge of the beautiful heritage techniques incorporated into each of our products.”
17. Kiliim
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Kiliim is a lifestyle brand dedicated to preserving traditional Egyptian crafts by blending modern designs with time-honored techniques. Based in the Nile Delta village of Fowwa, Kiliim works with artisans who come from generations of skilled kilim weavers. Once a hub of over 2,000 weaving workshops, Fowwa’s kilim industry had dwindled to under 200 by 2016. In response, Kiliim sought to revive the craft, reimagining its value chain to ensure its survival in the 21st century and help it thrive once again.
The Kiliim model focuses on teamwork, separating the responsibilities of design, production, marketing, and sales, which were previously all handled by the artisans for minimal wages. This collaborative approach, involving Egypt’s most talented designers and craftsmen, has had a significant impact since the brand’s inception. Kiliim now partners with nearly 40 artisans, providing them with stable incomes that are 50% higher than the industry average, all within conditions that comply with World Fair Trade Organization standards. As the brand grows, Kiliim aims to expand its artisan network and explore other traditional crafts across Egypt.
Our artisan gift pick: Beige Stripes Throw
“Our model is based on teamwork, in which expert teams are dedicated to each step of this process, making the final product the collaborative outcome of some of Egypt’s most talented designers and artisans.”
18. Coyuchi
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Regenerative Agriculture
Founded in 1991, Coyuchi is a pioneer in sustainable luxury home textiles, offering high-quality products made from certified-organic fibers free of pesticides and toxic chemicals. The company blends style, comfort, and sustainability, creating heirloom-quality pieces that are inspired by nature's beauty and the restorative energy of the earth.
With a focus on environmental responsibility and ethical production, Coyuchi is committed to supporting the well-being of the planet, farmers, and craftspeople. Transparency and accountability are at the core of their operations, ensuring that every product embodies both quality and a positive environmental impact.
Our artisan gift pick: Mediterranean Beach Towel
“Each element of a Coyuchi home flows with the pure restorative energy of the earth, sustainably sourced and thoughtfully crafted to inspire well-being and connect generations.”
HOME & GARDEN MISC.
19. Niwaki
Price Range: $$
Sustainable Materials - Traditional Craftsmanship
Founded by Jake Hobson and his wife Keiko in 1997, Niwaki blends Japanese horticultural artistry with practical, high-quality tools for gardeners, chefs, and craftsmen. Inspired by Jake's passion for cloud pruning and the beauty of Japanese gardens, Niwaki offers meticulously crafted tools all hand-forged by skilled artisans in Japan. The brand’s name, meaning "garden trees" in Japanese, reflects its dedication to creating products that enhance the artistry and precision of gardening, while promoting sustainability through durable, repairable designs that reduce waste.
Renowned for their quality and precision, Niwaki’s tools are not just for bonsai or Japanese landscapes—they work just as effectively in Western gardens and on a wide range of plants. Niwaki’s product range also extends to kitchen knives, woodworking tools, and outdoor gear, offering the best of Japanese craftsmanship to inspire enthusiasts across various disciplines. Through their products and expertise, Niwaki encourages people to elevate their craft, whether in the garden, kitchen, or workshop, while supporting traditional Japanese artisanship.
Our artisan gift pick: Niwaki GR Pro Secateurs Japanese Pruners
Special gift set pick: Ulla Johnson x Niwaki Gift Set
“Niwaki means garden tree. Not very exciting, but it implies far more than that. Japanese gardens are landscapes, microcosms of nature, and the trees are all shaped to fit into those landscapes - there’s an awful lot of artistry and cultural baggage in there too… So, the name. Hard to pronounce (knee-whacky) and tricky to remember, but we like it because of its implications.”
20. House of Marley
Price Range: $$
Sustainable Materials - Reforestation
House of Marley is a brand built on the principles of superior quality, sustainability, and a commitment to making a positive impact. In collaboration with the Marley family, the brand honors Bob Marley’s legacy by combining eco-conscious design with high-performance audio products that deliver the “Marley Signature Sound.” Known for their smooth bass, precise mids, and energizing high-end, Marley’s headphones and audio systems are custom-tuned to bring out the energy, emotion, and detail of every recording, ensuring a lifetime of enjoyment and reliability.
Sustainability is at the core of House of Marley’s identity, with products crafted from responsibly sourced materials like bamboo, FSC® certified wood, recyclable aluminum, and their exclusive REWIND® fabric made from reclaimed organic cotton, recycled PET, and hemp. By making thoughtful design choices, the brand not only creates high-quality products but also supports global reforestation through Project Marley, using proceeds from sales to plant trees and promote positive environmental change. House of Marley offers more than just premium sound—it offers a meaningful connection to both music and the planet.
Our artisan gift pick: Roots Solar Bluetooth® Speaker
“House of Marley products are designed to elevate and amplify the values we all stand for: sustainability, equality, love and respect for the planet.”
21. Loktaa
Price Range: $
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills - Social Impact
Loktaa is a family-run business based in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to bringing the beauty of handmade Nepalese stationery to the world while supporting education for girls in Nepal. The name Loktaa, pronounced "Lock-Tah," reflects the rich heritage of Nepalese papermaking, with each product crafted from the bark of the Loktaa plant, sustainably harvested in the Himalayan region. By preserving this centuries-old technique, Loktaa not only offers eco-friendly, artisanal stationery but also promotes economic sustainability in rural Nepalese communities.
Beyond their passion for handmade paper, Loktaa is committed to making a lasting impact on education in Nepal. Since 2020, the company has donated a portion of its profits to Room to Read's Literacy and Girls' Education Program, funding over 12,705 full days of education for girls in Nepal. Their efforts help provide girls with the resources and support they need to stay in school, advocate for themselves, and navigate difficult decisions. Loktaa’s mission extends beyond crafting beautiful products—it's about creating opportunities and empowering the next generation of women in Nepal.
Our artisan gift pick: Handmade paper Hardcover Journal (we especially love the Bougainvillea + Mugwort design)
“When we embarked on the LOKTAA journey, there were a lot of uncertainties and unknowns, but there were 2 things we were certain on. Firstly, more people should get to know and love the ancient craft of Nepalese handmade paper and the beautiful stationery! And secondly, that we wanted to help the literacy & educational landscape of Nepal - in any small way we could.”
22. Imani + Kids
Price Range: $
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Craftsmanship - Social Impact
Imani + Kids is a brand dedicated to crafting ethical children’s products that promote holistic empowerment and opportunity for artisans and their communities. Rooted in the belief that transformation can happen by empowering the whole person, the brand provides more than just jobs—they offer a supportive collective that improves the economic, spiritual, emotional, and social well-being of their artisans. The company’s mission is to break the generational cycle of poverty through dignified employment and education, helping artisans build brighter futures for their families.
Their products are a testament to sustainable craftsmanship, using locally sourced organic materials and eco-friendly methods throughout the production process. From natural plant-based dyes to handwoven baskets made from locally sourced reeds, Imani + Kids emphasizes responsible consumption while investing in local economies. Each product is a reflection of traditional African craftsmanship, designed with care for both the environment and the families who use them. Through their work, Imani + Kids empowers artisans, supports sustainable income, and celebrates the beauty of ethical, handmade products.
Our artisan gift pick: Farmer’s Market Tote
“Our desire is for the generational cycle of poverty to be broken within our communities through access to dignified employment and education. Our artisans are improving their standard of living and cultivating a brighter future for their families.”
CULINARY & FOOD
23. Pinch Spice Market
Price Range: $
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Organic - Supports Conservation
Pinch Spices is committed to offering only the highest quality organic spices, sourced from ethical and fair-trade farmers. The company believes that quality and organic certification matter, and they work directly with trusted farmers to ensure their products are both flavorful and responsibly sourced. Fair-trade is more than a label for Pinch Spices; it’s a way to combat child labor, reduce poverty in the spice trade, and support sustainable farming. By personally visiting many of the farmers they partner with, Pinch Spices ensures that the highest quality herbs and spices make it to your kitchen while helping farming communities thrive globally.
Sustainability is at the heart of Pinch Spices' mission, as they partner with fair-trade and certified organic farmers to produce high-quality spices while reducing their environmental impact. Their eco-friendly practices include sourcing directly from farmers to lower shipping distances and carbon emissions, using recyclable packaging, and encouraging bee colony growth to naturally boost spice yields without harmful chemicals. Pinch Spices also supports global environmental efforts by donating to Conservation International, which works to stop climate change, heal our oceans and create self-sustaining, scalable conservation models around the world.
Our artisan gift pick: Best of Pinch Gift Set
“While most of the spice industry perpetuates poverty, child labor and poor working conditions, you're changing that by buying organic and fair trade. Thanks to you, our spice farmers live on healthy land, provide for their families and send their children to school. You are truly changing lives.”
24. JusTea
Price Range: $
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Methods - Social Impact
JusTea is the first and only farmer-direct tea company from Kenya, offering premium, small-scale tea grown through ethical and sustainable practices. Partnering directly with tea farming families, JusTea ensures that farmers are paid fair wages while reinvesting in their communities. Founded through the collaboration of the Bain family from Canada and the Katah family in Kenya, JusTea’s mission is to provide employment opportunities, higher wages, and community development. This partnership lies at the heart of the company’s work, and through its women-led cooperative, JusTea supports local families while delivering the freshest, most flavorful tea to consumers.
JusTea is committed to sustainability, focusing on eco-friendly farming and packaging practices that benefit both the environment and the tea-drinking experience. Grown in Kenya's nutrient-rich volcanic soil without the use of pesticides, their teas are organically cultivated in small gardens, promoting a more natural biodiversity. JusTea’s products are packaged in reusable, recyclable tins, with tea bags made from compostable materials, minimizing their carbon footprint. By purchasing JusTea, customers not only enjoy delicious, whole-leaf Kenyan tea but also contribute to sustainable farming and community empowerment in Kenya.
Our artisan gift pick: Purple Rain
“Since 2012, we have partnered with the Katah family and the Nandi Hills community to establish Kenya’s first-ever “Artisanal Tea Cottage Factory” owned and managed by small-scale tea farmers! We are leading the research and processing of new Kenyan teas (like Purple Tea!) but more importantly we are paying fair-prices for farmers tea leaves and creating steady employment where there wasn’t any before.”
25. Akinosie
Price Range: $
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills - Social Impact
Askinosie Chocolate is a small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate micro-factory dedicated to producing ethical, award-winning chocolate. By working directly with sustainability-focused smallholder cocoa farmers around the world, Askinosie has pioneered Direct Trade, ensuring that their farmers receive a fair share of profits while building meaningful partnerships. With a deep commitment to doing the right thing, the company focuses on slave-free chocolate production, benefiting not only their farmers but also inspiring employees and delighting chocolate lovers worldwide.
Through its Chocolate University program, Askinosie extends its mission of impact beyond chocolate, providing local students with experiential learning opportunities. This outreach initiative encourages students to explore the world of business and chocolate making while promoting the values of global citizenship and personal vision. By connecting small businesses to global challenges, Chocolate University shows students how entrepreneurship can drive positive change and solve problems on a global scale.
Our artisan gift pick: Chocolate Tasting Kit
“As business owners, our greatest opportunity and challenge has been weaving social responsibility into everything we do; it’s not just a buzzword, it’s who we are. Askinosie Chocolate was born committed to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact, and community enhancement.”
WELLNESS & SKINCARE
26. Ta'na'na
Price Range: $ - $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills - Social Impact
Ta’na’na bridges conservation and community by empowering farmers and artisans in northeastern Madagascar to protect one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests. Through innovative wild silk production, Ta’na’na helps locals earn a sustainable income while actively preserving their natural environment. Farmers in the program plant native trees, which host Madagascar’s endemic silk worms, whose cocoons are then harvested to create unique, high-quality textiles. With a focus on balanced ecosystems, Ta’na’na ensures that 100% of its profits go directly back to the farmers and artisans, fostering both environmental stewardship and economic independence.
Through reforestation and sustainable practices, Ta’na’na has helped plant over 30,000 native trees since 2009, directly contributing to the protection of Madagascar’s rainforest. By working with locally grown, sustainably sourced materials like wild silk and raffia palm, the brand promotes conservation while supporting artisan craftsmanship. This approach provides farmers with a viable alternative to destructive practices, making Ta’na’na not just a brand but a collaborative movement for lasting environmental and social impact in Madagascar.
Our artisan gift pick: Wild Silk Lavender Sachets
“We are dedicated to transforming endemic resources into special products and developing conservation solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and driven by local communities.”
27. Collective Humanity
Price Range: $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills
Founded in 2017, Collective Humanity is a socially conscious brand dedicated to empowering marginalized women worldwide through handcrafted goods that celebrate tradition and artistry. The founder's commitment to social change has led her to partner with over 60 artisans in Cambodia, where the brand provides dignified, sustainable income opportunities that help uplift communities. Each product is crafted with care using the finest natural materials, showcasing the artisans’ heritage and blending traditional techniques with modern design.
The artisans, often working in open-air studios beneath their homes, create beautiful handwoven and hand-dyed pieces, preserving ancient crafts like loom weaving and botanical dyeing that have endured through generations. Collective Humanity’s mission is to bring these culturally rich, handcrafted pieces to the world, ensuring that each item sold supports not only a vibrant heritage but also a vision of gender, racial, and economic equality across communities.
Our artisan gift pick: Joyful Handmade Blanket Robe
28. Thistle Farms
Price Range: $ - $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills - Social Impact
Thistle Farms is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction find healing and new beginnings. The belief that “love is the most powerful force for change,” sparked Becca Stevens to launch Thistle Farms, which has grown to offer survivors free housing, healthcare, counseling, and job training in a supportive, two-year program. Through compassion and community, the organization seeks to replace trauma with hope, empowering women to rebuild their lives and create lasting change.
In 2014, Thistle Farms expanded its mission globally, collaborating with artisan enterprises that address sexual exploitation, trafficking, and extreme poverty. By supporting dignified employment and community programs, Thistle Farms uplifts artisans and amplifies their voices, especially those of women, breaking cycles of poverty and isolation. Through this network, each handcrafted product tells a story of resilience and reinforces the organization’s commitment to healing and empowerment for women worldwide.
Our artisan gift pick: Healing Collection Candles
*We chose to recommend the Healing Collection candles as they are handcrafted in small batches with soy wax and naturally fragranced with 100% pure essential oils. Other Thistle Farms candle collections use fragrance, which may not comply with non-toxic standards.
“Community is the oldest form of healing in the world. Together, we heal and rise up against systems that commoditize, criminalize, and exploit women.”
29. Local Women's Handicrafts
Price Range: $ - $$
Ethical + Fair Working Conditions - Sustainable Materials - Preserves Heritage Skills - Social Impact
Local Women’s Handicrafts (LWH) was founded by Nasreen Sheikh as a sanctuary for artisans in Kathmandu, Nepal, offering them dignified jobs in an industry that has historically exploited their talents. A survivor of modern slavery herself, Nasreen launched LWH as a young woman, initially selling handcrafted textiles from local artisans. LWH has since evolved into a vibrant community that has transformed hundreds of lives, providing fair wages, independence, and a pathway to empowerment for disadvantaged artisans. Each purchase supports fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to education, healthcare, and technology, contributing to the artisans’ long-term well-being.
Local Women’s Handicrafts (LWH) champions a sustainable fashion model that prioritizes transparency, waste reduction, and upcycling. Using wild-grown hemp and organic cotton sourced locally, LWH artisans create handmade backpacks, yoga mats, jewelry, and home decor. They preserve traditional craftsmanship with a 100-year-old loom, natural dyes, and upcycled fabrics rescued from factories or donated, turning them into beautiful, functional pieces. By combining eco-friendly practices with a commitment to responsible consumption, LWH redefines fashion to support both cultural heritage and environmental health.
Our artisan gift pick: Meditation Pillow Cover
“We provide a safe space for women who have escaped abusive practices in the textile industry, and other hardships in their local communities. We believe a living wage is necessary to protect artisans and their creativity. Through creating fashion in a responsible way, our goal is to end forced labor and modern slavery.”
30. Oneka
Price Range: $ - $$
Sustainable Materials - Regenerative Practices - Certified B Corp
Oneka is a natural personal care brand rooted in love for the environment and respect for living beings. Founders Stacey and Philippe built Oneka on their organic farm in Frelighsburg, Quebec, where they prioritize sustainable practices that support water preservation and ecosystem health. Using plants grown on their farm, Oneka’s products reflect a deep commitment to environmental guardianship and the belief that business can contribute positively to society. This ethos drives them to collaborate with experts and their local community to contribute a lasting impact on the planet.
Oneka’s commitment to environmental care goes beyond the products; it embodies a philosophy that recognizes our interconnectedness with nature. The farm is both a workplace and an inspiration, where team members witness nature’s cycles and learn together, drawing from the land’s beauty and resilience. Certain areas are left undisturbed to promote biodiversity, supporting a habitat for native plants, birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. With each step, Oneka aims to honor the wisdom of their mentors, partners, and local community, working together toward a regenerative and meaningful future.
Our artisan gift pick: Bath Salts and Lavender Lotion Duo
“Permaculture, in a nutshell, is the design of human habitats that are completely sustainable. It is a lifestyle. It is a philosophy. It is the idea of giving more than we take, and of creating less harmful products and situations. When we come to the realization that we are a part of nature, we can adjust our behaviours and patterns to live in harmony with our environment rather than resisting or destroying it.”
We hope this artisan gift guide provided plenty of good ideas for your conscious gift giving heart! We would love to hear from you - did you find this artisan gift guide helpful?
As we continue to highlight and build a community of value-based brands, are there any conscious brands that you would recommend? Are there any categories you would like to see expanded in our next guide? Leave a comment below!
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