Shopping With Purpose This Christmas

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I didn’t get one picture.  Not one.  I wish I could say it was because I was soaking up the grateful tone of the day and not the reality of dealing with a kid crying over having to taste sweet potato and squash casserole.  Our rule…you have to taste it.  You don’t know if you like it or not unless you taste it.  And oh the drama.  But we survived.  And it was a good day.  I may have eaten an ungodly amount of Gooey Butter Cake, but my Aunt Linda really does make the best.  It’s perfection.  And she freezes it…we ate it straight from the freezer and WOW!  Amazing!  And I did get to spend the day with some of my most favorite people.

We did a little Thanksgiving shopping at Target last night.  I use to go Black Friday shopping every year.  I had strict rules I followed to ensure the shopping experience was adrenaline pumped and savings was, well, saved.  You know, the biggest bang for your buck.  I enjoy the thrill of running down aisles and fighting with little old ladies.  Technically I’ve never fought with an old lady.  Last night we went well after Target had opened and I quickly remembered my Rule #3 Never browse.  Get in and out.  We ended up waiting in the world’s longest check out line for a grand total of $45.74.  It was redonk, yet fun.  And I discovered the world’s most beautiful crock pot.  Be amazed.

The last two years I’ve done most of my shopping online except for a few things here and there.  Every year I try more and more to shop with purpose.  I’ll never kick my Target or craft store habit…Joanns, Michaels, Hobby Lobby…I just can’t, but I am trying to be more purposeful with most of my shopping.  So here are some of the places I am loving on this year.

Krochet Kids: Empowering people to rise about poverty.  Hoodies, hats, bags, iPad/iPad mini covers, Christmas stockings and more.

TOMS: One for One shoe motto…buy a pair and they donate a pair.  They’re legit…I’ve seen the proof and their shoes are rad on the cute, comfortable and fashionable scale.

Noonday Collection:  My fave.  They use fashion and design to create economic opportunity for the vulnerable.  Jewelry, Home & Gifts and Accessories.  Seriously a one stop shop for incredible women in your life.  I could shop for days on this site.

And even better my friend Brea is having a Noonday Trunkshow this Thursday night from 6-8.  Drinks and snacks provided.  Check out the invite HERE and all you locals come shop till you drop.

Sevenly:  Supports a different world changing cause each week.  Items for men, woman, kiddos and your pets.  One of my favorite sites.  Amazing clothes and accessories plus the cutest kids stuff.  All for amazing causes.

Timbali Crafts:  Well you know how I feel about them already.  It’s love.  And they have a new website which makes ordering much easier and you can see all the available patterns now.  I was blown away.  So many things I want to order.  And the Christmas ornaments…don’t even get me started.  Supports and empowers hard working women in Swaziland, Africa.  All sorts of bags, iPad & Kindle padded covers now online, ornaments, home decor, aprons, headbands and ties.

FashionABLE:  Creating sustainable business in Africa.  Scarves and leather clutch, iPad sleeve and wallets.

Mocha Club:  I need Africa collaboration with FashionABLE.  Amazing products.  Shirts, scarves, prints, mugs, coffee, jewelry.

So those are a few of my favorites.  I know there are plenty of other great companies out there who are changing the world.  I’d love to hear about your favorites.  Share and help us all shop with purpose this Christmas.

Happy Friday!