Is the perfect gift a pleasure to give or a joy to receive? We think it's both. For that reason, we filled this year's gift guide with gorgeous and entirely fair-trade items you can feel good about giving. Hailing from Africa, Asia, Central America, and more, every product in these pages represents the time and craftsmanship of a justly treated and fairly paid artisan or farmer. Think of it as positive globalization: When you purchase goods that meet the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) standards, you empower people in developing countries to create economically viable and socially sustainable communities. Plus, because fair-trade certification prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms and pesticide-laden crops, buying fair trade is also good for the planet.

Exotic flavors

1| Stellar Organics Live-a-Little Really Ravishing Red

Fair Trade Certified wines debuted in the United States in October, and this offering from Stellar Organics was one of the first to hit the market. Featuring shiraz grapes grown, crushed, and bottled at Stellar Organics — South Africa's largest organic winery — this crisp red pairs well with marinara sauces and roasted chicken. Currently 33 wine-grape producers in Chile, Argentina, and South Africa are Fair Trade Certified by TransFair USA — the only third-party certifier of fair-trade commodities in the U.S. What makes Stellar unique? Since 1988, its Dutch founders have sought to eradicate the legacy of apartheid. Through the company's stock-share program, black Africans now own a 29 percent stake in Stellar Winery, and a democratically elected council of workers allocates money garnered from wine sales to projects in the neighboring community of Trawal. Initiatives include enlarging the local day-care center and developing a 2-acre organic garden to provide the community with subsistence vegetables and additional income.
Country of origin ≫ South Africa
$9, stellarorganics.com

2| SerendipiTea Black Jack

Country of origin ≫ Sri Lanka
$13, serendipitea.com

3| Canaan Nabali Olive Oil

Country of origin ≫ Palestine
$12, canaanfairtrade.com

4| Shaman's Vision Organic Dark Chocolate with Coconut

Countries of origin ≫ Costa Rica, Dominican Republic
$5, shamanchocolates.com

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