Over the last year, homes have become the Swiss army knife of buildings. It’s your office,
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We get asked about these 5 personality types the most, so we’ve put together a list of gifts they’re
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Winter wear seems like an obvious gift idea for the holidays, but it can start to feel a l
Read More →Mosaic brings you stories that help you make fair trade and global culture part of your style, home and life.
Is Our Alpaca Wool Ethical?
There’s a whole lot to love about alpaca fiber. It’s warmer than wool because the hollow fibers provide better…
9 Novel Nativities Unlike Any You’ve Seen Before…
Each holiday season, Ten Thousand Villages brings you novel nativities from around the world. Each nativity set is handc…
4 Ways to Ship Some Holiday Cheer this Year
There’s no doubt about it. This year is going to look and feel a little bit different than the typical holiday season. S…
Room for Everyone: Setting an Ethical Holiday Table
We believe that global economic justice is possible when we work together to do business differently, when we make space…
The ABCs of a More Sustainable Christmas
Christmas is full of meaningful traditions and joyful experiences, and for many of us it is the most wonderful time of t…
COUNTRY SERIES
Make a Getaway without Leaving Home
Over the last year, homes have become the Swiss army knife of buildings. It’s your office, your school, your restaurant, your gym,…
Foolproof Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has You Stumped
We get asked about these 5 personality types the most, so we’ve put together a list of gifts they’re sure to love.…
How to Gift Winter Wear with Confidence
Winter wear seems like an obvious gift idea for the holidays, but it can start to feel a little tricky the longer you dwell o…
Is Our Alpaca Wool Ethical?
There’s a whole lot to love about alpaca fiber. It’s warmer than wool because the hollow fibers provide better insulation. The&nbs…
9 Novel Nativities Unlike Any You’ve Seen Before…
Each holiday season, Ten Thousand Villages brings you novel nativities from around the world. Each nativity set is handcrafted in styles tha…
4 Ways to Ship Some Holiday Cheer this Year
There’s no doubt about it. This year is going to look and feel a little bit different than the typical holiday season. Some of our annual tr…
Room for Everyone: Setting an Ethical Holiday Table
We believe that global economic justice is possible when we work together to do business differently, when we make space for everyone at the…
The ABCs of a More Sustainable Christmas
Christmas is full of meaningful traditions and joyful experiences, and for many of us it is the most wonderful time of the year. But it can …
5 Ethically Made Tops to Add to Your Closet
Life is complicated, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. In fact, if this past year has taught us anything,&…
Ethical Gift Guide for Friends, Family, and Everyone in Between
Sometimes gift ideas come easily (thank goodness for thinly veiled hints), but sometimes we’re stumped. We’ve got a few ethical gift s…
Ten Ethical Stocking Stuffers for the Whole Family
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but do you know what you’re going to fill them with? In the hustle-bustle of the Christmas …
Ornament Themes for Your Ethical Christmas Tree
A freshly-cut tree is like a blank canvas. There’s so much creative potential it’s almost overwhelming! Fear not. Here are our t…
Our Commitment to Investing in Partnerships that Empower
At Ten Thousand Villages, we believe that where there is access to dependable and fair income, there is also the opportunity to live an empo…
Our Commitment to Caring for the Earth
The Earth sustains us, and we believe it’s courteous to return the favor. Learn more about our commitment to caring for the Earth.…
Our Commitment to Craft & Culture
At Ten Thousand Villages, we have a soft spot for labors of love. We are often awestruck by the commitment artisans worldwide have to comple…
Our Commitment to Fair Wages & Safe Working Conditions
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Be True to You with These 4 Ethical Looks
Life is weird right now. Does anyone even remember what “normal” looks like? Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to t…
How a Quilt Can Keep Us Connected
Anyone else need a hug? There’s no two ways about it. Being apart is hard. However, there are ways we can feel a physic…
This Welcome Mat is Made from a Surprising Material
Nothing says footloose and fancy-free like a pair of flip flops. This low maintenance shoe in every color of the rainbow is a…
Old News: Your Sustainable Lifestyle has a Long History
It’s true that necessity is the mother of invention. Still, it’s important to note that, while addressing the climate crisis has made sustai…
Celebrating Sustainability
Our artisan partners value sustainability, and we do, too. Although we’re always looking for ways we can improve in this area, we thin…
18 Easy Ways to Take Waste out of Your Daily Routine
There’s no denying that we, as a culture, have a real problem. A waste problem. Shopping bags, plastic utensils, water bottles, and excessiv…
Punk Goes Green: Goodbye Enamel, Hello Gourd
Pins and buttons have been a countercultural form of expression for decades. But is adorning our jackets with factory made accessories that …
Silence: Providing Employment to Artisans with Disabilities
Giving hope to the hearing impaired…
Block Printing in India
How a centuries old art form can turn plain fabric into a masterpiece.…
Stylist Spotlight: 4 Simple Ways to Create an Easy Breezy Look
We’ve all been spending more time at home, and when we’re just bouncing around the house, it can feel like we have fewer opportunities to le…
Best Ethical Graduation Gifts for These 5 Majors
Give conscientiously, give purposefully, and most importantly—give something they’ll cherish forever.…
5 Sustainable Swaps for Your Nursery
Congratulations! You’ve announced the big news, and now it’s time to start planning the nursery. The seemingly endless list of baby products…
Meet the Makers of the Crossbody Woven Purse
The artisans of Rishilpi Handicrafts, masterminds behind the bestselling Essential Companion Tote, have designed a new purse featuring natur…
Tree-Free Handmade Paper from KICK Trading
At Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, invasive water hyacinth has become a nuisance for fishing communities. The water hyacinth, native t…
Take Out the Trash: Eco-friendly Easter Basket Ideas
Reduce waste this year by filling your Easter baskets with reusable and recycled fair trade gifts.…
Labors of Love: A Handcrafted Valentine’s Gift
Meet Begum, artisan of Bonoful Handmade Paper and maker of the Lots of Love Wall Hanging. Bonoful Handmade Paper is a workshop that partners…
Authentic Peruvian Hot Chocolate Recipe
It is no coincidence that National Hot Chocolate day falls in January. For those of us in the north, a warm cup of something delicious just …
7 Unexpectedly Easy Ways Baskets Will Organize Your Life
Long days and busy schedules can leave us feeling tired and unmotivated to keep our homes as neat and tidy we wish we could. Add pets, kids,…
It’s complicated: A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
A Valentine’s Day gift guide for anybody with a complicated relationship status…
7 Galentine’s Day Gifts that Empower
Celebrate your best friends with these empowering gifts. Because friendships are everything, and Galentine’s Day is the greatest day of the …
Ethical Wellness Routines to Try in the New Year
Life is full of seasons. Of course, we would all prefer to start the new year in a season of joy, energy, well-being, and organization. But,…
Turkey Fatigue Is Real: How to Avoid a Boring Friendsgiving.
Gather your friends and put a global spin on your Friendsgiving tradition!…
Ethical Earrings for Every Occasion
There’s no doubt about it. Earrings make an outfit. They set the tone for the day, and because they come in every shape and color under the …
Inside Our New Maker-to-Market Spaces
Ten Thousand Villages has been pioneering the fair trade movement since 1946. We’ve opened stores across the United States, expanded our pro…
From the Himalayas to Your Tree: Watch the Yeti Ornament Crafting Process
Making of a Yeti Felting is a unique art and a crafting tradition in Nepal that our artisan partner Association for Craft Producers (ACP) is…
How Our Fair Trade Model Is Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
These days, it seems like you see ‘fair trade’ everywhere. A steadily growing number of fair trade products are making their way onto the sh…
Happy Birthday, Little World: Our Ethical Baby Collection Turns One
Babies grow a lot before their first birthday. Turns out our ethical baby collection did too! Last October, we introduced Little World, ou…
What’s Your Fall Personality? Ethical Fashion for Everyone
Autumn has arrived. What are you looking forward to? Hiking? Bonfires? Pumpkin patch photoshoots with the perfect insta caption? Easing into…
Home Away From Home: 8 Ethically Made Dorm Necessities
It is incredibly exciting to head off to college. The future feels wide open, you have a new sense of freedom, and you’re sure to grow in a …
17 Battery Free Toys that Keep Boredom at Bay
You’ve probably been there. In that room with the bright plastic toys strewn all over the floor, beeping and buzzing and humming away while …
Everything You Didn’t Know About Singing Bowls
Far more than a dish and definitely not for cereal, when these bowls are played they sing a long and haunting song. Singing bowls come in va…
It’s the Little Things: How My Grandma Taught Me to Make Life Sweet
Ice cream is a thing of elegance. When properly scooped, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Ice cream is nostalgic. Our favorite flavors o…
Set Off Sustainably: How To Travel Mindfully
If you’re a regular reader of our Mosaic blog and this entry intrigued you, we have two things in common. First, we’re conscientious peop…
The Tote Project x Ten Thousand Villages
The amount of freedom that can be gained through a fair wage is game-changing. When you’re paid fairly for your work, you’re free to send y…
How a Bar of Soap Became a Bridge to Success
When a water shortage hit the Tamil Nadu region of South East India in the 1980s, leather workers began to worry. As water use became severe…
The Summer Solstice Collection
There’s something special about summer. Is it the slow mornings and lazy afternoons? Or open windows and trips to the shore? For me, it’s lo…
Sari Not Sorry.
Repurposing sari fabric and giving it new life.…
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for the Hard to Shop for Dad
Because his Father’s Day gift should be as unique as he is.…
How a Small Action Can Spark a Global Movement
When Edna Ruth Byler traveled to Puerto Rico in 1946, she had no idea that she was about to start a global movement. A volunteer living in a…
5 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day Together
Mother’s Day is all about honoring the women who raised us. Whether she brought you into the world or came into your life when you needed he…
Ollas: The Ancient World’s Best Kept Gardening Secret
Longer days, warmer nights, and the sound of birdsong filling the air can only mean one thing. Planting season has officially arrived! Don y…
Power to the Pollinators: Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Brunch
Pollinators are small but mighty contributors to the ecosystem we share (yes, humans, you too are a part of the environment!). According to …
Kantha: Wisdom in Every Stitch
We often think that to be successful we need to be independent. So, we pack our bags (literally or figuratively) and embark on a solo journe…
St. Mary’s: Empowering Women Through Fair Trade
Ahmedabad, India was once famous for its textile mills, but increased global competition in the 1980s forced many of the mills to shut down …
Finding Focus: Practicing Presence in Our Daily Lives
Staying focused and present can be a challenge in the winter. Our lives are filled with all the usual stressors, but the days are shorter, c…
Slow and Steady: Shibori Resist Dyeing with Indigo
Patience is a virtue, but it’s certainly not one that I possess. I’m not exactly the best at waiting (is it just me or is thirty seconds way…
A Hygge How-To
We break down all the hype about hygge with our simple guide to practicing the Danish philosophy in your everyday life.…
7 Ethically Made Bags to Carry into the New Year
Wherever 2019 takes you, you’ll probably need to bring a few things along. With these seven ethically made bags, you’ll be ready for anythin…
Celebrating Firsts: Ethical Christmas Gifts for Life’s Milestones
There’s no better time than the holidays to commemorate life’s milestones together. Here’s our gift guide for each exciting chapter. First C…
Warm Mulled Cider with Star Anise
Any opportunity to feel like a kid again is an opportunity worth jumping into head first. That’s personally why I love the holidays. For the…
3 Steps to Building a Better Charcuterie Board
One of the best things about this time of year is gathering with friends and family. One of the worst things? Cooking and cleaning. Wouldn’t…
Mortar and Pestle: The Kitchen Tool You Never Knew You Needed
If you’ve never used a mortar and pestle, you’ve never lived. Ok, that might be an exaggeration, but hear us out! In today’s modern world, t…
Call for Writers: Handmade Journals of all Stripes
No two note takers are entirely alike, and the journal you carry should suit your needs. Here’s our guide to finding your perfect parchment …
Color Stories: Textiles from Guatemala
The colorful hand-woven textiles of Guatemala tell a story. They are a form of identity, a key to history, and the inspiration for future in…
Back-to-School: A Right for Every Child
There were few things I dreaded more in the summer as a kid than the moment advertisements would start popping up for back-to-school sales. …
These Are Not Your Average S’mores
3 easy recipes that will take your s’mores to the next level…
The Beginner’s Guide to Pour Over Coffee
Our fool-proof, nine-step plan for a better brew.…
Constellations That Connect Us
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exis…
Ancient Art: Bringing Lost Wax to Life in Burkina Faso
We are excited to share this story of from Rachel Boss, who is currently living in Burkina Faso, working with Mennonite Central Committee…
How Much Can a Basket Hold?
When artisan women make baskets, they choose durable, resilient materials. By wrapping and weaving them together, they make something even s…
Make Valentine’s Day Sweet with this Fair Trade Treat
We often talk about the excitement and joy Valentine’s Day brings. It’s wonderful to have a chance to tell your special someone how much you…
Grow the Love
Learn the story behind our sticky notes and how you can grow the love.…
This Is so Much More than a Basket
How true love, skilled craftswomen, and baskets are transforming a community in Bangladesh.…
A Fair Trade Necklace for the One who Rules Your Universe
Throughout history, the sun and moon have been used for guidance and illumination, and, as a society, we have oriented our schedules around …
Game On, Screens Off
Simple steps to planning a game night that brings your favorite people together…
Pass the Salt, Please
3 easy-to-make salt scrub recipes that will make your skin glow.…
A Handcrafted Winter Cocktail Recipe
Mix up this winter cocktail recipe and connect with makers near and far…
Give Fleece a Chance
Learn all the reasons we love alpaca and you should too…
Reverse Painted Glass Explained
A step-by-step guide to the centuries-old art form of reverse painted glass.…
Home for the Holidays
Four holiday decorating styles, plus hints on how to choose.…
Styles to Scarf Up
Reimagine your closet with four new ways to wear a fair trade scarf this season. Handmade style that does a world of good.…
What’s more satisfying than warm bread and fresh butter?
Bread and Butter Crock Basics: A Baguette Recipe with a Side of Butter Done Better.…
5 Unique Looks, 1 Simple Necklace
This necklace made of repurposed sari is the easiest style choice you’ll ever make.…
The Tale of a Capiz Necklace from Start to Store
Follow our buyer through the design process for a unique capiz necklace.…
Wedding Traditions Around The World
5 fun ways weddings are celebrated in other cultures.…
Travel Packing Secrets
Simple packing tips from a pro.…
Dream Weaver
The story of an inspired design collaboration between a Peruvian weaver and Ten Thousand Villages.…
A Conversation with our CEO
Last month, Carl Lundblad was named Chief Executive Officer of Ten Thousand Villages.…
A Different Kind of Family Heirloom
The story of two fair trade artisans and how they are turning family tradition into economic opportunity…
Face-to-Face with Fair Trade
A unique experience in Peru helps a student understand how fair trade connects customer, craft and culture.…
The Harmony Bell Tradition
In Bali, India, and Mexico, it is common for pregnant women to wear a tiny silver bell on a long adjustable chain that hangs low on the bell…
The Story of Rina Dewri
One mother from Bangladesh hopes her fair trade job can change the future for her family.…
The Way to Mom’s Heart is Right Down Memory Lane
Give a Mother’s Day gift that brings a memory to life.…
4 Ways to Step-Up Your Wedding Gift Game
Choose a wedding gift from a registry and add a personal touch with fair trade flair.…
Adventures in Chandni Chowk Market
Searching for materials and inspiration in this world famous market is not for the faint of heart.…
Your Guide to Happy Healthy Houseplants
Your go-to checklist for prepping your indoor garden and some easy beginner ideas to get started.…
How to Add a Basket Wall to Your Home
Basket walls are the easiest way to give any room the world-travelled look you’ve been looking for.…
Incomes that change the outcome
How fair trade opportunities are helping women in developing countries create identities, independence, and a better world.…
Keeping it all in balance
Get a behind the scenes look at Ten Thousand Villages’ ethical business model and how our product development process is an exercise in bala…
How to plan a not-so-traditional wine and cheese engagement party
Turn a classic party tradition on its head in three easy steps!…
4 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Marula Oil
The African Skin Care Secret That You Need to Add to Your Routine.…
Valentine’s Day Traditions from Around the World
Orchids, pigs and noodles. Put a global spin on your Valentine’s Day.…
Essential Oil Essentials
Essential oils are a fair trade first for us, so we asked an expert to share guidelines for getting started.…
An Everyday Approach to Chakras
What are chakras and how do they work? A beginner’s guide to balancing your energy flow.…
Escape Adulting: Dessert for Dinner
Have dessert for dinner—because you deserve it.…
Christmas Bells are Ringing
Bells—simple symbols, complex connection. All around the world, for centuries, people have used bells for any number of purposes—both functi…
The New Holiday Party Idea You Have To Try
The Ugly Sweater Party trend is officially over. This year go from ugly to elegant.…
Christmas in the Philippines
A mix of Western and Filipino traditions, Christmas in the Philippines has traditions from carols to bamboo lanterns.…
Fair Trade Holiday Search and Find
The search is on! See if you can spot some of our fair trade treasures in four holiday search and find scenes.…
How to Become a Volunteer in 4 Easy Steps
Impact your community by volunteering this season.…
A History Told in Gold
The story behind the Poet’s Gold jewelry. A museum-quality replica of a pre-Columbian jewelry design.…
7 Seasonal Holiday Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes
Celebrate the holidays with delicious cocktails full of tantalizing flavors and seasonal tastes. These 7 bold recipes put the ‘Merry’ in ‘Me…
4 Surprisingly Simple Ways To Turn Your Napkins into Art
It’s easier than you think to be the host with the most…impressive tabletop.…
What does it mean to Bring Joy this holiday season?
Every holiday, we choose which gifts we buy. And our buying choices have a lot of power in the bigger picture. When we choose fair trade, we…
Kenya, through the eyes of our buyer
A country of dense cities and vast landscapes. Where giraffes roam and jacarandas grow tall. This is Kenya.…
DIY Sustainable Gift Wrap
4 easy ways to make your gift wrap more sustainable (and fun!)…
Paella—A recipe for bringing people together
Everything you need to know about paella.…
Introducing the Leakey Collection
Guest blogger Katy Leakey explains why this new collection is so unique.…
70 Years of Fair Trade
70 years ago, Ten Thousand Villages founder Edna Ruth Byler introduced the idea now known as fair trade.…