As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to shop with a purpose. By purchasing handmade items from Haitian artisans, you can give family and friends truly unique gifts while providing employment and economic opportunity. As Haiti’s instability continues into the holiday season, this is even more critical to Haitian artisans. 

Here are some of our favorite organizations working to empower Haitians through job creation, training, and meaningful employment. Click the links below to see their beautiful products and make a difference with your holiday shopping this year!

Haiti Design Co

Features:

• Unique jewelry made of different materials – beads, clay, leather, and horn
• Leather products – bags, wallets, clutches
• Gifts and home – decorations made from horn, embroidered banners, stuffed animals

Here are a few of the items we really like from our friends at Haiti Design Co (left to right):  Jacmel Necklace, Taino Beaded Clutch and Canvas Bucket Bag.  

Another reason to love Haiti Design Co. Haiti Design Co’s artisan teams are like family and they have a strong emphasis on raising up Haitian leaders. You can get to know their in-house artisan teams and independent partners here: http://haitidesignco.org/artisan-incubator-program/

2nd Story Goods

Features:

• Home decor – pillows, rugs, blankets, ornaments
• Office/travel – Journals, portfolios, passport holders, luggage tags
• Jewelry – earrings, necklaces, bracelets made from different materials
• Bags and wallets

Here are a few of our faves (left to right):  Round trivet placemat, Metal Art Nativity Scene and Dyed Burlap Journal. 

Another reason to love 2nd Story Goods. They share beautiful, honest stories about the lives interwoven with their work. Check them out here: https://www.2ndstorygoods.com/pages/stories

Deux Mains

Features:

• Sandals
• Handbags
• Jewelry & Accessories

What we’re liking this year, to name a few (left to right): Anne Sandals , Dopp Kit, Inner Tube and Marie-Rose Earrings. 

Another reason to love:

• Deux Mains is transparent about where they source their materials and are intentional about upcycling otherwise wasted materials: https://deuxmains.com/pages/your-purchase-your-impact

Petite Palm 

Features:

• Mom and baby items – swaddles, covers and more! 
• Earrings

Items we love include (left to right):  Muslin Lovey + Teether, Baby Shower Bundle and Macreme Jewelry Necklace. 

Another reason to love this ministry – Petite Palm’s “Mama Zwazo Initiative” supports employees’ holistic well-being – focusing on mind, body, and soul:Learn more here:  Impact 

 Papillon Marketplace 

Features:

• Apparel and accessories – tote bags and purses, jewelry, t-shirts
• Gifts and decor – mugs, greeting cards, beauty products, ornaments
• Kids – dolls, stuffed animals, t-shirts

Here are a few items we love this year! (left to right):  5 Painted Angels, Dog Dad Mug and their Signature Bracelet 

Another reason to love:

• Papillon has on-site daycare and preschool for children of their employees: https://papillonmarketplace.com/pages/haiti-mission

Where do you shop to support Haitian artisans? What are your favorite items? 

Share in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!