Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2017 (Issue 104)

giftfocus 49 fair trade Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries – there’s no better reason to support Fairtrade products? stand proud After the outstanding reaction to the launch of the Dream Guardians at the Autumn Fair and Top Drawer as the exclusive UK distributor, Solo is even more excited for the next coming months! The beautiful character-driven soft toys with daytime and nighttime versions are adorable – but just as important is the story behind their manufacture. Hand-made in Vietnam by young, progressive company, BobiCraft, founder Thuy Nguyen explains her company’s ethos, “We commit to empowering women and supporting disadvantaged people. Our workers are housewives, physically challenged people or minority ethnic groups living in remote areas and our crafters’ salary is much higher than the average wage in Vietnam. We don’t use child labour and we do fair business with all our suppliers. Also, we care about the environment, trying hard to find more sustainable material or reuse waste for other purposes like pillows for staff.” Solo Creative Director, Tanya Ross, adds, “BobiCraft empower women and people with disabilities into work and ultimately a better, more rewarding life. The company’s flexible and creative approach to out-workers means people get well-paid employment that would be otherwise impossible for them.” So how are the Dream Guardians Made? It all starts with different parts of the toys being crocheted, either in the factories or sent to satellite hubs like partner handicapped centres, or a group of minority ethnic people in the highlands, or to housewives who crochet from home. After going through a thorough quality check back at the factory, making sure all parts are correctly sized and have no blemishes, the toys move onto stuffing which is done in the factory by a team of mostly blind people, they can’t see but they can all feel the softness of the teddy to ensure perfect distribution and filling but also cuddliness! The toys repeat a similar quality control to ensure all stuffing is done sufficiently and then each Guardian is boxed and ready to go out from the warehouse. With the Dream Guardians now in stock, Solo is more excited than ever for this brand new Dream Guardian Collection! T: +44 (0)1789 262 900 solo.uk Fair trade supplier Tilnar Art’s new 2017 product ranges included a fresh new Champagne Grey contemporary pattern range from Kenya, which are on trend with their handcrafted designs. Each Fairtrade piece will fit into any home. These beautiful etched stone sculptures make the perfect gift. Stone sculptures have been carved in Kiisi in Kenya for more than 60 years. Kiisi Stone is soft and varies in colour from white to rose and even grey. Carvers work in small groups with each group specialising in certain carvings. The carvings are then polished and dyed in the Champagne Grey hue and beautiful etchings inscribed in them by skilled teams of artisans. The fizz created this autumn, caused by these stunning products, has been fantastic with customers just loving the modern and contemporary look of the Champagne Grey range. T: +44 (0)1277 362 815 tilnarart.co.uk Lanka Kade’s range of fair trade wooden toys and gifts are designed to inspire learning through play. New this Christmas, is the stunning Starry Night nativity set complete with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Angel, the three Kings, Shepherd and animals. Beautifully handcrafted from sustainable rubber wood, this traditional playset is ideal for teaching children the meaning to the festive season. As a fair trade company and member of BAFTS (The British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) Lanka Kade work with its artisans in Sri Lanka to build long term sustainable trading partnerships, which provide stability and protect local skills. Encouraging producer’s independence and growth at every level, the company offers interest free loans, training and independent financial support which help the artisan groups grow into independent businesses. T: +44 (0)1858 463 850 lankakade.co.uk