Welcome to Elevate Destinations’ Asia Holiday Gift Guide! Did you miss out on the opportunity to discover Asia this year? Do you miss a country in Asia that you visited long ago? Are you yearning to go back? Use your travel dollars on your holiday gifts this year and support your favorite countries by shopping with some of our recommended online shops from Asia.
Image above: Shakuntla and other artisans in India, with Anchal.
India
- Living Multicultural – Introducing traditional, authentic pieces to the modern world by connecting talented local artisans to global markets, Living Multicultural sells gorgeous, handmade blankets, pillows, candles and accessories from India and Morocco. Their hand made rugs from India are double sided and designed with beautiful patterns inspired by different cities in India.
- Abroad Modern – A well-curated online shop inspired by the electrifying streets of Rajasthan. Items including homeware, textiles and unique gifts for kids, are a blend of contemporary aesthetic with traditional designs. There is something for everyone on your gift list this year to share the allure of India.
- Sudara – Every purchase from Sudara supports living-wage employment and skills training for women in India who are at risk or survivors of sex-trafficking. Shop online for ethically made pajamas, loungewear and robes in beautiful, vibrant prints, all made with love in India.
- Anchal Project – Anchal Project addresses the exploitation of women in the textile industry. By investing in its community of artisans through professional and personal development to empower artisans and has made strides to improve the value chain of the textile industry. Shop on their website for traditional, handcrafted linens, scarves and apparel made with eco-friendly, low-impact dyes, vintage fabric and certified organic cotton.
- Matr Boomie – Shop this fair trade collection of jewelry, home goods and other unique gifts, that blends the traditional artistry of India with contemporary design aesthetic. By partnering with 1,500 artisans in marginalized communities throughout India, Matr Boomie supports their development and access to opportunities through training, educational programs and fair wages.
- Hacienda – Shop for unique products made by artisans and communities from all over the world.
Bangladesh
- New Market Goods – Shop for a plethora of handwoven clothing or home linens and accessories from New Market Goods; inspired by the textures and traditional Bangladeshi designs. All products are made under safe and equitable working conditions.
Nepal
- Aura Que – Every Aura Que design is made in direct collaboration with fair trade producer groups that employ Nepalese affected by discrimination or disabilities. Local artisans use traditional methods and source local materials. From handmade beaded jewelry to ceramics with a flair of Nepalese designs, Aura Que has something for everyone.
- Local Women’s Handicrafts – “Beautiful design with purpose in mind” – Local Women’s Handicrafts is a fair trade, eco-conscious collective of women artisans and designers who have experienced injustices in the textile industries and their local communities in Nepal. Providing women with a safe space, women come together at their center for technical training, mentorship and to launch their own businesses. Shop for handmade jewelry, scarves, backpacks and home goods knowing that you are supporting a greater movement towards a more equitable and sustainable textile industry in Nepal.
- Kolpa – Unique handmade goods from family and community-based cooperatives in Nepal are something we love discovering in our travels. This year, discover quality, traditional Nepalese craftsmanship online at Kolpa and shop for bags, homeware and beautiful baskets made from natural fibers.
- Dinadi – #KnowYourKnitter. Most Dinadi designs are knit by hand in the homes of their employees in Nepal. Shop for warm, cozy knitwear this holiday season and support Nepali women that work with Dinadi. With a mission to create fair employment opportunities for Nepali women and produce sustainable, timeless and high-quality knitwear, Dinadi has trained and hired over 60 Nepali knitters and local managing staff since 2016.
Sri Lanka
- Mr. Ellie Pooh – Now this is a unique idea. Karl and Thusitha believe thatproviding sustainable paper-making jobs endows elephants with value. They havecreated a fair trade paper product store where all products are 100% recycled. Products are made up of 30% fiber from elephant dung and 70% recycled paper. No trees or toxic chemicals are used in their paper making process. They only use all-natural vegetative binding agents, along with water-soluble salt dyes for coloring. This is as organic as it gets and you save an elephant in the process.
Indonesia
- Balizen – Based in Indonesia Balizen has a line of sustainable and fair trade homewares, resort wear and gifts. Everything is handmade, eco-friendly and has either been made with love and care in the Bali workshop or by their talented artisan partners, with whom we have been collaborating for almost 30 years.
Myanmar
- Hla Day – Hla Day works with Myanmar artisans, disadvantaged groups and small businesses to design, develop and sell quality handmade products with a contemporary twist. They capture the unique flavors of Myanmar design by locally sourcing all materials and celebrating traditional skills enabling both customers and producers to enjoy and benefit from unique and quality Myanmar handicrafts.
- Pann Nann Ein – Supports individuals with disabilities, while simultaneously raising awareness of neglected disability issues, including physical disabilities, mental health problems, learning disabilities, and language and speech impediments. Explore their fabric-based products like bags, journals, bookmarks, and cards.
Cambodia
- Jaya Organics – Dedicated to creating luxury natural products from Cambodia that don’t cost the earth. All products are carefully formulated and lovingly handmade in small batches in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- Malia Designs – Malia Designs was formed to increase economic opportunity for women in Cambodia and to support organizations that fight human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Purchase products in their online shop from cooperatives that employ people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Malia Designs also makes a donation to organizations working to fight trafficking in Cambodia and the U.S. Support small, independent artisans and purchase gifts made from sustainably sourced materials with Malia Designs.
Vietnam
- MadeTerra – MadeTerra products are all uniquely handmade by artisans in Vietnam. They have outstanding designs, are made from natural materials, are ethically sourced and make great gifts this holiday season.
Multi-Country
- Made Global – Made Global sources are sustainably made quality products from artisans all over the world. With everything from jewelry to homeware and bedding to gifts for children, Made Global has a varied unique online shop and shares the stories of local artisans as part of their mission Every item comes with a story of who, how and where it was made from.
- Goodweave – Looking for some beautiful textiles? Check out Goodweave certified partners. Any rug that has a Goodweave label means that no child, forced or bonded labor was used in the making of that product. Your rug purchase also supports the education of children who suffered from child labor to get back into school and ensures dignified work for adults in the textile industry.
- Apopo – Adopt a Hero Rat – Let’s be clear, we all need a hero rat in our life! By adopting a Hero Rat you are saving lives. Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world. Let’s get those landmines away from people once and for all.
