Hi everyone,
We all want to give great gifts to our friends and loved ones, and we all want to support meaningful work. So for this special edition of The A to Z, I’ve curated a list of artisans, ethical companies, and non-profits worth supporting. You will also find a few authors listed whose work has been highly recommended by trusted friends.
I’m not guaranteeing all of the gifts listed will be cheap, but I can guarantee that none of these links will be taking you to mega online retailers like Amazon, Apple, Walmart, or Target. Enjoy!
Appointed - These are my favorite notebooks and journals. Made locally in DC, these durable, beautiful books are a joy to use and look perfect on any desk.
Bradley Mountain - Handcrafted canvas and leather bags and accessories, along with other fun apparel and outdoor supplies.
Covet and Ginger - When we handed out these mugs to our bridal party, there were gasps at how beautiful they were. Kim is an incredible craftswoman and we treasure our C&G pieces.
Doctors Without Borders - Since 1971, Doctors Without Borders has given medical care to millions of people through the hands of volunteer medical professionals. They offer care where it’s needed most, irrespective of gender, race, religion, creed, or political convictions.
The END Fund - Neglected tropical diseases are a group of parasitic and bacterial infectious diseases that affect more than 1.5 billion people. The END Fund exists to ensure people at risk of neglected tropical diseases can live healthy and prosperous lives.
Fistula Foundation - Obstetric fistula is a preventable childbirth injury that can devastate the lives of mothers. Fistula Foundation funds fistula treatment in Africa and Asia.
Greyston Bakery - This bakery makes amazing brownies and hires returning citizens (people who have experienced incarceration) through an open hiring policy — which means no one is turned away because of their background and/or record.
Hurley Bone - This dog toy has made our pup very happy. Plus, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t contain any harmful stuff!
Indiebound - Want to buy books, but don’t want to shop with Amazon? Search for a book on Indiebound, and they help locate it for you at a local, independent bookstore.
Just Mercy - The true story of a lawyer taking on an unjust system of mass incarceration and advocating for the wrongly condemned. This book came highly recommended to me, and I just got it for myself.
Kicks - Looking for some new shoes? Take a look at Allbirds, Nisolo, or Veja.
LEGO - With robust policies on worker care, sourcing and sustainability, I feel good about putting LEGO on here.
Miles4Migrants - Donate frequent flyer miles to help bring refugees to their new homes and reunite families separated by conflict and persecution.
Neighborhood Film Company - They develop world-class creative material for brands by employing and offering apprenticeships to formerly incarcerated people.
Octavia Butler - An African-American science fiction author, she became the first science-fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. Notable works include Bloodchild and her Parable series.
Performances - Find a local theater and take in a play, symphony or opera with your family and friends. Don’t have a theater nearby? Your local high school or college will be putting on shows this Christmas.
Quilts - Basha Boutique offers dignified work to women in Bangladesh who are at risk of exploitation. They create beautiful quilts, textiles, and accessories from recycled saris, repurposed fabric, and many other materials.
Rayo & Honey - Handmade and designed goods “inspired by the many written affirmations my mother had up throughout my childhood home”
Safe Spaces - Collective Action for Safe Spaces is raising awareness and conducting necessary training to end harassment and violence in public places like streets, bars, and public transit.
Thistle Farms - Natural products for body, bath, and home, made by women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
Used Clothing- Patagonia Worn Wear keeps old gear in use by recycling old fabric and turning it into something brand new.
Vegan Leather - Matt & Nat is a company committed to providing beautiful alternatives to leather goods like purses, handbags, and accessories.
Wolfpack - Wolfpack sells clothing, art, home goods & gifts that are ethical & sustainable. “...we only work with companies that have some sort of policy against child labor, allow employees to unionize, aren't forced to work unpaid overtime, and work in safe buildings.”
X- With a gift to International Justice Mission, you can help bring freedom and safety to victims of slavery, trafficking and violence across the world.
Yeti - As far as I’m concerned, Yeti is the gold standard for coolers and mugs.
Zadie Smith - The author of White Teeth, On Beauty, Swing Time, and Grand Union has won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the Whitbread First Novel Award and the Guardian First Book Award, as well as being shortlisted for the Man Booker prize. Browse and buy her books here.
Thanks for reading! I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. If you have suggestions for the next issue, please send me an email.
See you next month.
-Brady