Posted by Amanda Helfrich
on October 27, 2026
Have you ever asked yourself, “Where can I buy gifts with impact for everyone on my list”? I get asked by friends, family, and customers all the time, “Where can I find mugs, candles, belts, bags, and home decor, all made ethically?” It seems like the perfect opportunity to share about our wonderful partnerships and bring more ethical goods together! I hope that through this blog you will get to know some other wonderful organizations and gift shops that provide beautiful, ethical, fair trade gifts.
I love a gently scented candle, artisan-made mugs, a beautiful leather belt, or bag, and elevated artisan quality decor and jewelry (yay for Starfish Project’s brand new line!).
You’ve heard me say it once before: I’m a daughter, wife, and mother. Life is busy, but buying gifts doesn’t have to be a chore. I love that I can rely on our partner gift shops to provide the perfect gifts for my family and friends. Whether it’s a beautiful piece of jewelry for my daughters, a chestnut leather work bag for my husband, a restorative candle for my sister, or a handmade mug for my Mom, I know I’m giving a gift that changes lives. And don’t forget, because I’m a Midwesterner, I’m always happy to tell someone where I got it—and, even better, share the story of the people who made it.
So, whoever you’re shopping for, here are a couple of our great partner shops that have you covered for all your gifting needs.
(Recognize any Fair Trade friends above? You should: Starfish Project, Thistle Farms, Sustainable Threads, etc.! At Revolutionary Love Conference 2024)
Thistle Farms Partnership
Several years ago, I had the privilege of attending a conference in Nashville at Thistle Farms. I got to visit their distribution area, offices, and the Cafe with my eldest daughter. We have been partners of theirs for years, but this helped me realize how “shared trade” really does impact everyone across the globe. When I met Becca, Tasha, and other new friends there, I quickly learned how much we all need each other to succeed and grow our organizations together.
One of our Founder Jenny’s goals was to have partnerships with businesses in the US offering similar employment to women across the nation. Thistle Farms does just that, and more. Let me explain the “more” part; we were contacted earlier this year by our Finished Goods Buyer on behalf of Thistle Farms. (Typically, when a partner has a new contract request, you negotiate pricing for the next year. Many partners request a discount that may or may not be approved.) Never have we experienced a partner wanting to give MORE for each product until we were contacted by Thistle Farms. Our partners wanted to pay 10% more to help us exceed our minimum needs for our artisans. They had the ability to share the wealth and went above and beyond to support our team and make a tangible impact. In a time of financial strain worldwide, Thistle Farms gave generously. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and support.
Meet Thistle Farms, started by Becca Stevens, here:
Thistle Farms
When You Invest in Women, Entire Communities Heal
Our program provides women survivors with free housing, healthcare,
counseling, and job readiness training for two years.
Suggested Gifts:
Candles (Artisan Made)
My pick: [Sea Salt Driftwood Candle] (Pairs well with Starfish Project’s Seabreeze Strand Necklace)
Mugs (Various Artisans)
My pick: [Artisan-made Stoneware Mug-by TerraKlay] (Pairs well with Starfish Project’s Maya Agate Bracelet in Earth Tones)
(Recognize any Fair Trade friends above? You should: Jubilee Trading Co., Alegria, etc.! Fun times at Sing! 2026)
Jubilee Trading Co. Partnership
We have partnered with Jubilee for a little over 3 years. I had the opportunity to visit with and shop from Stephanie when I went to Nashville for a different event this past September. What a delight to get to know our partner better, talk “shop” with them, and learn invaluable feedback. It was a real honor to spend time together! Our partnership with Jubilee helps Stephanie sell various products through her online, in-store, and in-person events. We are delighted to partner with Jubilee Trading Co. for good in the US and beyond.
Meet Jubilee Trading Company, started by Stephanie, here:
Jubilee Trading Company
Our Mission: Creating Life-Changing Jobs and Fair Trade Leather
At the heart of Jubilee Trading Co. is a simple but powerful belief: steady, dignified work changes lives.
Belts (Made by Kilele)
My pick: [Custom Leather Belt] (Pairs well with Starfish Project’s Legacy Engravable Bracelet)
Bags (Made by Kilele)
My pick: [Leather Backpack] (Pairs well with Starfish Project’s Believe Bowl Jute)
More Than One
I’ve said it before, one of my favorite parts of working at Starfish Project is introducing people to beautiful jewelry with an even more beautiful story, but today, I get to share other amazing brands that partner with us for good with their own stories.
Every piece of jewelry, candle, mug, or leather goods represents more than beautiful design. Your purchase helps create meaningful employment, vocational training, opportunities for survivors of human trafficking, and dignified work for artisan communities, as they build lives of freedom and independence.
That’s why I love giving ethical gifts—and wearing them myself. The gifts I give each day remind me of the opportunity for freedom, fair wages, and dignified work that ethical business practices support.
I value beautiful, sustainable, ethical gifts, and I know you do too.
Join me in wearing hope and giving hope every day with Starfish Project and our amazing partners!
Written by: Amanda
Amanda Helfrich has spent the past 12 years connecting people with beautiful, purpose-filled products as Starfish Project’s Events and Relationship Manager. As a Midwesterner, she loves sharing the Starfish mission and the impact every purchase can make. When she’s not working, she’s keeping up with her kids, traveling, and enjoying adventures with her husband.
