Christmas Shopping-Paying it forward

Most years we enjoy shopping online, as well as shopping throughout the year. I tend to find goodies for friends and family and stockpile them throughout the year in my gift closet (which is also the seed closet, coat closet, and game closet..). If we are on a road trip, or I just see something that reminds me of someone, I buy it when I see it regardless of when their birthday or Christmas is. This has been very helpful, as I tend to have the perfect gift that I may or may not have forgotten about.

We have been chatting about our strategy this year. We have discussed purchasing only items from stores on main street, but I think we may do a combination of things. Trying to support USA and Local does have it's challenges, but it is worth it, and always worth the extra dollar (or 50 cents sometimes!). Chris watched an enlightening Diane Sawyer special on construction companies using only products made in the USA.Turns out it is possible to only purchase items made here, but it requires searching out the plants of these items. The next morning I found the printed out list of sources on our desk. Not that we are going to build a house or anything, but we do our fair share of projects. I love that about Chris, he is always striving to practice what he preaches.

This isn't the website he used, but it is pretty thorough...
http://www.madeinusa.org/nav.cgi?info/whybuy 
Here are some other awesome websites that we will shop from, and have shopped from in the past...

Uncommon goods http://www.uncommongoods.com/
 Usually hand made or recycled gifts to support artisans in other countries

The Hunger Site https://www.thehungersite.com/store/
 Similar items as uncommon goods, but from every purchase some amount of food is donated to a third world organization

Solace International www.solaceinternational.org
A non-profit organization near and dear to my heart (Aunt Jac works for them) who go to other struggling countries and villages and purchase hand made amazing goods, increase the prices, sell them here, and put the money straight back into projects in those same villages. Education centers, orphanages, crafting supplies and rooms, more! There isn't a way to shop online for products, but there is a way to donate online. If you are interested in any products, there is an amazing selection, and I would be happy to send you pictures and complete the transaction. There may also be a local black friday solace event, so if this interests you, comment or email me and I will get you the details.

One last thing... Another do-good experience!!
The Festival of Trees!
A dear friend is hosting a HUGE event featuring a taste of Northern California. It is going to be on November 20th, at the California Automobile Museum, from 4-8ish. It is a benefit for The Birth Connection, where my friend has adopted 4 children from. This non-profit organization performs adoptions for a very affordable fee, and therefore is needing our help to continue to keep kids out of the foster system. This kid-friendly event is going to feature many restaurants, from Bibas to Whole Foods to Rubios (just to name a few!), a live and silent auction (with AMAZING prizes from trips to the east coast to gift baskets). I am going to be there to support, taste, bid, and hopefully win some items for Christmas presents as well. Why purchase presents anymore that just go to the man? Or china? Seriously!!
To purchase tickets, donate, or check out the full list of vendors and auction items, check out:
http://TheBirthConnection.org/Festival-of-Trees

Photos from our Solace photoshoot a few months back....

 Owen sporting a solace beanie and booties, me a gorgeous necklace.

 Charlene and Alaina modelling beanies and booties.

 Handwarmers and necklace.

 Recycled rice and grain bag bags.

Variety of shawls                                                                                                                   

Ok, Hope this list has provided you with some ways to spend some cash that pay it forward. I know there are many more out there, and would love to hear about any that you have utilized in the past.