SPIRAL...a one-stop-shop for your holiday shopping and good karma needs

The S.P.I.R.A.L. Foundation, Spinning Potential Into Resources and Love, is a non-profit organization operating in Nepal and Vietnam "inspired by the principle of "Aid from within the Country." And is one of my new favorite things. A friend of mine pointed this amazing organization out explaining that she gets most of her holiday shopping done by purchasing items from the organization's shop and feeling extra gooey inside knowing her consumerism is serving a higher purpose. What I really love about SPIRAL is they are one of those organizations that are out there helping people help themselves and their community by teaching them trades that will lead them towards self-sufficiency. Then I found out the products they sell are also environmentally friendly incorporating recycled materials and that just sent me over the moon.

"Since 1999, The S.P.I.R.A.L. Foundation has financed humanitarian aid projects with the proceeds generated by income producing handicraft workshops. Currently 1000 Vietnamese and Nepalese are employed with fair wages based on an hourly rate and not on piece-work. All net proceeds from the handicraft sales are returned to Vietnam and Nepal to fund primary health care, medical and educational projects, giving to those involved in the production process a sense of pride that comes by helping and sustaining many others, in even greater need than themselves. Members of all The Spiral Foundation Workshops, have an active role in the allocation and monitoring of all funds generated by proceeds from the sales of The Spiral Foundation Gift Line."

With that said the organization specializes in educating people in struggling Vietnam and Nepal villages in the manufacturing, crafting and selling of items which are "...produced with a consciousness towards the environment" and "the preservation and the revival of the local handicraft traditions." Many items in the line are made from recycled materials such as discarded plastic wrappers and telephone wires with the goal of educating the villages about the importance of repurposing non-biodegradable trash into something useful and beautiful all while "protecting the natural ecology."

I'm in love with so many of their items. They sell quality goods for adults as well as children. My favorites have to be this Recycled Plastic Belt that sells for only $22 and this Niki IPOD Holder that's currently out of stock but sells for $20. Both are made from discarded plastic wrappers in "Nepal by artisans in the remote mountain villages of Lapa, Tipling and Shertung" and the "net proceeds from the purchase of these gifts funds primary healthcare and community education through Himalayan Healthcare." And both would make the most excellent holiday prezzies for my way-too-cool 16 year old and 19 year old nieces. I'm also thinking my daughter would look awfully sweet in this White Cotton Batik Skirt for $36 and this Velvet Batik Jacket that sells for $76. both items were handcrafted in Hanoi, Vietnam--so, so cute. And if only I had a friend with a newborn I'd be all over this cotton hat and sweater set for $36 that's hand knit by Nepalese women and looks like the softest thing next to a baby's tushy. I really like the criss-cross front. All items can be purchased through their online store.

Or, if you live in the Los Angeles area founder Marichia Simcik and her husband James are opening up their home in Pacific Palisades for a special Holiday Bazaar being held the weekends of November 22nd and December 13th from 10am-6pm....Swanky. A great way to knock items off your holiday list and not have to wait for them to be shipped.

Link: S.P.I.R.A.L.