We are pretty sure that Santa would be fair trade conscious in his selection of presents. When getting ready and compiling the presents for little girls and boys, he would make sure that other boys and girls were not harmed and taken advantage of while assembling and making the toys, books, clothes, etc. He would want all boys and girls to play, laugh, sing, go to school, and dream. He would not want any boy or girl be taken from their families, beaten, starved, abused, and forced to work long hours with no days off.

Buying fair trade certified gifts is not as difficult as one might think. First, there is Fair Trade Certified label that is placed on all products that comply with standards of fair trade manufacturing practices. Second, there are numerous Internet sites that explain and offer fair trade certified products, including, food, wine, clothes, accessories, household items, toys, etc. Among them are Global Exchange, Ten Thousand Villages, Gifts with Humanity – these are just the first ones that came out in Google search for fair trade certified gifts. Additionally, there are many non-profit organizations that have Internet and traditional stores that sell products made by people who survived and overcame horrible circumstances of human trafficking and modern day slavery. One of them is Freedom Store (Not For Sale Campaign), and there are many others.

There is still plenty of time till Christmas rush begins to do your research and to find out about retailers and products that support and abide by ethical manufacturing practices. Additionally, there are many organizations that are fighting to end child labor and modern day slavery. They need your support too so that they continue with their efforts. Together, we can ensure that no child is subjected to horrible living conditions and abuses of forced labor, but instead, is free to enjoy their childhood and dream, while their parents are given fair opportunities to provide a better life and build a stronger community.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.fairtrade.net/

http://www.transfairusa.org/

http://notforsale895.corecommerce.com/cart.html