I love sharing organizations with you that are changing the world. It's so easy in the holiday's to buy things that are the most convenient and the cheapest, but what if we actually put thought into where our purchases were coming from. What if we bought from small businesses, company's that use ethics when creating and selling their products, businesses that give back with your purchases, and women owned company's (Yes I'm a woman and I'm a fan of company's run by other women!). Each year I have created a post with places you should shop and this year I did a whole podcast episode dedicated to just this. My friend Jen Hatmaker joined me and we chatted about 21 different places we think you could feel good about putting your money towards. If you want more info from that podcast, click HERE to listen, and if you want to see past years gift guides, click HERE.
Here are places I think you could put your money this year and feel really good about it! They are in no particular order, but they are in the order that we chatted about them on the show + lots of them include coupon codes, so check those out!
Table Top Truths
Tabletop Truths is a collection of durable, colorful, kid-friendly placemats. Their mission is to use these mats to bring families together centered around the table and God's Word. They have prayerfully chosen the different Biblical Truths that they feel are foundational for our kids spiritual development. Their hope is that in learning these truths they will be anchored in their faith for years to come. Some examples are The Gospel, the Attributes of God, and the Armor of God.
My favorite placemat: Creation placemat
Instagram Giveaway: The set above
Tabletop Truths is offering all listeners and readers 15% off thru December 7 with the code HAPPYHOUR
Val Marie Paper
The VMP prayer journals are an intentional gift to help inspire a loved ones prayer life. They are affordable and the perfect gift to have on hand for when you unexpectedly need a gift. So much of their repeat business comes from people who said they got a journal for Christmas as a gift and it was the best present they received and can't wait to give it to others.
Val Marie Paper is a small business with a heart for missions. Each month we choose a different non-profit and donate $.50 for every journal sold to that cause. Over the last year, we've been able to donate thousands of dollars to inner-city kids, adopting families, children in Haiti, former child soldiers in Uganda, women in Asia and Burundi, ebola relief in Liberia and impoverished in local communities.
They offer intentional products that you will love gifting to your friends, parents, spouse, kids (grown or little) and even great for teacher gifts. They are the perfect gift to have on hand when you need a gift last minute. These journals have helped casual prayers radically transform their prayer life and we consider that the gift that keeps on giving.
My favorite journal: Women's Prayer Journal
Instagram giveaway: Dated Prayer Journal
Discount: 3ORMORE and 10ORMORE coupon codes for $3 off and $4 off each $15 dollar journal
Signs of Abundant Life
These hand painted and hand lettered signs are a labor of love and can be custom ordered with a scripture text of your choosing. Prices start at $55 for 12 x 18″ sign. The little blocks are designed to hold one or two words and sell for $18each. They look great in small groupings and make great gifts.
All the art can be viewed on the Etsy page and the Facebook page.
These signs are crafted by a local Austin woman and her signs also help to support the unreached peoples in Central Asia and bring an offering of hope to widows, orphans, and the poor in Robit, Ethiopia. Another thing that sets her signs apart are the fact that all her words are from scripture.
My favorite sign: Christmas Sign
Instagram Giveaway: “In all things give thanks” sign
Discount: 15% off with the HAPPYHOUR code in Etsy store thru December 10
Field Treasure Designs
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Field Treasures Designs love designing goods to be a part of other people's lives whether its reclaimed pallet clocks and decor or fun tees to wear. They have a story and their goods are unique so they feel that resonates with folks who buy from them. They also love empowering others by sharing that it is possible to start your own small business and have big dreams to help others achieve that goal either personally or with their spouse!
Field Treasure Designs has pallet clocks, candles, tee shirts, coffee, plus so much more!
My favorite Field Treasures Designs Product: Jack Frost candle
Instagram giveaway: Jack Frost candle
Discount: 15% off everything on the site with code HAPPYHOUR until Friday, November 27
Thirsty Hearts Design
“Thirsty hearts are those whose longings have been awakened by the touch of God within them.” -A.W.
Thirsty Hearts Design believes in being authentic creating beautiful things in the process. They love words and their ability to build people up, make them laugh, or point them to true things when life is unsettled. Hand lettering is the craft and her love for cabins, typography and neutral colors are laced throughout the work. The shop includes Hand lettered art prints, greeting cards and hand made & painted wood signs.
My favorite print: Hey Y'all
Instagram giveaway: “Boss” mug
Discount: 10% off with code HAPPYHOUR
Star From Afar
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This a game that celebrates the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Think Elf on the Shelf, but the real story of Christmas. This is a product made by a mom for her kids. The Star From Afar™ is more than a business it is a ministry that plans to donate a portion of profits to help spread the gospel.
What a fun way to share the story of Christmas with your kids each and every day! “The Christmas Star From Afar” encourages children to go on a hunt for their Star, similar to that of the Wise Men. Everyday the Star is hidden and the children participate in a fun hide-and-seek game to locate it. Once they have found their Star they move all Three Wise Men to its location. On Christmas morning the Three Wise Men reach their final destination when the Star is found at the stable with the newborn baby Jesus. The activity book includes a wooden Star, a full wooden nativity scene that matches the artwork of the book, and optional scripture to use throughout the month.
Instagram giveaway: Star From Afar kit
Discount: 10% with code HAPPYHOUR until November 25th
Marry Me In Spring
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Marry Me In Spring was created to cherish the family at every stage of life. Catherine Cotton creates custom illustrations to celebrate the ones you love most. Her illustrations include brides, grooms, families, proposals, pets and homes. You can send multiple photos of different family members, customize the color scheme and order prints or stationery to share with friends and family. All these illustrations are created on high quality materials that will keep your illustration beautiful for years to come. Check out her Instagram page to see some current projects.
Instagram Giveaway: Individual Drawing
Discount: If you order an illustration, you can get 15% off of stationery to go with it. Use code HAPPYHOUR
Purpose Box
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Purpose Box is mail that matters! Each box contains items that give back while also supporting a featured purpose! Every included product gives back. Every box has a featured purpose that receives all the proceeds. Purpose Box strives to help people realize that their piece of the puzzle can lead to a greater impact overall. Since there are 4-6 items in each box, it's a perfect gift to share, or buy a box for yourself and keep one item and gift the rest. The possibilities are endless!
Instagram Giveaway: One Purpose Box
Discount: Box and shirt bundle for $55 using code HappyHour
Persimmon Prints
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Our ‘Strength + Dignity Wrap' It says ‘strength' on one side, and ‘dignity' on the other side, from Proverbs 31:25. Persimmon's raising funds for a missionary in Uganda.
Our Joy Cards Advent Calendar – They broke down the song ‘Joy to the World' into 25 parts/cards, each card containing a phrase from the song, a scripture verse that connects with the song verse, an application question, and a graphic. Customers have shared that it's a great daily heart preparation for Christmas. They can be hung as ornaments, or as a bunting, or on a Christmas card holder, among many other endless displays.
My favorite: Love God & Serve Others shirt
Instagram Giveaway: One “Love God & Serve Others” shirt
Discount: 20% off until 12/15 with code HAPPYHOUR
LuLaRoe
LuLaRoe exists to provide an opportunity for people to create freedom by selling comfortable, affordable, stylish clothing, and offering its consultants the independence to set their own pace and schedule. The clothes are American made, on trend fabrics and prints. Each print created in house and only printed in a limited quantity. My friend Laura, is a consultant and I am devouring these clothes as fast as I can.
My favorites: The Amelia
Instagram Giveaway: One outfit = Classic Tee + leggings
Discount: Free shipping on all orders over $65 through December 6th with code HAPPYHOUR
Rey Swimwear
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Rey Swimwear was started when founder Jessica started to get frustrated in her swimsuit search with everything barely covering her body. Rey Swimwear seemlessly sews together contemporary fashion with vintage glamour. Their focus is on beauty and dignity of all people- those who wear the swimsuits and those who make them. They are committed to ethical fashion in their manufacturing and sourcing.
The Decent Exposure book: sexy, cute, classic, frumpy…it’s not easy to dress decently in today’s indecent world. Actress and Designer Jessica Rey and former America’s Next Top Model contestant, Leah Darrow don’t hold back in this book of personal stories and practical advice. This book reveals Jessica and Leah's answers for young women struggling in today's media-drive society. You do have options. No compromise needed. Timely and personal, this book is both beautiful and practical.
My favorite: I LOVE this book and can't wait to give to Story when she's a little older. I also have that exact bathing suit above and can't wait for next Summer!
Instagram Giveaway: Decent Exposure Book
Discount: 15% off with the code HAPPYHOUR until December 31st
Better Life Bags
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Better Life Bags has been hiring women from Detroit who have various barriers to employment since 2011. All our leather and fabric bags are customized by our customers and our women make each one especially for you. All of our pricing is transparent and shown under each bag listing. Our women are given excellent wages and become adopted into our community as we seek to meet individual needs in a holistic way. We are a for profit company – seeking to show America that for profit small business can make a huge difference in the lives of people. This work is not just for non-profits.
We are doing a Double Give Back day on Thanksgiving. 100% of our profits will be given to an effort to create more community and meet more needs for the women of Detroit.
Check out The Happy Hour #26 with Better Life Bags founder, Rebecca Smith.
Discount: Free US domestic shipping with code HAPPYHOUR – expires on 11/25
The Root Collective
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The Root Collective partners with small-batch producers in Guatemala to create handcrafted shoes. They believe that each woman can be a part of changing the world every day when she spends money. Spend it in a way that can make an impact. These are more than just shoes. They are opportunity. They are hope. They are change. They have the ability to allow men and women to provide for their families.
My favorite: Mustard Ballet Flats
Instagram Giveaway: $100 gift card
Discount: 25% off through 11/30/15 with code HAPPYHOUR
LOVE41
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All Love41 products are exclusively designed and made with the best materials out in the market (full grain leather, waxed cotton, brass hardware) & they are all guaranteed with a 41-year warranty. 100% of our profits go back to helping orphans, widows and street kids in Rwanda through a non-profit Christian organization called Africa New Life (ANLM). Founded by Rwandans for Rwandans this ECFA certified organization is making a huge impact in the lives of the needy. With your purchase of any of our items on Love 41.com you are a part of that continual change for good.
My favorite: Fringe Shoulder Purse
Discount: Code: 10% off your purchase (with the exception of sale items) Effective until 11/24 with the code HAPPYHOUR
Lily Jade
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Make your life easier with a beautiful leather diaper bag from Lily Jade that will stand the test of time and the test of kids!! Every Lily Jade bag comes with a patent pending 2 in 1 bag system, and their most popular styles also convert to backpacks. All bags are created from he highest leather and hardware available, and they make them as affordably prices as possibly by selling them online only.
My favorite: the Meggan bag (perfect computer bag for this non diaper bag momma!)
Instagram Giveaway: The bag pictured above!
Vessel Co-Working
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For those working hard from home or coffee shops, sometimes 1-2 days a week in a creative, quiet space with a diverse community of freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs is just what you need to stay sane and get stuff done. Come to Vessel 1-2 times a week for $65/$120 a month and have access from 7am-7pm M-F, book our conference room, drink all the Cuvee cold brew or hot coffee you can handle, enjoy healthy snacks, and print. All free. Want more? 24/7 access starts at $200. Give yourself the gift of GETTING IT DONE.
My favorite: I buy 10 passes and use as I need!
Instagram Giveaway: Once a week membership for a month
Discount: 25% off all memberships through Christmas with HAPPY HOUR code
District Roasters
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District Roasters sources coffee that qualifies as specialty coffees from around the world. They partner directly with producers and farmers at the source to increase organic, sustainable, farming practices. Through their Coffee On Mission model, we are able to give back to ministries and organizations that are already on the ground serving in the countries that they source from.
My favorite: Totally Righteous Blend
Instagram Giveaway: A bunch of goodies
Discount: 15% with code HAPPYHOUR
One Delightful Button
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One Delightful Button has colorful, easy to wear with anything jewelry & accessories for everyday + hair ties. And really no one has enough hair tyes these days! All the products are handmade by a stay-at-home mom in the Boston area. These all make great, inexpensive, but handmade gifts for friends, daughters and teachers.
My favorite: Hair Ties
Instagram Giveaway: the earrings pictured above
Discount: 20% off orders through end of 2015 with code HAPPYHOUR
Raven + Lily
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Raven + Lily was created to alleviate poverty among women. Raven + Lily currently helps employ over 1,500 marginalized women at fair trade wages to give them access to a safe job, sustainable income, health care, education, and a real chance to to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families. Raven + Lily is committed to providing products that are made by hand, follow fair trade standards, and honor our eco-friendly commitment.
Raven + Lily is a fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women around the globe. They carry apparel, jewelry, purses, and home goods made by at-risk women at fair trade wages in 9 countries. They've just launched their holiday line with a number of gifts that give back – recycled brass jewelry, hand-embroidered clothing, silk loungewear and eco-friendly home decor, and recycled journals and gift tags.
You can shop online at ravenandlily.com, in a number of retail partners around the country, in their store in East Austin, and next spring, in their 2nd location coming to the Domain in Austin. Hear more of their story in this video and listen to Happy Hour #52 with founder Kirsten Dickerson.
My favorite: Petra Geometric Earrings
Instagram Giveaway: Hermosa: Bamboo and Lemongrass Candle + Silver Lake: Mango + Grapefruit Candle
Discount: 15% with code HAPPYHOUR
Amanda K Jewelry
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Amanda K Jewelry began when Amanda was rummaging around her grandmother's jewelry box. She fell in love with the idea that each of her pieces had their own unique history – their own story to tell. She started turning her jewelry into updated pieces with a vintage twist, and eventually it led to this fun business and creative endeavor.
Amanda says she is always on the hunt for vintage jewels to pair with beads, stones, and metals. On designing days, she spreads out the treasures and just starts playing. What you see in the shop comes out of a desire to help women gain confidence and enjoy a piece of beauty. Each piece is unique and custom, just like the women who wear them.
My favorite: Peruvian Spike Necklaces
Instagram Giveaway: Two Vintage Enamel Chain Bracelets
Noonday
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When you shop Noonday's collection, host a Trunk Show, or become an Ambassador, you join them in creating a growing marketplace for artisan businesses, enabling them to make a difference in their communities. Noonday partners with artisan entrepreneurs in the developing world, empowering them to grow sustainable businesses and to create dignified jobs that allow Artisans to earn sustainable, reliable incomes. When a woman wears a piece of jewelry handcrafted by an Artisan, she shares in the Artisan’s story of empowerment.
Noonday put together some awesome holiday gift bundles at an even more awesome price, and you need to hurry because these bundles are going fast! They are only available to view and purchase through a Noonday Ambassador. If you don't have an ambassador, you can find one HERE, or use MINE if you want! No need to worry if they sell out because the possibilities are endless for gift ideas with Noonday!
My favorite: Dauntless Necklace (I seriously wear this almost every day) + Column Earrings
Instagram Giveaway: $100 Gift Certificate
The founder Jessica Honeger on the Happy Hour: #5 & #55
Beautycounter
Beautycounter's products are ethically made here in the US and their ingredients are ethically sourced. Safe skin care is as important as what you eat. Our skin being our largest organ absorbs more than 60% of what we put on it. Beautycounter never uses ingredients known to be harmful, and currently bans over 1500 chemical ingredients from our products.
They have several holiday gift sets that would be great gifs for someone that you love.
My favorite: Clean Everyday Shampoo + Lip Gloss
Instagram Giveaway: Vibrant Eye Perfector
Thank you for putting this together! I knew about some of these companies, but there are some great new ones for me as well. I can’t wait to sit down and go through the links to check them all out. I definitely want to be more intentional about what I gift this year and empower others with my purchases. And since I listened to this podcast while doing dishes and eating leftover icing for breakfast, I’d better head over to Beauty Counter first to do something nice for my body. 🙂
Jen, let me know if you need any assistance with your Beautycounter order! you can email me at noelleotts@gmail.com
Thank you Jamie! If nothing else, I’ve discovered a new make-up company! As a vegan, I’ve been wearing “non-traditional” make-up brands for a while, but it has bothered me that many of them don’t seem to care about the sourcing of their ingredients or the humans producing their products.
Andria! So excited you found us. We are committed to safe cosmetics and skin care with full transparency. Please email me if you have any questions at all. The links Jamie posted will take you right to my website with my contact info.
JOINED 🙂
Thank you for posting this, learned about it through a friends post. Thanks Brad!! We just bought the Christmas star from afar:) And some of the journals for Christmas presents!
I’m trying to order a Better Life Bag. Is there a coupon code for the free shipping?
Thanks for asking … I’m checking on the shipping for you!
YES code is HAPPYHOUR
Thank you so much for this list! Just ordered 10 of the Prayer Journals for a christmas gift for my women’s ministry team. Think it will be a wonderful tool as we are working towards being intentional in our goals and direction and focus on loving God and serving others! Excited for all of us to use these!