A New Kind of Black Friday

Thanksgiving, yes it is a day filled with family, food, football and thoughts of what we are thankful for {who couldn't love a day like this}, and yet what most people look forward to is the day after Thanksgiving, that is right, Black Friday!  You might think the whole idea of Black Friday is over-hyped, materialistic or just pointless.  Or you might get a thrill out of looking for the perfect deal, and stand outside in the cold for hours upon hours to ensure that you are the first in the door, running, pushing, getting what you came to buy and possibly even more. Maybe like me you're a little of both, not as extreme. lol
I was thinking, if this season is all about giving back, why not start with Black Friday {and Christmas shopping in general}. One major part of this new kind of thinking is making purchases with a purpose, here are a few ideas for your Christmas shopping this year that I know you'll love!

1. Invisible Children. In a nutshell, they are a grassroots organization that has single handedly made more of a positive impact on the people of war-torn Uganda. They help rebuild schools, provide clean water, reconnect war-torn families, deprogram child abductees and raise awareness around the world of what’s going on in Uganda right now. How awesome right! Please check this one out, they have amazing products featured on their site!

2. A Road Home is a blog I've only been following, they have started their annual 12 days of Christmas, which is basically 12 days of giveaways of some sweet products.  But this is no ordinary giveaway, what I love most about this is that they choose 12 humanitarian aid companies/organizations to spotlight for this event! How AWESOME! Each of these companies are so inspiring and any of them would be great choices for Christmas shopping!

3. Light Gives Heat. It has been said that jewelry is the key to a women's heart. What if jewelry was the key to a woman's future. Light Gives Heat's vision is to see Africa rebuild and renewed from the inside out and to see people in the West living with hope {"be the change they want to see in the world"}. I love this idea.
The Suubi line employs women who have spent their lives surviving war in Northern Uganda, running from danger and watching those they love perish for senseless reasons, to create these beautiful pieces of jewelry that I am in love with. This allows those women to earn a wage and support their family. They are healing and finding pride in their work.
This lovely necklace is currently my favorite product! Plus this whole week they are having a deal! Check them out!

4. Let's just state the obvious...TOMS shoes are amazing! You've probably heard of them and their awesome one-for-one campaign because they are pretty popular these days! It seems like everywhere I go I see them, just think about how many children now have shoes! PSL! I got my first pair this summer and love them, I'm hooked! Now which pair to buy next...wedges, holiday, lace, so many to choose from! You should hop right over and check out some for you, your spouse, child, brother, friend, someone you love! It is worth it!

5. 31Bits I just love 31Bits! They offer handcrafted bead work that is both practical and whimsical at the same time. The beads are beautiful worn with a t-shirt or even a wedding gown. (check out the bridal line!) And with earthy, imaginative names like “Apple Drape”, “Golden Hollow”, and “Rosebury” 31′s pieces become even more delightful.
31 Bits currently employes 99 women in Northern Uganda…purchasing beads from them, giving them English lessons and financial training. So good. And that’s just the beginning. Nearly one-third of the women employed by 31 Bits are HIV positive. Through their counseling and health programs the women are able to learn to manage their disease and care for themselves both mentally and physically.

7. Sseko Designs Us gals love shoes and these ones are for a good cause; help these bright young women who make the shoes continue their education. This summer I started my collection and obsession with Sseko's beautiful shoes and straps. They are comfy, cute and can be changed up for any occasion...plus they help women. They make for great stocking stuffers, they actually have "The Stocking Stuffer Package" is $65 and it comes with the soles and 3 pairs of straps...plus exchanges are free! So if someone on your list has Ssekos on their list, now's the time to snatch them up!

So, there you have it...some ideas of ways that you can make shopping more than just a thing you do for Christmas. You can make a difference in peoples' lives, too. I realize this is not a comprehensive list and that some of you probably have some other ideas of how to make a difference for Christmas this year. Please leave a comment and share your ideas with me!! :)

Have a great Thanksgiving!