If you plan to hang your stockings on the mantle soon, how about thinking ahead a bit on what to fill them with too? We think fair trade stocking stuffers are perfect for kids of all ages!

Only a little over a month to go from Christmas! How did that happen?! By this time in the holiday season, I´ve usually managed to drag out my Christmas decorations because I just can´t wait any longer. And yes. That includes stockings! This year though, I´m still in South America, so daydreaming about decorating will have to do for now.

See below for some of my fave fair trade stocking stuffers from Seven Hopes United! These are a perfect mix of compact, fun and useful ítems that celebrate the season…and hint at the fun of Spring to come.

Clockwise from top:

1. Seven Hopes United e-Gift Card: Enough said, right? The fair trade stocking stuffer that keeps on giving!

2. Green Ginko Pot Holder: This product was made by an eco fair trade company that works with artisan groups in Indonesia – both with village cooperatives and their in-house fair trade workshop. Each product is made using environmentally sustainable materials, including bamboo, vetiver, capiz shells and organic cotton. Beautiful in any kitchen.

3. Leather Sseko Sandals:  Sseko Designs hires recent secondary school graduates for a nine month period to live and work together, while earning money that will go directly toward their university education. These women will not make sandals forever. They will go on to be doctors, lawyers, politicians, writers and teachers that will bring change and unification to a country divided and ravished by a 22 year-long war. Give the gift of Spring!

4. Olive Wood Butter Spreaders with Batik Handle: These unique butter spreaders are handmade in Kenya from wild olivewood and finished with a batik recycled bone handle. Perfect if you choose the family cook in your annual stocking Exchange!

5. Bouquet Knitted Headwrap: Three tonal posy flowers bloom on this hand knitted headband from our artisan partners in Nepal. Handmade of 100% soft wool, this sweet headband is sure to keep your loved one warm this winter.

6. 31BITS Clair Loop Bracelet: This festive piece will  brighten up anyone´s holiday! 31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity.

Do you have any favorite fair trade stocking stuffers? If so, we would love if you share in the comments below! And if you´re interested, next week I will post a recap of my Machu Picchu hike, which begins today!

XO,
Casey

Cookie pancakes?!?! Doesn’t that sound adorable?  My two year old son works well with bite sized things and these are the perfect size for him pick up with his fork (or his hands, though he is pretty much a master of the fork!)

Cookie pancakes are a fun idea but what’s even more fun is how many fair trade items can be used in this recipe.  The bananas, vanilla extract and chocolate chips that the recipe calls for can all be fair trade! And I highly suggest real maple syrup over the other stuff; it really does taste better.

CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIE PANCAKES

Prep time 5 mins

Cook time 5 mins

Author: Minimalist Baker

Serves: 5 pancakes

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 very ripe medium banana
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 Tbsp water)
• pinch salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon almond butter
• 1 Tablespoon canola oil (or coconut oil)
• 3 Tablespoons almond milk (or sub other milk)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (or gluten free oats)
• 1/4 cup whole wheat or unbleached flour (or sub other flour)
• 3 Tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips (non-dairy for vegan)

 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat a skillet to medium heat or about 300-325 degrees.
2. Prepare flax egg by mixing flaxseed meal and water and letting set for 3-5 minutes.
3. Mash your very ripe banana with baking powder.
4. Add flax egg, oil, salt, vanilla, almond butter, almond milk and stir.
5. Stir in oats and flour until just combined.
6. Sprinkle in chocolate chips and fold gently.
7. Scoop scant 1/4 cup measurements onto lightly greased griddle.
8. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side – until golden brown.
9. Serve plain or with a small drizzle of maple syrup and a few additional chocolate chips for melting.

NOTES

* Should yield 5-6 small pancakes. * Make gluten free by using gluten-free oats and flour. * Adding 1 Tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, sugar or agave nectar is optional for extra sweetening, but I didn’t find it necessary. * Reheat great the following day in the microwave.

 

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Serving size: All 5 pancakes Calories: 760 Fat: 37 g Saturated fat: 7.8 g Carbohydrates: 96 gSugar: 28 g Fiber: 12.6 g Protein: 14 g

May we suggest wearing our Recycled Flour Sack Apron when making these cookie pancakes? If you do, please take a photo and send it to us!!!