The Monroe Doctrine: Prezzies!

Hello boys and girls!

Sorry we haven't been able to update much lately.

I HAVE A SUPRISE FOR YOU!

That's right, kiddies. The first annual TMD Holiday Gift Guide!

If you knit like we do, then you've probably already started working on presents for the whole clique and clan but here are some other eco-and-people-friendly things to think about....

1. Check out some humanitarian sites! there are so many options from free-trade to community-trade and everything in between. Actually, last Christmans i wanted to adopt a Llama for my mother (no, seriously, I almost did).

Pros:Bring out your inner Angelia Jolie without having to take care of a kid from Namzabiegyptvilleland or wherever the last one came from.
You can find really unusual things for the people in your life that have everything.
I'd much rather have knitting needles from Namzabiegpytvilleland than HobbyLobby, im just saying. How cool is that?
You can save lives. That should be enough. If you go Fair trade or community trade, you are giving families a better life and many times keeping children from being forced to work in mills. one of the best fair trade websites has some really amazing gifts. check them out here.
Cons: Because we are so used to living with mill-made products, fair-trade can get a little pricy. Mills use cheap labor so we pay less for it, its that simple. However, that cheap labor may very well be a 5 year old.
Because many fair-trade products come from other countries, use good judgement about the validity of the site.
Again, because the products will likely come from another country, shipping times may vary. Be patient and order well in advance! Also be sure to check how the product will be shipped and the cost of shipping.

2. Look Local! No matter where you live there are some local shops you can look to for gifts.

Pros:Even here in Monroe/West Monroe we have a local indie record store, check out Spazz Records in downtown Monroe for that one. a friend once told me, "It doesn't matter if you like the music or the people, its about supporting Spazz ." Well put, Dylan, well put.
This is once again catering to the local kids, so sorry for anyone outside of Monroe. ANTIQUE ALLEY! DUH! Use your imagniation! Just because something may be a table runner does not mean it won't make the coolest lace scarf ever (im just sayin'). The moral of the story is that (a) i have a kick ass table runner scarf and (b) dont look at things one way, turn it upside down and imagine it a little cleaner and who knows what you'll get.
Look into local deli's and health food stores. Here, we have Daily Harvest and Fiesta nutrition, there is also the West Monroe heath food store right near Antique Alley. Gift cards for a health-concious family or friends. Help out with those New Year's Resolutions.
Local boutiques can also lend a hand to shoppers. Not all of them are scary, local stores can help with the super trendy or the super eclectic and most things inbetween.
Local book stores and speciality shops are also pretty cool. You're also going to have more fun as a shopper because, often times, these stores have a very chill atmosphere.
Cons: As with the fair-trade, local stores can get a little pricey, so set a budget before hand and shop around. There are stores in places you might never know about, so pack up some friends and go for a ride around town. Who knows, you might have a new favorite shop.
Check return policies, some stores may offer shorter policies than, say, a department store.

3. Charitable causes! Joan and I are both teenagers, yes. So, adopting a panda that we may never get to see doesn't sound quite as much fun as a new iPod. However, buying guinea pig to help feed a family in Peru is pretty cool and also kind of funny. Hehe.

Pros: Give someone else a gift for Christmas. Plus you can tell your friends you fed a guinea pig to some people in South America.....guinea-pig-kabobs...hehehe. Seriously though. This site offers options from buying a fruit tree for a poor family to a waterbuffalo and an ox and plow. That is pretty cool, you have to admit.
Adopting an abandoned animal makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy (including the animal!). Check local shelters and make a donation! Even a big bag of dog food can help fuel a shelter. You may even come home with a new best friend. Please make sure you check with your parents before you bring home your new friend.
Some sites will let you donate part of your purchase to a charity. Here, you can donate a dollar from your super-cool purchase to a charity of your choice ranging from (my favorite) Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) to Defenders of Wildlife. All of uncommongoods charities are non-profit.
Once again, look local. Weither you want to believe it or not, there are homes for the homeless in your area. Volunteer! Help give someone else the life that you live every day. Take 4 hours out of your Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday and do something for someone else. You may make some new friends and you will walk away for a new appreciation for the things you have.
Cons: You may never see your gift. Some charities offer pictures of animals or children or villages adopted, but some don't. This could be a killer for people who want to see what good their gift is doing. If you are one of those people, go search out the shelters in your area and go do it yourself. Most school clubs offer volunteer opportunities, why not go?!

Alright, alright. This is crazy long, but we really hope that you will spread the true meaning of the holiday season. These are just a few options to all the good that you can do! Use your imagination and seek out ways to change the world! We can do it!

Good luck guys! Happy shopping!

{Joan and Natalie}