Where to Find Holiday Gifts that Help Human Trafficking Victims

Are you sick of doing your holiday shopping at corporate malls and discount chains? Are you looking for unique gifts that create social change? Do you want giving this holiday season to be meaningful for people around the world?  Then check out the 2010 Change.org Holiday Gift Guide. You can join the growing social movement to ditch the mall and buy better this holiday season– better for the planet, for people, and for you. As with everything you buy, we recommend you do your own research on the companies and organizations you choose to support financially. This guide is far from exhaustive, so please add your favorite places to buy gifts in the comments section.

Where to Find Gifts That Directly Help Human Trafficking Victims

Did you know your holiday gift giving can benefit survivors of human trafficking? That's because a number of organizations sell products made by survivors or which directly benefit programs to help trafficking survivors working to overcome their experiences in slavery. Buying products which benefit anti-trafficking initiatives is a great way to make a difference through a simple act of holiday shopping. Check out these existing collections of places to shop for gifts to benefit human trafficking survivors:

• Shop to Stop Slavery
• Free to Shop

Or, check out the following places to buy products which benefit human trafficking victims:

• Free the Slaves Store: Awesome original art prints, jewelry made by survivors, and books and other media about human trafficking. Proceeds benefit Free the Slaves.
• International Justice Mission Gift of Freedom: Support IJM's efforts to seek justice for trafficking survivors by giving an aftercare package or trial fees. Proceeds benefit IJM.
• Made By Survivors: Unique and beautiful jewelry, bags, and other gifts made by survivors. Proceeds benefit vocational programs for survivors around the world.
• Not for Sale Freedom Store: Everything from Fair Trade coffee to shoes to t-shirts, including some interesting and unique art. Proceeds benefit the Not for Sale Campaign and vocational programs for survivors.
• Nightlight: Jewelry made by survivors that ranges from young and funky to mature and elegant. Proceeds benefit vocational programs for trafficking survivors and at-risk women.
• Riji Green: Customizable handbags and t-shirts way cooler than anything available at the mall. A portion of the proceeds benefits International Justice Mission.
• Sapa Sapa: Handmade, vegan soaps and lip balms with all natural ingredients. Proceeds benefit Cambodian nonprofits that work with survivors.
• Shoe Revolt:  Previously-love shoes (including some from celebrities) ranging from sneakers to pumps. Proceeds go to support a number of anti-trafficking organizations in the U.S.
• Stop Traffick Fashion: Fashion-forward t-shirts, handbags, and jewelry, much of which is made by survivors. A portion of revenue benefits nonprofits that work with survivors.

If cash is tight this time of year or you're not into giving physical items, here are some great alternative holiday giving ideas:

• Make a donation to an anti-trafficking organization in your area. Here are a number of great groups to choose from.
• Volunteer at a local anti-trafficking organization with friends or family.
• Host a holiday fundraiser, awareness-raiser, or human trafficking film watching party.
• Check out the gift catalogs for Heifer International, Oxfam Unwrapped, and World Vision, that have gifts like a goat for a family or books for children, which can help reduce the risk of human trafficking around the world.

No matter how you celebrate this time of year, remember that you have the opportunity to be part of the movement of socially responsible consumerism. And when you choose gifts that help end human trafficking, you make the holidays happier for those you love and people living in or recovering from slavery all over the world.