Fair Trade Friday is an organization that helps to empower women and battle poverty through dignified, sustainable industry (craftsmanship). They have three subscriptions to choose from that send fairly traded items from around the world: The Original Box, Bracelet of the Month, and Earrings of the Month. I have subscribed to the Earring of the Month box for years now, and I am really excited to have this opportunity to review the Original Box!
One of the things I love about my subscription to Fair Trade Friday is their annual New Year's Bonus Box! It is completely FREE for a subscriber to the original box!
FYI - this box is not available for purchase.
MSA pays for this subscription. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Fair Trade Friday
The Subscription Box: Fair Trade Friday Original Box
The Cost: $32.99 per month (with a free Bonus Box at the end of the year!)
The Products: 2-4 fairly traded global handicrafts
Ships to: US for free, Canada for $15, Worldwide for $25
Fair Trade Friday New Year's Bonus Box 2018 Review
This little card was included, and it has nice details about the items and the artisans who created them. The most striking thing on the card is at the bottom of the second picture (the reverse side of the card). It says, "This box created 7 jobs." WOW!!!
"All the Things" Travel Bag by Freeset, India - Listed Retail Value $18
What an awesome travel pouch! It is a 100% organic cotton canvas, and it has three separate pockets to separate your toiletries. It's super roomy! I was unable to find it for sale online, but I was able to go to the Freeset website and learn a bit about them. Freeset is an organization in West Bengal that provides training and dignified employment for survivors of sex trafficking.
Sanaa Collection Marble Art 2019 Desk Calendar by Mercy House Global, Kenya - Retail Value $8
Wood Block Calendar Base by Rahab's Rope, India - Retail Value $4
I have to apologize, my sister came over when I was snapping these pictures (during the holidays). She loved this little desk calendar! So I gave it to her, and then later realized my pictures of it were super blurry, I'm so sorry, a better image can be found here! In any case, this is a beautiful desk calendar! The cards were made by teen mothers in Kenya, and the base was made by survivors of sex trafficking in India.
"DO GOOD." Jute Shopper by Freeset, India - Retail Value $28
Like the pouch above, this jute tote bag was made by Freeset India. I love the message! It's also very roomy, measuring about 16" x 16". The wooden handles really set it apart from other totes, and the craftsmanship is excellent. I love it!
The Verdict: I am loving my subscription to Fair Trade Friday Original Box, and what could be better than a bonus box at the end of the year? For free? This box was awesome, with three very cool items that will all get a lot of use. I also like all the information they provide to show how your subscription directly impacts the lives of others. It makes the subscription seem that much more special.
To Wrap Up:
If I subscribe today, can I still receive this box? No, but you will get the bonus box next January when you sign up for a subscription!
Value Breakdown: This box was free! So, I don't know what else to say about that! The total retail value for all three items is $58 so that is a pretty great value for subscribers.
Check out all of our Fair Trade Friday reviews and more fair trade boxes in the Artisan Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of Fair Trade Friday?
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