Tiny Hands International

Sometimes I want to go shopping and feel completely guiltless. I want to support something good -- and maybe that's why I end up looking at Etsy so often -- because I like to support small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship. I like to feel like my money is voting for something positive. But charities are good too, and sometimes I forget that when I'm feeling like shopping, I can spend my money at a charity.

I learned about Tiny Hands International from a do-good crafty blog, Tiggy's House. They're focused on helping orphaned children, sex-trafficking victims, and the empowerment of women. Their current goal is to build a self-sustaining "dream center" in Nepal, where they can have homes for a few families, as well as a school, medical center, and dental center that can serve the surrounding community. 

The Dream Center Project

If it sounds like the kind of thing you'd like to support, you can always just donate outright. But if you're a more shopping-inclined individual, you can always take a look at the shop and (added bonus) know that your money is going to help support something a little bigger than usual. In case you're wondering, 100% of the proceeds go to support the charity, and all products are made handmade locally in Nepal. Here are some of my favorites:

Freedom Carry-All, $25

Dipa Bracelet, $12

Maya Necklace, $25

Loving this jewelry for beachy summers. Happy shopping!

The Homemade Movement Sneak Attack

There are so many ways to contribute in the world -- fortunately, the shoppers among us have not been forgotten. When I was in Japan I spent a lot of time on Etsy and discovered The Homemade Movement, a group of people who perform a "sneak attack" every Monday and Thursday on an unsuspecting Etsy shop. Although I didn't participate much while I was abroad (shipping charges can be a little high...), I did find a renewed enthusiasm for the project once I returned.

My most recent sneak attack purchase!

Mixed Berries Bath Bomb, $4 - TrickyFishCo

So who gets sneak attacked?

• shops with 4 sales or fewer (or shops donating to charity!)
• shops at least 2 weeks old, but have updated recently.
• shops with some stuff under $10 (my guess is most sneak attackers aren't wealthy...)
• shops with at least 12 items for sale (otherwise not many sneak attackers can join in :( )
• shops that follow Etsy rules, have unoffensive items, and are unaffiliated with the attack sponsor!

and more importantly --- why sneak attack?

• it's fun
• you discover cool shops and friendly people
• you support small businesses and handmade products
• you'll totally make someone's day

Vanilla Insanity Perfume Oil, $5 - herbalinfusions

Become a Sneak Attacker!

So how about it? Curious about this whole sneak attack business yet? If you're interested in signing up for the Sneak Attack mailing list (where they'll email you a few hours ahead of the sneak attack to remind you), send an email to stockannettesneakattacks [at] gmail [dot] com with the subject line "Sign Me Up!" and enjoy the opportunities to make someone's day with a small bit of encouragement.

Help Japan by Shopping!

There are lots of ways to help out with the disaster relief following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. If you're a traditionalist, you can make a donation.

Some people are willing to give more if they get a little something, too -- think of it as an omiyage (a souvenir) of your charity.

Start your browsing and pull out your wallets -- remember, it's for charity (and it really does help)!

Japanese Flag Embroidery Hoop, $36 - gooseandtrisser

Help Japan Poster, $10 -PerfectTwo

XO for Japan Bow, $10 - littlehoneypies

Support Japan Belt Buckle (4 styles), $18 - reganflegan

Happy shopping!