As we begin to switch gears into the holiday season, I wanted to touch on a subject near and dear to my heart.

Every year, as we approach Christmas, my hubby and I have a discussion about being purposeful with our purchases and gift giving. Really, we try to do this year round, but if I’m being completely honest with you, it doesn’t always happen that way. There are those lists of reasons in my head while I SHOULD purchase with a purpose. But it all adds up, doesn’t it? Sometimes shopping wisely, isn’t so cost efficient. But if I would just make do with buying less and planned out my purchases a bit more, it really wouldn’t be a problem. Retail therapy can get the best of all of us sometimes (myself included). Cheap clothing and deal sites can be addictive. But those great prices often come at a cost – like humane treatment and fair wages of garment workers around the world. Simply by putting our money towards companies with ethical business practices, we are taking a stand.

So for the next week or so, I wanted to put my focus on highlighting some of my favorite companies that help you spend your money wisely. It might just be a couple bucks here or there, but how we spend our money can really make an impact in someone’s life. And who knows…maybe little by little it will make a difference in labor practices someday.

But really y’all…how much more meaningful is it when you receive a gift with a story, right? Those are my favorite kinds.

So stay tuned because starting on Black Friday, I will be sharing some gift giving ideas that will really make a difference! Together we can make the world a better place.

***UPDATE***

Here are links to all the posted gift guides, for your convenience:
For the Mamaista…
For Baby…
For the Men…
For the Coffee Snob…
For the Baker…
For the Kids…
For the Fashionista…
For the Adventurer…
For the Hostess…