Green Gift # 9 & 10 - Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages carries fair trade gifts from around the world.  From serving trays to Christmas ornaments to kids toys, if you're still looking for last minute gifts, it is the perfect place to go.  Winnipeg locations are on Plaza drive and Henderson Hwy.

This tea infuser mug is pretty and functional:

 Rolled up newspaper makes for a unique picture frame:

My 3-year-old stares at this puzzle whenever we're in the store:

Green Gift #8 - Di erbe

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Di erbe's luxurious and natural skincare products are a great way to pamper any woman on your Christmas list!  Stop by their brand new location at 111 Marion to find soaps, body butter, aromatherapy, and more.  Check out di erbe's website for more products and information.

Green Gift #7 - Fair Trade Wine

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Wine is a great gift, and the selection of fair trade wines in Manitoba is growing.  Check out this list on the MLCC website for the fair trade wines they carry. 

Green Gift #6 - Kal Barteski's Art

Happy Monday!  My ten posts of green gifts is lagging a bit, but I'll continue posting until they're finished.  I know it's probably too late to get most of these gifts in time for Christmas, but they're all great items that will still be available after Christmas.

Today's fabulous gift: artwork by Kal Barteski.

Winnipeg artist Kal Barteski somehow manages to find time to create beautiful art, take care of her family (including two daughters and two dogs) and write a daily blog.  [i] love life is a great read for the creative or anyone in need of inspiration, and Kal's self-declared "bulletproof positive attitude" wears off on readers. Her artwork includes paintings, tiny art, hello baby books (the most stylish baby book you will ever find), and these fantastic mini-bus rolls (left) with beautiful messages.  You can find her Art + Giving Guide here.  Enjoy!

Green Gift #5 - Botanical PaperWorks

Botanical PaperWorks calendars are always on my Christmas list.  They are cheerful, pretty, and would sit on my desk...actually, perhaps I have a calendar somewhere under all the piles on my desk and just haven't seen it in a year or two.  Which reminds me, I should clean this desk.  Here's a few pretty photos from their newly redesigned website:

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This year, Botanical PaperWorks has come out with a really great idea, the perpetual calendar.  You can write in birthdays and anniversaries, and keep it for years to check important dates.  I totally need one of these, and they are super cute:

 

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Botanical PaperWorks makes fabulous stationery, wedding invitations & favours, business materials, cards, etc. from paper that has wildflower seeds embedded in it.  When you are finished with the paper, just plant it and flowers will grow!  The paper is made right here in Winnipeg, and carried at McNally Robinson, The Creative Paper Gallery, Tiber River, Desart, the Zoo Gift Shop, the Craft Cupboard at the Forks, and The Manitoba Museum Shop.

Green Gift #4 - Green Bean Coffee Imports

Coffee drinkers on your Christmas list will appreciate this delicious coffee.  Fair trade, certified organic and Manitoba-roasted, Green Bean coffee is a great Christmas or hostess gift.  Check out Green Bean Coffee Imports here.

Green Gift #3 - Photo Shoot

Gift the person that has everything with a photo shoot by Tracey Kiansky.  Family, couple, or maternity shoots are gifts they will treasure forever, and Tracey is a wonderful photographer to work with!  Photo shoots are $250, and if you contact Tracey she'll send you a gift certificate to put under the tree.  Here's a couple of her photos:

Green Gift #2 - Vintage Bling

Dayle Goertzen, owner and designer of Vintage Bling jewelry, takes vintage pieces and transforms them into contemporary jewelry with a story.  Her designs have made it all the way to Hollywood, and have been worn by actresses and musicians.  Order online, or make an appointment to shop at her home studio.  Here's a few pictures of her beautiful designs (all from her website):

Green Gift #1 - Sweet Impressions

This week, I'll be doing ten posts of local Christmas gifts to add to your wedding shopping list.  This morning, I'm excited to share with you about Sweet Impressions.

Sweet Impressions is a nut free bakery located at 268 Tache.  Their 50's inspired shop is a wonderful place to start your Christmas shopping.  From hand decorated cookies for stocking stuffers to cupcakes to bring to a holiday party, Sweet Impressions has delicious gifts.  Have them make up a gift basket for you, or have the talented decorators custom-design your Christmas cookies.  If you have a crafty person on your Christmas list, sign them up for cookie decorating classes, and if there is a cook in the family take a look at the vintage-inspired aprons in the store.  Sweet Impressions has enough of a selection to check off several names on your Christmas list while you're in the store!  For more information, check out their website.