Here are gifts from the heart that give twice.
Each of the unique presents featured is handcrafted with care by one of the artists and artisans of Etsy.com and carries a heart warming bonus. All or part of the profits are donated to charity.
These are gifts that are sure to be treasured.
At the "Handmade Help" shop you'll find "Heart of Gold," an original oil painting (13" X 13") as well as a great selection of art from a variety of gifted artists.
Handmade Help (http://handmadehelp.etsy.com) is a collective of artists who are survivors of cancer, or who have loved ones who are effected by or have succumbed to cancer. 100% of the profits from this shop funds cancer research through "Stand Up To Cancer" (http://www.standup2cancer.org/).
At my own shop, "Personal Treasures", you'll find these sweetly romantic gold bows with AAA pearl earrings (also available in silver). This bracelet would look charming with anything from jeans and a tailored white shirt to a cocktail dress.
You'll find a great selection of elegant jewelry at "Personal Treasures" (http://personaltreasures.etsy.com) and more casual jewelry at my "Mufi Jewels" store (http://mufi.etsy.com). 50% of the profits from both stores benefits "Charity Orphanage" in Liberia, West Africa. You can learn more about this project at http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2008/12/gem-of-cause-jewelry-benefitting.html.
"Tinker and Po" fingerless gloves are made from repurposed merino, lambswool, angora or cashmere sweaters. Because they are felted, the fabric is soft, warm, sturdy, and will not fray. This pair pictured above was created from light and warm ballet-pink cashmere. These stylish gloves will stretch to fit almost anyone and will keep your Valentine warm while working in a drafty office, while knitting, at the computer, etc.
Ten-percent of your purchase at "Tinker and Po" (http://TinkerAndPo.etsy.com) will be donated to "Autism Speaks", the U.S.A.'s top private funder of Autism research (http://www.autismspeaks.org)
Kari of "Finestra" designs evocative jewelry featuring images from her own photography or from beautiful antique illustrations, like the "Maid in the Moon" pendant above. This image is from a poster for "Herrmann the Great," a magician well-known for his "Maid in the Moon" illusion. The same image can be purchased in a bracelet or earrings set with either Silver or Gold.
Finestra (http://Finestra.etsy.com) donates 20% of all sales to your choice of charities:
CARE: www.care.org
Doctors Without Borders: www.DoctorsWithoutBorders.org
Save the Children: www.SavetheChildren.org
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
Susan G Komen for the Cure: www.komen.org
National Breast Cancer Foundation: www.nationalbreastcancer.org
The Children's Health Fund: www.childrenshealthfund.org
The Nature Conservancy: www.nature.org
AIDS Research Alliance: www.aidsresearch.org
Want more ideas for Valentines Day, or any other day when you want to celebrate your love.
I frequently write about the grass roots philanthropy of artists and artisans. Just check the table of contents on the right side of the blog. You'll find many more unusual and creative items by browsing the articles listed under "Gifts That Benefit Charity".
