The 5 Best Gift Exchange Ideas Under $25

The holidays are almost here and the gift exchange frenzy is upon us! There’s the Secret Santa event at the office, the annual ornament exchange, the Greed game at your small group, the neighbor who always gives you a gift...the list goes on. If you are already stressing about all the holiday shopping, just know I am right there with ya! 

With the never-ending to-do lists and endless gifts to purchase during this time of the year, we can become a little bit like Ebenezer Scrooge around the holidays. 

BUT what if this year could be different? What if instead of giving out of obligation, you give because you know your gift is giving back? 

What if instead of buying a gift to check it off your list, you give quality handmade goods that will be the talk of the party? 

What if the purchase of your gift extends the reach of Carry 117 so even more women can be empowered in the community of Korah, Ethiopia?

What if your gift gives you an opportunity to tell more people about the mission and story behind  Carry 117? To help you do this, we’ve put together a list of 5 great gifts, all under $25, that will take your gift giving to the next level this year! 

1.   For the Ornament Exchange: For this one we highly recommend the leather Africa Ornament ($20). This will be a great addition to anyone’s tree and you can include a card with the story of Carry 117. (By the way, this not only makes a great tree ornament, but can be used as an accessory on your tote bag, so you might want to throw one in for yourself. You’re welcome!)

2.   For the Office Gift Exchange or Teacher Gifts: A gift of Carry 117 leather earrings ($20) will definitely give you some street cred in your zone of influence. Prepare to hear the compliments pouring in! All our earrings are not only a fashion statement, they are made by teen girls who have aged out of Ethiopian orphanages. You are supporting their ability to make it on their own and finish high school.

3.   For the Wine Exchange: We can’t help you with your wine selection, but we can help you bring your wine in style! Choose from the colorful single Wine Bag made of traditional Ethiopian cotton fabric ($15) or our trendy new canvas and leather combo wine bags ($20). Either one is sure to set your wine gift apart from the rest! Make sure you include a tag from Carry 117, because once they hear about where they came from, they will want to buy more, for sure!

4.   For the friend who is hard to buy for: The Sunglass Case. ($15 Cotton/$22 Leather) is an excellent choice! We have several different options in both material and style. You could even go the extra mile and add a cute pair of sunglasses to go along with it!

5.    For the organized people or travelers in your life: The mini padfolio, or “Minifolio” as we like to call it, is a great gift with multiple uses for $25. Perfectly sized to hold a US passport, it not only protects your passport, but also holds other important items such as boarding passes, vaccination records, or currency. Not traveling any time soon? No problem! It’s also a very professional way to carry a small notebook, Field Notes, or calendar. 

So there you go! 

We’ve got your bases covered this holiday season. Whether at the office, your small group, or your circle of friends, you can give a gift with purpose without spending a fortune, and help share the story of Carry 117 in the process. A win-win for this holiday season? We think so!