5 Unique Gifts for HER This Holiday Season

What’s stylish, functional, and lasts longer than Starbucks red cups during the holidays? No, this isn’t a bad riddle. We are talking about quality, leather handbags. Quality, leather handbags are also the answer to the question,

`“What are you going to get HER this holiday season?”

For the ladies on your list who are not only fashion conscious but also conscious about social justice, Carry 117 has some great gift options that are sure to please even the most challenging recipients. Made of quality Ethiopian leather, our bags are made by at-risk women in Korah, Ethiopia who have been trained to create quality products. Along with receiving a salary for their work, they are able to improve their quality of life through financial security, improved nutrition, and providing education for their children.

Each of these bags represents the story of a changed life and of a changing community. Which bag will you choose to get HER?

The Tiru Purse: As one of our newest designs, this gorgeous crossbody bag is the perfect size for carrying all the important things. Big enough to carry your wallet, your makeup bag, your notebook, and all those snacks you need for eating on the run! But hey, how else are you going to get it all done? I had the privilege to meet Tiru on my last trip to Ethiopia and here is what she had to say about having a bag named after her: “I feel really special that a strong and beautiful purse is named after me. No matter what age, this purse will make you feel young again. My life has changed a lot since I started working at Carry 117. I can now pay my rent and I can provide food and clothing for my son, Yohannes, and myself. I no longer have to worry about my next meal. It’s like a weight has been lifted off of me.”
The Misgana Purse: For someone who wants something a little smaller, this is the bag for them! This crossbody bag is great for every day, and the perfect travel purse, and is right on trend. Named after the precious daughter of one of our lead sewers, this bag will become a favorite. Misgana said, “I get happy to come to Carry 117 because I have friends to play with here, and I get to play with toys. I also have a tutor who helps me. And this beautiful bag is named after me.”
The World Book Bag: This book bag is named after a woman, named Alem, who is responsible for keeping the compound clean. The name Alem means, “the world,” and this classic book bag will make HER feel like she can conquer the world. A chic combination of canvas and leather, this backpack is great as a book bag or travel companion. Alem says, “My life has changed a lot since I start working at Carry 117. I can now send my daughters, Kia and Hassat, to school with the fruits of my own labor. I am able to give them what I never had the chance to have when I was growing up. It makes me so proud.”
The Medi Bag: If you want the woman on your list to get compliments every time she walks out the door, this is the bag for HER. Made of traditional cotton or burlap and leather, this bag is perfect for weekend getaways, going to the gym, or going shopping. Medi has earned her way to the supervisor position at Carry 117. She says, “I am proud of myself for my patience and resilience. My life has changed because of this job. I have rented a good house and I am able to send my son to school. Before, I did not even have a bed. But now, I have a bed! I feel like I can achieve anything. I can confidently tell people I have a job; I support myself and family, and I know how to make the most beautiful bags. This bag is my favorite because it’s the most beautiful, and it holds a lot of things.
The Korah Tote: This classic leather tote bag is our most popular tote to date. For that special lady on your Christmas shopping list, this is your pick. Combining style and utility, it will become HER favorite carry-all. It is named after Korah, the community that is home to Carry 117, which is seated at the base of a huge dump that many depend on for survival. Korah is also the place Carry 117 will impact through its mission through women empowerment, family preservation, and orphan prevention.