Organic Gift Ideas Part Deux

Last week I warned you not to go too practical with Organics (NFs) or risk their secret hidden wrath — oh yes, beneath their sweet demeanor, they remember everything only it’s all hidden away to maintain harmony until BOOM they can’t take it anymore! But alas, I digress. This week, I’ll edit my previous statement and say that you should never get an Organic something obscenely practical they didn’t ask for UNLESS there is an amazing story behind it.

This Anthropologie refined timber tray, $98, doesn’t have an amazing story behind it. But Organics flock to this store like moths to a flame because everything in it looks as if it must have a story behind it. I always think half of the clothing looks like it must have been purchased on some trip to Eastern Europe in 1975 — warning be careful buying anything for a Classic (SJ) or a Smart (NT) in this store. You can find things for them but only the more traditional items. This tray is practical but it’s got that je ne sais quoi that’ll have people asking the Organic gift recipient, “Where did you get that gorgeous tray??” and they can either tell the truth or talk about their fictitious trip to Estonia.

Another place to go searching for something for Organics is Garnet Hill. They have apparel that like Anthropologie, all say “Organic!” to me. If you get in the realm of their fashion taste it’s usually hard to disappoint. But they also have home goods. I thought this prayer bowl for $14 was kind of a great example of our “story behind the present” notion because again like the tray, there is in fact no real story. The bowl is made by a candle company BUT they say if you put flower petals in it and light a candle next to it, it’s “reminiscent of a traditional Hindy puja flower-offering ceremony.” Love copywriters. As a Classic, all I want to do is drop wrapped hard candy into it — it’s basically a Hindy candy dish, right???  There are probably a few Organic Structures (SFJs) who feel the same way.

And just so you don’t think that everything has to have a fake story, my last idea has a real story behind it. But while it is admittedly on the pricey side, at Organics will love knowing they’re wearing something that’s contributing to a good cause. Clothing from Lemlem:

Supermodel / actress and former World Health Organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods and wanted to do something about it. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving.

Today, Lemlem, which means to flourish or bloom in Amharic, is thriving. Thank you to those who support this handcrafted collection of women’s and children’s clothing, while helping preserve an ancient art form.

Our Organic intern Kristin asked a valid question, “Exactly how much of the profits do those Ethiopian ladies see??” and my Classic practical answer was, “They have a freaking job. I’m sure they’re better off than when they had no demand for their product!”