Novica.com

Globe-trekking shoppers are familiar with the many benefits of buying a keepsake directly from the source. Not only do you assure that the piece you've purchased is entirely unique, but the money you spend actually goes to the artist who made it and not some faceless chain store or souvenir stall. But unless you pre-plan your purchases months in advance, going directly to the source during the holiday season could easily drain your gift-buying budget before you actually buy any gifts.

Intrepid shoppers, fear not. A spry dotcom is here to save you from the chaos of the suburban mall. Novica.com, run in partnership with National Geographic, serves as a sort of global handicraft match-maker, putting up to 2,000 artists and over 20,000 hand-crafted works of art from across the globe in front of discerning shoppers anxious to find something entirely unique while assuring that a sizeable portion of the money goes directly to the artist. Products range from Mexican glassware and African rugs to Indonesian ceremonial masks and jewelry from Bali. The online storefront is simple to use, and purchases are easy to execute. Once payment is processed, the gift is then sent from the regional Novica office, typically gift-wrapped along with a postcard signed by the artist, thanking you personally for the purchase. In addition to regional and product indexes, the site also has background information on artists, gift certificates, special sales, fast-ship items (packages typically take two to three weeks to arrive), and tools like the Painting Finder to help you zero in on that perfect present.
1.877.266.8422; www.novica.com