Maya Traditions

A handmade scarf woven by a Maya woman living in the highlands of Guatemala could be the perfect gift for a loved one this year. Sounds expensive? Not necessarily, as Maya Traditions sells an array of them on their website for less than $30—no airline ticket necessary. A fair-trade producer and wholesale business based in Guatemala and San Francisco, Maya Traditions works with over 100 Maya women in five Guatemalan rural villages to support their family businesses. From hand-woven scarves, shawls, and bags to handmade jewelry, accessories, or tapestries, Maya Traditions is the place to begin your search for holiday gifts.

When purchasing a gift from Maya Traditions, your money goes directly to the community that crafted it, assuring them a steady income and access to health care and educational services. Classes are funded to help Maya women succeed in their work and improve the quality of their lives, and their children are provided with financial aid for school supplies and scholarships.

415.587.2172; www.mayatraditions.com