From the Executive Director

On Making Gifts for People

Hi Everyone, Every now and then I share a reading with the Gifts and Graces team that I felt was particularly inspiring. Among my favorite sources are Brain Pickings, Farnam Street, Mark Miller, and Fr. Shay Cullen. I've been encouraged to share this with the larger Gifts and Graces community. So this series From the Executive Director is a peek inside communications within the team. We hope that in this way we can open our hearts to let you see what moves us. For our inaugural post for this series, here's something I shared just recently on bringing joy by making gifts for people. Enjoy! - Greg

-------
July 13, 2014

Dear Team,

Sharing an inspiring read for the week from one of my favorite blogs Brain Pickings Weekly on why money is not wealth. 

"If we didn't invest so much of ourselves in what we do – which includes what we ourselves believe, what we wish existed, and what direction we want to move the world in – then why bother doing it at all? As John Green put it, it's about making gifts for people and putting them into the world, hoping those gifts might bring them joy."

This expresses for me why we do what we do - to move the world in the direction we believe it should move. And what a great way to think about our work and our products - making gifts, literally and figuratively, to bring joy. So when we do our product development, when we design our projects and programs, one simple question to ask is: Will this bring joy?

You can read the entire article here: 

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/07/02/how-to-make-wealth-paul-graham-hackers-painters/

The article from this week's newsletter is a great read too.

Buddhist Economics: How to Stop Prioritizing Goods Over People and Consumption Over Creative Activity

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/07/07/buddhist-economics-schumacher/

Have a great week ahead.

LGMP

Fun Run for Fair Trade - TAKKKBO on June 1st, 2013

On June 1st, Gifts and Graces together with the Community Crafts Association of the Philippines (CCAP) and the World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO-Asia) held its first fun run, to spread the word about fair trade and at the same time, celebrate CCAP's anniversary. Here is the story.

The run was entitled TAKKKBO. The three Ks stand Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kayamanan to embody the values of fair trade which are to care for the environment, take care of producers (including their health), and provide economic opportunities for poverty reduction to the disadvantaged.

The run took place at the Quezon Memorial Circle at the heart of Quezon City and a popular venue for fun runs, bazaars, and casual strollers on weekends, walking from a place to another, and occasionally stopping by one of those zumba activities, to dance on a mix of old disco songs, R&B and heated up Latino tunes.

On Saturday, June 1^st, it's D day. I was there at 4:30am together with a few other participants who started coming in one by one. I found myself thinking Lucky sun, it’s still sleeping. My two and a half hours of sleep and three cups of coffee won’t make it for the whole morning. Time to be tough Jeremy. “You’re doing it for a good cause, you’re doing it for your organization, and you’re doing it for Fair Trade. Think wider.”

Registration booth

Registration was onsite so more and more people started coming in. There was a slight glitch - the sound system was stuck in traffic so the program couldn't start yet. Legs started fidgeting, showing their willingness to move and run. Excitment and tension was mounting when, suddenly, a sound. For the first time, the noise and smell of an old van was like a blessing, a gift. The sound system had finally arrived. Hurry up, time to set it up.

The program started with a warm-up. The participants gathered before the stage where a coach started moving, jumping, etc., something between fitness and the ubiquitous zumba. The crowd followed, smiling and sweating. 

"Put your hands up in the air..."

"5am on a Saturday morning, so hard"

A few minutes later, the game is on, it's time to start running. The 5k participants will go first, followed a few minutes later by the 3K ones. Everybody is excited, the Gifts and Graces team is on the track. Marge, our in-house designer will run 5K and the rest of the team, 3K.

Marge is on the track. 5 more K to go!

Jo and Jhun Jhun, the new G&G running team

3… 2… 1… START! Time to go. Let’s proudly represent G&G and our advocacy. Also joining the fun run at the invitation of G&G were runners from the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Globe Telecom. The run went around the circle where there were water stations every few meters. There was no feeling of competition in the air, just fellow runners of all ages, enjoying the fun run all together. Runners (and walkers) were sweating a bit, smiling a lot. After about 15 minutes, the first 3K runners arrived at the finish line, a big smile on their flushed faces. Everybody is now getting closer to the end.

The program continued with awards and prizes for the fastest runners with items from our partner organizations and from our sponsor Resorts World and WFTO Asia. The three first guys and girls from each category got their package. 

And the winner is...

Because running is not enough, let's dance guys!

After the “ceremony”, games were then organized to continue entertaining our guests to push their first fair trade experience further. So, participants gamely played "the longest fair trade"? Folks take a very deep breathe, you now have to start screaming your lungs out. Only one winner would be chosen. There is tension in the air. Who has better vocal cords than the Castafiore? Yelling very loudly, they are doing their best and ears of the assistance can feel it. One by one, they are out of breath and giving up. Finally, a winner! With the games over, it was time for the closing remarks, acknowledgements and congratulations. The crowd starts scattering, all moving towards the bazaar to get a well deserved breakfast before going back home and rest after such a fun and exciting activity.

We would like to thank all of you who made this event a success, and we hope to see you soon, in our stores, at our stands during bazaars or maybe at our next fun run. And most important: do not forget to spread the word about Fair trade.

More pictures are available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627725597255961.1073741831.434696616558861&type=1

and here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627733413921846.1073741832.434696616558861&type=3

- Jeremy

V-day awww inspiring cheesy lines

For this season of hearts, G&G put up a special window display.

On our other window we wrote cheesy pick up lines and our neighbors in Mile Long joined in on the fun. The best ones win a special prize.

Here are a few of the ones we like:

Dalawang beses lang kita mamahalin: now and forever -tim 118

Hindi ka naman camera pero sa tuwing nakikita kita napapangiti ako -marlyn

Sabi nila what you see is what you get. Eh paano ba yan nakita na kita e d akin ka na -niki
 
Here are some from our friends on Facebook

Bagyo ka ba? kasi the moment you left my heart was in a state of calamity - Danie

Aren’t you tired? cos you’ve been running through my head all day. :) - Ponce

and from Vincent - “Pwede mo ba akong samahan?” “Saan?” “..habambuhay..” ;)

Finally, not an entry but from a photo in SUBTLEtumbles: If you were ice cream you would be my favorite flavor. 

And from the sea of love blog: By the way, I'm wearing the smile you gave me.


Sweet stuff! Give your loved one a special G&G gift and maybe one of these cheesy lines!

Happy V-day!

Handcrafted teddy bears you'll L♥VE

Teddy bears have been around for more than 100 years. We grow up with lovable bears in literature like Corduroy, Winnie the Pooh, and Paddington bear. I remember laughing out loud with my kids as I read Paddington's misadventures aloud to them. We have a teddy bear whom we fondly call General Bear because he commanded the rest of the stuffed toys. Being both wrestled and cuddled, General Bear was both a toy and a companion.

Of all the popular toys, the teddy bear has endured because it symbolizes love, friendship, and comfort. Teddy bears are probably the only toys that transcend childhood and become beloved to us even as adults. 


The Little Book of Traditional Bears chronicles the different teddy bears throughout the years. In the introduction, Paul and Rosemary Volpp tell us that Peter Bull came to be known as the "father" of the current teddy bear craze by saying "It's alright for grown-ups to like teddy bears." After saying that, he received letters "by the bucketful" from adults who loved teddy bears.  

Gifts and Graces is proud to contribute to the varied designs of teddy bears that have become beloved over the years, with our very own collection of retaso bears. The design of the bears are based on the classic plush design but the retaso gives it a modern appeal that's great for both kids and adults. 


These retaso bears as the name implies are made from upcycled materials and come in two design collections. The bears made from scrap denim each have a unique crochet scarf around its neck. The bears made from scrap upholstery material are artfully assembled from high end fabric that gives the bears a rich texture and contrast. As a result no two bears are exactly the same.

Both collections are beautifully hand-made with love by G&G's partner producers - persons with disabilities and urban poor mothers in Tondo. These bears help you support the art of these producers and you help care for the Earth at the same time.

Give these bears a home this Christmas. They are truly unique and wonderful gifts that lift the spirit that are sure to bring joy to your loved ones, not only this Christmas but all year round. 


Get them now at our Eastwood Mall aparador, the Ayala Museum Shop, the Edsa Shangri-la Lobby Shop, or at the Gifts and Graces office.

Santa Time: Be Prepared!

It's that particular "ber" month when you can no longer ignore the Christmas jingles wafting from the radio, when you see the first twinkle of fairy lights. You know you have to start shopping very soon or you'll be overrun by last minute Christmas shoppers. Before you start on your list though, buy a few things for yourself from Gifts and Graces first that will make the mad holiday rush a little bit saner.

Big Plastic Baul 

Kids are nosy and gifts create lots of clutter. Buy these big boxes from Gifts & Graces and make this your designated gift container. The buckle will keep the little hands at bay & the generous size will ensure that it will fit your presents until it's time to put them under the tree!

Made of plastic strips by urban poor men of Malabon.


Handmade Paper Journal

Make your list of who's been naughty or nice in this journal made of renewable resources such as Cogon Grass & Banana Bark. The sale of this product benefits displaced women in Quezon.

Mangyan Cloth Organizer

Christmas is a time when nothing is ever in its proper place and when clutter is in an all-time high. Keep your essentials tucked into something pretty and safe with these Mangyan Cloth organizers. Keep your scissors, pens, tape and other wrapping and writing essentials at hand and then roll them and keep them out of sight when you don't need them. Saves you from clutter and going insane trying to find them!


Sewn by urban poor women of Valenzuela City.


Magazine Bag

When doing your shopping, do your part in helping out the environment. Refuse the little plastic bags that they give you and put your purchases in these one-of-a-kind Magazine Tote Bags instead. These are big and roomy and are a conversation piece to boot!


Also available in SM Kultura outlets.

Table Scape Treats

The dining table is where we gather with family and friends for special occasions. Be it celebrations or commiserations - special occasions and normal everyday it's where we all sit down to eat our daily bread. 


Invest in special pieces that mean something to you and that will make a difference in the lives of the marginalized communities who made them.


Gifts and Graces offer items that could make the humble dining table worthy of all the time you spend there with your loved ones.

Jade Napkin Ring

An elegant accessory to tie up a dining essential and is sure to up the ante in your table scape's overall look.

Oval Directory Tray 

Place your fruits or hot plates on this oval tray made of upcycled woven directory pages. A conversation piece and the perfect opener to explain to advocate to your friends buying fair trade products!

Riverstone Candles 

Do away with the typical candles on your table. Accent your table with these candles that look like smooth river stones instead.

Fair Trade Travel

Jet-set in style using Gifts and Graces travel accessories. Be a fair trade traveler and take your advocacy wherever you go!

Mangyan Travel Set

Take your Filipino pride wherever your travels take you by covering your travel essentials with these Filipino handmade cloth passport holder, checkbook holder and luggage tag. 

Retaso Travel Pillow

 Travel in style and comfort with this pillow decorated with quality scrap fabric.

Retaso Travel Pouch

A place to put your toiletries in your hand carry bag made of canvass cloth and retaso fabric strips.

G&G on Give the World a Little Nudge

The Gifts & Graces team would like to thank Miss Emily Dy for featuring G&G in her blog Give The World a Little Nudge. Her blog has a regular feature called The Switch wherein she documents her efforts to switch to more sustainable and more environment - friendly products. 


On her fifth installment of the series, she writes about alternative Corporate Giveaways suppliers.

The G&G corporate giveaways products are included in her post.

Thanks again Ms Emily for helping us spread our advocacy of fair trade & livelihood support!

----------

If you also want to do a feature on G&G

Please don't hesitate to call us at 759-2525

Or email us marketing@giftsandgraces.com

Organize Your Life

Does your home look like it;s been hit by a tornado? You're going to need things to help you organize. Buy fair trade products to get your life in order!

Mangyan Cloth Organizer

Put your things in little compartments, roll it up, tie it around and put it away!
Easy tidy tip!

Wooden Desk & Drawer Organizers

Compartmentalizing is the secret to a well organized life. Have a place for everything and everything in its place with these desk/drawer organizers.

Retail Partner Recap: The Lobby Shop at Edsa

Do you know that Gifts & Graces products are available in your favorite retail stores? In fact if you are staying at the Edsa Shangri - la Hotel you can drop by The Lobby Shop and get some of our fair trade products.

Here they are on the shelf of The Lobby Shop:

G&G Products at The Lobby Shop are:

Retaso Stuffed Toys

boat bags

and our handpainted newspaper bags:

Get them while it hasn't been snatched up yet!

Fair Game

Fair trade products cater to a wide range of people including the little ones. At a young age, start exposing them to eco-friendly and ethically-produced toys so that they can start early with social responsibility. 

Get your kids a few of the fabulous Gifts & Graces Fair Trade Foundation toys:

The Tangram

A 19th century Chinese puzzle that has spread around the world. The tangram is a square that has been cut into 7 pieces or tans. The tans are used to make silhouettes of everyday objects, animals and even people. The only rule is all 7 pieces be used in making a design and none of the pieces may overlap.  

Tell your kids to use their imagination and sense of humor to come up with his or her own shape.

Monster Dolls

Give your kids cute and quirky monster dolls to help them express their personalities and to stretch their imaginations. Help them make stories about these unique plush toys using different scenarios. Teach them imaginative play and the concept of individuality!

Retaso Stuffed Toys

These stuffed toys are truly one-of-a-kind. As they are made of donated quality scrap fabric, no two stuffed animals are the same. These cute bears are made by differently-abled persons. Your purchase will supplement their livelihood programs.

These are available at The Lobby Shop at Edsa Shangri-La 

and our office/showroom 

Unit 131 G/F Mile Long Building

Amorsolo St., Makati City

Shop Gifts and Graces from Shopnow@eyp!

Good news everyone!

You can now buy Gifts and Graces products without leaving your home or office. Click this link to buy our unique handmade products made with by our partner communities.