Fair Trade has become a popular term over the past few years, but many people still don’t understand what it means. Our company is built on fair trade, and the values of enriching both you our customers, and the people we work with, and  wanted to take a moment to talk about what fair trade means and why it’s important to us and to the global community.

What is Fair Trade? It’s really a simple concept that has a huge impact on the lives of the people who make your products. Fair Trade is a trading partnership that is based on dialogue, transparency and respect. Fair Trade companies promise to pay fair wages to the people who make their products, who are typically marginalized workers in developing countries. This guarantees that the people who are making your products are treated fairly.

At Under the Nile, all of our products are made at a Certified Fair Trade Facility in Egypt. We believe in clean, safe and healthy working conditions, as well as dignity and respect for all workers.  The people that manufacture our products are promised safe, clean and healthy working conditions. In addition, our workers are also provided with health care, on site daycare and education for their children as well as daily organic meals that are grown right there on the farm.

Buying products from fair trade companies ensures that the people who make your products are being treated fairly, but it also means that you receive higher quality products that are better for the environment.

Choosing to buy fair trade is one simple way to make the world a little better.

Here, we have curated 5 of our favorite fair-trade gifts for kids. Each of these toys will bring your little ones tons of joy, and will give you an opportunity to teach them about the importance of fair trade.

Here are 5 great fair trade toys for kids:

1. Sasha Dress Up Doll

Sasha is one of our Waldorf inspired Dolls that kids love. All of our dress up friends are hand stuffed with Organic Egyptian cotton and made with love. Sasha comes with an extra change of clothes in her purse, so your little one can have fun changing her outfits. Sasha is designed to teach coordination skills through tying, changing, and snapping. She loves going on long car rides, snuggling at naptime and listening to stories. Learn more about our Sasha Dress Up Doll here.

2. Snuggle Bunny Lovey

Our snuggle bunny is the perfect gift for teething babies. His flat floppy body makes it really easy for babies to hold, and his stuffed hands and feet make a great teething toy. He will quickly become your baby's favorite lovey. The best part? You never have to worry about toxins or pesticides because our toys are complete organic, and you know they are made by people who care. Learn more about our Snuggle Bunny Lovey here.

3. Organic Veggie Friends

Our veggie friends are one of the most popular products at Under the Nile. They are fun to play with, while at the same time teaching kids to have a positive attitude towards veggies, and promotes healthy eating from a young age. All of our Fruit and Veggie Toys are the focus of The 13 Village Project - an initiative that brings certified Fair Trade work to women in rural villages in Egypt. They are provided safe, steady work with fair wages without having to leave their homes. Each of the 13 fruits and veggies are made by women of a different village.When children become familiar with their veggies, they're excited to see them at the table and have fun eating them. This is also a great tool to help teach kids about gardening, farm-to-table and the food cycle. Learn more about our Veggie Friends here.

4. Red-Striped Giraffe

Our red striped giraffe is one of the most loved toys around. This lovey giraffe is a great toy for all newborns, baby boys and girls. HIs long neck, funny ears and stuffed hands make him the perfect toy for little ones to hold. This soft sweet giraffe will be a toy your child treasures for years to come. This little guy is a great way to start talking to your kids about the importance of fair trade, and buying products you really love. Learn more about our red-striped giraffe.

5. Scrappy Cat

Our quirky and colorful Scrappy Cats are fun for kids of all ages.  Under the Nile Scrappys are made from 100% Egyptian Organic Cotton Scraps left over from our clothing production. Wastefulness is not in our nature-any time we see a chance to upcycle, you bet we're going to! Your little one will love their scrappy cat! This toy is a great way to start talking to your kids about sustainability and the importance of recycling. Learn more about our Scrappy Cats here.

It’s no secret that we are big fans of Fair Trade products here at Under the Nile. We have spent years learning about how companies can create sustainable quality products, and want to be a resource for parents everywhere. What questions do you have about buying fair trade? Post them here in the comments.