The Travel Chica

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Novica Giveaway

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If you love to wander through local artisan markets in far-off places shopping for that perfect memento, Novica may be the perfect online shopping site for you.

What is Novica?

NOVICA is one of the leading fair trade artisan websites.  They work with National Geographic to give artisans around the world a place to express their talents and provide access to the world market.

I was recently contacted by Novica to take a look at their website and share my thoughts with readers.

The thing is … I am not a big shopper.

But I do seek out artisan markets when I travel.

I look for the ones that are filled with unique, quality items created by the artists and not kitschy tourist souvenirs.

 

I love photographing the colors and textures and the artists.

Even if I find a great market, I am quite picky about what I buy.

When I was preparing for my Latin America travel sabbatical, I remember the stress of trying to purge my possessions and realizing how much money I had spent on things I didn’t really need or really love.

I have only purchased a few things during my travels, but all of those things are special to me, and I still have them today.

What makes Novica special?

Taken from their Mission Statement:

“We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity.”

That is a mission I can support.

And it is possible to support their mission beyond purchases.

In addition to what they have been doing for years to connect artisans to the global market, they now have a microfinance website where YOU can lend money directly to artisans with loans at 0% interest.

Items are unique and made of quality materials. Products fit a variety of styles.

I actually spent a lot of time browsing through products on the Novica website.  I was surprised by how many products they have.

And how many items I really liked… you know, cause I’m really picky.

It took me a long time to narrow it down.  I finally picked out a scarf from Bolivia, a more modern version of the patterns I saw when I was traveling there last year.

You can curate collections.

If you are more of a shopper than me and want an outlet for your creativity, consider creating your own curated collections of products.

 

Easily find unique gifts.

Novica also has a section of their site to help you find unique gifts in categories such as romantic gifts for her and even unique gifts by price range.

 

Novica has provided a $75 gift certificate to give away to one of you lucky readers.

 

If you enjoy unique artisan crafts from around the world, it is easy to enter.

All you have to do is post a comment below sharing either something you would like to purchase from the Novica site OR a favorite artisan purchase from your own travels.  You must enter your email address, but it will not be published with your comment.  Winner will be chosen using random.org and notified by email within two days of contest closure.  Contest is open until Sunday May 12th at 6pm EST.

Comments

  3. I love the Topaz and amethyst earrings, ‘Paradise Flower’ vera khule at gmail dot com.

  4. I’m so excited about this project, thanks for sharing it on your blog! I’ve signed up myself right away and clicking my way through all the amazing products. Really hard to choose! I love the pillow cases and artwork they’re featuring, I’d probably sit down a bit longer with my boyfriend to choose something beautiful. We’ve just come home after living abroad for 2 years, so would love to decorate the house with an unique piece of art!

  6. I still have these really long beaded necklaces I bought from a vendor in Mendoza on my very first trip abroad. He was so sweet and we chatted for a few minutes. I returned to Mendoza 3 years later, searched for his booth and found him again. I bought 3 more necklaces and I could never part with them.

  9. I have admired their tiger trance necklace for awhile. This would help offset the cost of it!

  10. I love this necklace–http://jewelry.novica.com/necklaces/modern/drusy-quartz-pendant-necklace-star-gazer/200877

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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