Travel lovers gift guide: 5 gifts that give back!

Oprah’s favourite mules for 2020, Indigenous handicrafts, tribal decor and artisanal gifts for foodies are just a few of the gifts that can make a difference this holiday season.

G Adventures’ non-profit partner, Planeterra, launched a dedicated online Project Shop curating items sold by community tourism projects we support on our tours. Planeterra's goal is to help find alternative sources of income as the projects begin to rebuild following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below, we share five gorgeous gifts that give back paired with how travellers can visit and support these projects in person when possible.

Lamu Mules shoes, as included in Oprah’s Favourite Things list for 2020

UbuntuLife is a socially-conscious social enterprise selling products at Cafe Ubuntu. The workshop is located on the same premises and provides work, support and empowerment to women whose children are living with disabilities. Many of UbuntuLife’s products are sold in the United States, and their online store hosts tons of great buys, including tote bags, traditional beaded bracelets, and even something for our four-legged friends.

To shop: UbuntuLife
To visit: Choose a Classic nine-day Kenya Camping Safari tour

Indigenous handicrafts like dreamcatchers and masks

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, located in Whistler, Canada, is home to a training program that empowers Indigenous youth to conduct tours of the centre’s museum and grounds. The space is a celebration of two Indigenous communities in the region and teaches local and international visitors about the region’s history. Choose from clothing, water bottles, and other items depicting traditional Indigenous art, handicrafts and music.

To shop: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
To visit: Choose a Classic eight-day Canadian Rockies Express tour

High-quality tribal pillowcases and wall hangings

Tribal Textiles in rural Zambia is a textile workshop that reinvests 5% of each purchase back into the local community. Many of the pattern styles also give back to wildlife conservation causes in the South Luangwa valley. These beautiful designs will elevate any home and at the same time help to improve the lives of the local people creating them.

To shop: Tribal Textiles
To visit: Choose an 18-to-Thirtysomethings 20-day Serengeti to Victoria Falls Overland tour

Sustainable Costa Rican coffee

Life Monteverde in Costa Rica was started by three farming families in 1990 and has grown into a union of 12 families dedicated to sustainable coffee production, agriculture and education on sustainability. Based in Monteverde, Costa Rica, they have been a community tourism partner since 2018. Coffee purchased from their online shop will directly benefit 130 families in the nearby region.

To shop: Cafe Monteverde
To visit: Choose a nine-day Classic Costa Rica Quest tour

Cookbook capturing the essence of Vietnam

Lovers of Vietnamese food need look no further than STREETS International, G Adventures’ partner for the Oodles of Noodles tour in Vietnam. They sell their famous recipes in a cookbook which can be purchased online, as well as t-shirts and aprons. Items purchased will support STREETS’ extensive hospitality-training program working with at-risk youth.

To shop: STREETS International
To visit: Choose a 17-day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia tour

Support community tourism around the world

Give the gift that keeps on giving by making a donation to Planeterra on behalf of a colleague or loved one. Head over to Planeterra’s holiday campaign Home for the Holidays to make a donation “in honour or in memory of someone” and you can pick a customizable card to write your own message to a friend, family member or colleague. We can’t think of anything better than supporting a community-owned enterprise this holiday season.