Who are we?

Gifts of the World is a not-for-profit ministry of Christ Community Mennonite Church. We are located in the same building as the church offices, at 888 S. Roselle Rd.

By shopping first at Gifts of the World, you will find unique gifts that give at least three times: first, to the artisan in a developing country who was paid a fair price for the handiwork; second to yourself, who had the enjoyment of selecting a beautiful handmade gift; and third, to the person who will receive the gift.

Artisan Stories

Carol Namayanja transforms simple raffia and banana leaves into beautiful, functional art for your home. Her exquisite baskets, which are traditionally used for gift giving to friends and family, offer Carol an opportunity to earn a livelihood with dignity and share her heritage with you. Carol receives prompt and fair payment for her baskets through Ten Thousand Villages artisan partner Uganda Craft, located in Kampala, Uganda.

Cyprine Agan uses recycled soda cans and colied wire to make eclectic jewelry and ornaments at the Bombolulu Workshop in Mombasa, Kenya. Although made from unusual materials, her Children-of-the-World ornament demonstrates a common hope for world unity and peace, Cyprine appreciates the opportunity she and her husband have to live and work at Bombolulu with her family. Bombolulu provides employment, housing, medical aid and adult education for artisans with physical disabilities, empowering them to be part of the mainstream workforce.

Putting Justice in your Shopping Basket

Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV are members of the International Federation of Alternative Trade. They adhere to fair trade standards. We market quality products made by people they know and care about from diverse cultures around the world.

By offering 50 percent in advance as working capital when they place orders, we all do business together in a fair way. Prompt payment when the order is shipped enables artisans to stay out of debt and plan for a brighter future for their family.