It's been just over a week since the earth shook just off the coast of Japan, and the devastation and loss has rocked us all. However I've been heartened to see how families and companies are so quickly finding ways to help raise money for the people of Japan, from the family organizing a community yard sale in our neighborhood, to the fantastic Chronicle Books which held a bake sale out of their San Francisco storefront.
Some of our favorite small business owners and artisans are doing what they can too, by donating as much as 100% of their sales to Japanese relief efforts.
Along with making your own donation to a worthy relief organization like the Red Cross, consider making your next purchase for a birthday, baby shower or just-for-me gift at one of the generous shops we have featured here. Every little bit helps. -Christina
[see some beautiful items to help raise money for Japan after the jump]
Aptly named "I am always here for you", this quietly poignant print by Creative Thursday conveys just the right amount of sweetness for me to hang in the room my two girls share. (15% of sales will go to Red Cross)
I love the style and sunny color of this Margot Bianca Pinafore for toddlers who could wear it over a shirt now, but with bare arms soon. ($10 from each sale goes to your choice of the Red Cross or HandsOn Toyko.)
Originally from Sendai Japan, Shiho of LA's Umi Design is donating 20% from all of her handcrafted jewelry sales to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief. Among her lovely sterling-silver jewelry creations, I'm especially taken with her ethereal Aqua Chalcedony Ring.
Crafted from a vintage silk Japanese obi fabric, this little elegant Tamami Ko purse reminds me on the enduring traditions and beautiful customs of the Japanese people. (50% of purchase price will be donated to Canadian Red Cross to help with relief efforts)
I fell head-over-heels in love with this Refuge/Home Necklace by The Angry Weather when I saw it as a finalist in Rikrak Studio's Handmade Olympics (100% of proceeds will go to Red Cross Earthquake Relief in Japan.)
So fun for my kids to play with, I'd also love to see these handmade Kokeshi Doll Wooden Blocks from Stack Blocks just sitting on the dresser looking of-so-cute. (100% of proceeds go to relief agencies in Japan)
With their clever and sometimes irreverent messages, Jessica Kagan Cushman's chunky resin Nantucket Bangles aren't just fashionable but helpful too, with $35 from the sale of each Nantucket Bangle being donated to the Japanese Red Cross (through 3/31).
Our own Delilah spotted this handsome stuffed bear from Sleepyking, who wants to give a "bear hug" to Japan by donating 100% of his proceeds to the Red Cross.
With a unique charitable angle, Joan Hornig Jewelry allows you to decide where the profits from the purchase of their new Wave of Help will go. (100% of profits donated to your choice of charity.)
Purchasing a pair of Tree Space Studio's "Dream Big For Japan" art cards means that 100% of those dollars will go to the Red Cross in Japan. Hearts to the wind, indeed.
Some of our favorite small business owners and artisans are doing what they can too, by donating as much as 100% of their sales to Japanese relief efforts.
Along with making your own donation to a worthy relief organization like the Red Cross, consider making your next purchase for a birthday, baby shower or just-for-me gift at one of the generous shops we have featured here. Every little bit helps. -Christina
[see some beautiful items to help raise money for Japan after the jump]
Aptly named "I am always here for you", this quietly poignant print by Creative Thursday conveys just the right amount of sweetness for me to hang in the room my two girls share. (15% of sales will go to Red Cross)
I love the style and sunny color of this Margot Bianca Pinafore for toddlers who could wear it over a shirt now, but with bare arms soon. ($10 from each sale goes to your choice of the Red Cross or HandsOn Toyko.)
Originally from Sendai Japan, Shiho of LA's Umi Design is donating 20% from all of her handcrafted jewelry sales to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief. Among her lovely sterling-silver jewelry creations, I'm especially taken with her ethereal Aqua Chalcedony Ring.
Crafted from a vintage silk Japanese obi fabric, this little elegant Tamami Ko purse reminds me on the enduring traditions and beautiful customs of the Japanese people. (50% of purchase price will be donated to Canadian Red Cross to help with relief efforts)
I fell head-over-heels in love with this Refuge/Home Necklace by The Angry Weather when I saw it as a finalist in Rikrak Studio's Handmade Olympics (100% of proceeds will go to Red Cross Earthquake Relief in Japan.)
So fun for my kids to play with, I'd also love to see these handmade Kokeshi Doll Wooden Blocks from Stack Blocks just sitting on the dresser looking of-so-cute. (100% of proceeds go to relief agencies in Japan)
With their clever and sometimes irreverent messages, Jessica Kagan Cushman's chunky resin Nantucket Bangles aren't just fashionable but helpful too, with $35 from the sale of each Nantucket Bangle being donated to the Japanese Red Cross (through 3/31).
Our own Delilah spotted this handsome stuffed bear from Sleepyking, who wants to give a "bear hug" to Japan by donating 100% of his proceeds to the Red Cross.
With a unique charitable angle, Joan Hornig Jewelry allows you to decide where the profits from the purchase of their new Wave of Help will go. (100% of profits donated to your choice of charity.)
Purchasing a pair of Tree Space Studio's "Dream Big For Japan" art cards means that 100% of those dollars will go to the Red Cross in Japan. Hearts to the wind, indeed.
