Unique Gift Ideas from Heart of Haiti and Macy's

Last year I shared with you Macy's Heart of Haiti project. It's an initiative that gives men and women in Haiti an opportunity to share their talents with the world, and make money to support their families while doing so. I love that we, in America, can have unique items made by such talented individuals, that we may not have otherwise come in contact with.

This year is the five-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I'm flattered to be part of on the amazing efforts of Heart of Haiti and Macy's.

A couple of months ago I was in Atlanta for the Type-A Parent Conference and bumped into, again, the Everywhere Society. {It's always nice to see familiar faces at conferences.} When I saw the new line of products coming from the artisans in Haiti, I knew I wanted to again get involved in spreading the word! Take a look at a handful of what I was able to see:

It's all so beautiful, right? Would you believe that the Sunflower frame is made of hammered oil drums and the Catch-All Bowl is made from tobacco leaves? Amazing stuff!

I partnered with Heart of Haiti and Everywhere Society to share with you the Metal Waves Texture Tray. It's absolutely stunning. Handcrafted with an intriguing wave motif along the border, this nature-inspired tray recalls the lush and beautiful Caribbean coast that inspires so many Haitian artists.

The best part about each of Heart of Haiti's pieces, exclusively sold at Macy's, is the partnership between the two. 50% of each item sold is given right back to the artisan. In a country that is less fortunate than the United States of America, this is a big deal! When you make a purchase of a Heart of Haiti handcrafted item, think of it as putting food in the mouths of father, mother and child or providing a roof over a newborn child's tiny head. "The people of Haiti aren't looking for a handout, they are looking for a business relationship", as told by Bill Hawthorne, Senior Vice President of Macy's. You can bet that Haitians aren't throwing their money away on fast food or the latest Blu-Ray release. Buy in confidence. Know that YOU are giving back.

I absolutely LOVE my new Heart of Haiti Metal Waves Texture Tray, but my favorite part is that the artists name is hammered into it, as well. Now, whenever I look at my tray I can be reminded of the good life that he/she now has because of the collaboration between Macy's and Haiti Artisans!

If you're looking for a unique gift for someone who has everything, go check out Heart of Haiti items at Macy's stores or on Macys.com. Prices start at only $9.99!

Thank you, Everywhere Society for providing me this Heart of Haiti Metal Waves Tray for review. All opinions are my own. 

Macy's Heart of Haiti

Two years ago at BlissDom I was introduced to Heart of Haiti. While talking to the gal at the booth in the expo hall I fell in love with the purpose behind the Heart of Haiti project. They had a heart for Haitian artisans living in poverty who wanted more for their lives. And Heart of Haiti was making dreams come true for them.



A couple of weeks ago I was reintroduced to Heart of Haiti through a Twitter party. Again, I fell in love with their cause.

Heart of Haiti is an initiative that grew out of a partnership between Fairwinds Trading Co. (Formerly run by Willa Shalit), the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy's. Macy's had already worked with Willa and Fairwinds in the past on Rwanda Path to Peace, an initiative similar to that in Haiti that purchases products from basket weavers in Rwanda who are recovering from the genocide almost twenty years ago. 

Very shortly after the earthquake in 2010, Willa established a group of artisans that she thought had immense talent and simply needed an opportunity and some training to be successful at selling their art internationally. She brought in designers such as Rachel Roy and Martha Stewart to help the Haitian artists find products and designs that would sell in the U.S. Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren also visited and wanted to find a way to help. Therefore, Macy's Heart of Haiti was born. It was formed and for sale online with months of the earthquake, putting income back into the pockets of the artists. Originally around 450 artists as a part of the Artisans Business Network, and is now closer to 750. 

The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts,

metalwork, jewelry and paintings all made almost entirely from recycled and

sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local

gommier wood. 

Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to

create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunity.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the

devastating earthquake people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve

their lives through employment.

The Spotted Black and White Paper Mache vase you see in these pictures is from Macy's Heart of Haiti. It is truly a work of art. A piece of handcrafted beauty.



I'd love it if you'd watch the following video to get a sense of what Heart of Haiti is doing to help the people in Haiti. Then, I challenge you to head over to Macy's and take a look at all of the beautiful pieces of art that are for purchase. I know you'll love them!




Everywhere has provided me with this Macy's Heart of Haiti product to review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.