I am delighted to introduce my readers to the remarkable treasurers available on a new, innovative Internet Marketing site, Exotic World Gifts. When I discovered this website, I ordered a very stylish home décor piece from Kenya for my office. My son, Zachary loved it so much I had to order him one too. When I received the second one, I noticed on the shipping label that it came from my own town, Del Mar, California. I knew I had to find out more about this company so I emailed them. Thankfully, they responded and we set up a meeting. Soon I was sitting down with Liz Allen and Mark Fanque, the dynamic couple behind Exotic World Gifts, as we bonded over cookies from a local bakery — how wonderful to find people who want to do good in the world AND love cookies! 

At Exotic World Gifts you will find stylish home décor treasures including bowls, baskets, bookends, boxes, candle holders, masks, paper goods, pillows & throws, sculptures, serving pieces, table linens, table toppers, trays, and vases. Moreover, you will find a wide array of wall art, from paintings by Thai elephants to tapestries woven in India to Balinese wood carvings. And don't forget your fashion accessories: necklaces and bracelets, scarves and shawls, purses, backpacks, and more!

Exotic World Gifts helps to blend developed economy methods with the newly emerging local economy models of developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Liz and Mark have traveled to meet with their growing list of artists in eight nations on four continents as they work to sell their goods to develop poverty ending sustainable import/export income streams.

As they say on their web site, “Exotic World Gifts invites you on a journey to far away exotic places where you can experience a remarkable collection of handcrafts that take your breath away; fascinating and diverse people; ancient and exotic cultures. This is where the real treasures are found.”

Exotic World Gifts is a Fair Trade Federation Partner that imports personal accessories and handcrafted gifts from Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Central America and South America. Its mission is not only to share with us beautiful things to transport our imaginations to far away exotic places, but to help others — indeed it is the founders' passion. Commingled with the display of delightful goods for sale are the compelling Artisan stories and testimonies of support. We are all enriched by experiencing diverse cultures.

We celebrate the Del Mar couple behind Exotic World Gifts, who, along with partner Carol Hink, pool their gifts, skills, and interests to foster compassion, community, and sustainability worldwide. They generously share with us their enthusiasm for world travel, authentic culture, and changed lives.

Amazing Elephant Art

Maybe you saw the special on National Geographic's "Wild On Tape." It is an amazing story about rescued elephants painting. Read an excerpt:

While looking for beautiful products handmade by artisans in villages needing sustainable income, we came across this refuge camp for elephants in Northern Thailand. With camcorder in hand we began to witness an elephant painting an "Oh my God" image of an elephant.

Some months later, we put a portion of the video on and we were deeply touched by people's reactions. Some cried in awe, some were amazed, most found an expanded appreciation of animals and our relationship with each other and the planet. Some thought it was fake and cruel. Read More »