Ten Thousand Villages

I love this place. Wonderful shopping, 3 levels to brows through. Unique gifts for a great cause. Staff are always welcoming and friendly. Coffee is fantastic!!!

I’m a bit of a knick knack fanatic. I love having cool, unique sculptures and decorations in my house, and I always find great finds at Ten Thousand Villages. I love the fact that they are Fair Trade, and the last time I was there, they were giving out complimentary chocolates with your purchase (they were delicious too!). The location is right on Crowchild, so you can’t miss it. I find this is a go-​to place for me at Christmas because I find not only cool ornaments for myself, but also loved ones. Definitely a unique place, and worth a visit.

I respect their ‘Fair Trade’ business philosophy and the work of international artisans. I finally stopped in for the first time yesterday and discovered that this store really isn’t for me because I’m not a knickknack person. All that my gut was telling me when looking around was that most of what’s there would be clutter in my house, which was a little disappointing. It would be cool and interesting clutter, but clutter nonetheless.
The variety of products in this sizable store is impressive and they do sell tea, coffee, etc., but I would never make a special trip here just for that. Being that Christmas is coming, it’s a good place to buy unique ornaments and stocking stuffers. If I were to break down and purchase something I don’t need, it would be one of their beautiful handmade purses or a pair of gloves.
²⁹⁄₃₀ for Unilocal’s 30 Day Challenge

I went to the Ten Thousand Villages for the free coffee, cake, and bongo jam on World Fair Trade Day. But I stayed because of their massive selection of Fair Trade handicrafts from around the globe.
Well, that’s not exactly true — I stayed because I didn’t want to look like some freeloader crashing their party.
But is exactly true that my desire to keep up appearances gave me more than ample time to peruse their wares.
Ten Thousand Villages is located in an old 3-​story house and has a great selection of jewellery, servingware, statues, and other home décor global treasures.
They are also quick to refill the complimentary coffee pots, which is a bonus. I guess they care as much for their customers as they do for the native artisans that they represent. The coffee with a conscience being served up here is flavourful and fortunately available for purchase upstairs.