Gifts From Around the World, Just for Grandmothers

Choices that Reflect Her Wide Interests

This unique necklace features a nautilus shell carved in bone, accented in silver. The creators, Warren and Robbin, pride themselves on making jewelry with a low environmental impact. Currently living in Bali, the pair of artists created this piece to commemorate the finding of their first nautilus shell in Fiji. It's a special gift from around the world for a special grandmother.

These lovely tote bags are handmade by grandmothers in Kelowna, British Columbia, but that's not the only reason to buy one. The women who sew these bags belong to a group known as Gifts to Grandmothers, and they support African women, especially grandmothers raising their grandchildren and widows raising children. Grandmothers will love using one of these bags and knowing that another grandmother has benefited from the purchase.

A flock of chicks may seem like an odd gift to give a grandmother, but this one isn't actually going to Grandma. Heifer International helps families around the world become self-sufficient. This flock of chicks, for example, can supplement a family's food supply and income. If you want to give a more generous gift, go for a goat or a llama. A heifer costs $500, but you can buy a share for $50. Grandmother will love the fact that you've become so socially conscious.

In contrast to magazines that seem almost entirely ads, The Sun is non-profit and ad-free. For more than thirty years, this innovative magazine has published stunning photographs and provocative writing from around the world. It has been compared to Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion. The grandmother who is a thinker will love The Sun.

Nothing unites women around the globe like basket-weaving. This beautiful and sturdy basket was made of elephant grass by the women of Ghana. Grandmother will find lots of uses for this lovely item, and you can designate a portion of the price as a contribution to your favorite charitable organization.

This solid brass bowl created in Nepal makes a singing sound when the wooden stick is rubbed on the edge of the bowl. A different sound is created by striking the bowl with the stick. Often used for meditation, this singing bowl will be a conversation piece and is also guaranteed to fascinate the grandchildren. A Fair Trade item, it will be a great gift for a certain kind of grandmother.

Made from recycled soda cans, this pin makes a whimsical but sentimental gift. Give it to Grandmother to represent the generations of women in your family. It's a Fair Trade item made by disabled artisans in Kenya.