The Ethical Gift Guide by The Dharma Door

Meaningful Gifts CHOOSE WISELY & MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Whether you are shopping for a loved one or looking for a gift with substance for those in your community, buying ethically this Christmas is also a great way to give back.

The Dharma Door was created to empower as many people as possible out of the cycle of poverty through Fair Trade. We achieve this by partnering with talented artisans to create quality products - making sure they are paid fairly for their skills and time. By choosing wisely this Christmas, you can be a part of this important cycle.

T he spirit of working together YOUR SUPPORT HAS HELPED US TO SUPPORT ARTISANS

It’s a pleasure to share our Christmas Gift Guide 2021 with

presented an exception and we thought you might appreciate

you. With another challenging year of the pandemic behind

knowing how your support enables us to give back to artisans

us, we and our artisan partners are incredibly grateful for

and their communities during times of need.

your support and we thank you for helping us to bring their beautiful work into the world. As a Fair Trade business, the

Our goal is - and always will be - to empower as many women

wellbeing of the artisans who make our products is always

artisans as possible out of poverty through good design and

close to our hearts so we have continued to closely monitor

trading fairly with them. This year, we were thrilled to intro-

the effects of the pandemic on them and their communities in

duce a new collection made by artisans in Zimbabwe for the

Bangladesh this year.

first time. We will continue to design and develop collections that you will love so we can provide regular orders to talented

While we haven’t been able to visit the artisans personally

women and showcase their skills. This Christmas, know that

like we usually would, we’ve been communicating with them

when you purchase a gift from The Dharma Door, you are ma-

weekly via video chats which has helped us all to feel con-

king a genuine and meaningful difference to the lives of the

nected.

people who made it.

We’ve enjoyed some good laughs along the way,

sharing in the delight of new babies arriving, interacting with the women sitting in groups chatting as they sort and prepare

So, as the world begins to slowly open up and many of us look

the raw materials for our products and watching a blind elder-

forward to spending time with friends and family again, we

ly man assisting the women with their crafts to keep himself

wanted to share some meaningful gift-giving inspiration with

active. These little sparks of joy and human connection re-

you. We hope that you and your loved ones will have an op-

mind us of the purpose of The Dharma Door and why we do

portunity to enjoy simple pleasures this Christmas and more

business the way we do.

importantly, we hope you can do this together.

The resilience and strength of the artisans in the face of adversity was once again brought to the fore this year when the women who handcraft our Wall Hangings, Sona and Seafarer

Warmest wishes,

baskets were severely impacted by long-term flooding. We swung into action and arranged a donation so food and hygiene packages could be distributed to all of the artisans and their families while they weren’t able to work. While our business is built on the model of fair trade - as opposed to aid - this

FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jute Bowl - Bronze Stripe | Suta Shopper

T he Wish List N AT U R A L • H A N D M A D E • F A I R T R A D E

B AG S O F LOV E

PA G E 8

Quality bags, totes and shoppers for all occasions

C A N VA S C O L L E C T I O N

PA G E 2 8

Unisex bags and pouches crafted from jute canvas

WA L L H A N G I N G S

PA G E 3 6

Natural wall art that tells a story

BEAUTIFUL BASKETS

PA G E 5 2

Versatile gifts that stand the test of time

TA B L E W A R E

PA G E 7 2

Natural table items for entertaining or everyday

N AT U R A L D E C O R AT I O N

PA G E 8 8

Sustainable garlands, twine, tassels and clay beads

GIFT CARDS

PA G E 9 8

Give the gift of choice

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Bags of Love FROM MARKET SHOPS TO DAY TRIPS

Quality bags make a great gift - something that friends and loved ones will enjoy time and again. The Dharma Door collection of natural, handmade bags has got every occasion covered: from shoppers for weekend market trips to totes suitable for work or leisure to more intricate bags that add some natural character to a wardrobe.

Each bag is crafted using natural fibres and processes that are gentle on the environment. Sturdy and stylish, they feature a neutral palette that works well with most outfits.

Mati Jumbo Tote

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Jumbo Hemp String Bag - Natural

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Jamina Tote

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Gift Idea A Jumbo Tote is a perfect choice for curating the perfect gift for your loved one on Christmas morning. For the beach-lover, fill with a towel, sunglasses and a great novel.

Kamala Jumbo Tote

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Mati Jumbo Tote

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Our Jumbo Jute Totes are dyed by hand and handwoven on wooden looms in a traditional weaving village in rural Bangladesh.

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Lamu Jumbo Tote

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Sada Jumbo Tote

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Gift Idea The Uttam Tote is an ideal for travelling, long days at the beach or as an overnight bag. The bag is lined with cotton and has internal pockets for easy organisation. This is the perfect bag for your stylish friend who is always on the go!

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T his page: Uttam Tote in Charcoal | Opposite page: Uttam Tote in Natural (also available in Earth)

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“

This bag has the quality that will make it last a lifetime, it has a presence and weight when you hold it, is stylish, classic and the handles are beyond stunning. I would highly recommend

”

this bag.

MANDY

T his page: Tantu Jute Shopper - Earth (also available in Charcoal & Natural) Opposite page Jute Shopper - Black Diamond | Jute Shopper in Clay 21

Laina Tote

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Suta Tote - Natural

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Uttam Tote - Earth (also available in Natural & Charcoal)

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

beach lovers

Suta Shopper - Natural

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T he Jumbo Hemp String Bag, Suta Shopper and Tote are made with handspun natural hemp by Fair Trade artisans who have been practicing

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this craft for many generations in Bangladesh.

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Canvas Collection UNISEX BAGS & POUCHES

Hand sewn laptop bags, pouches and toiletry bags that are crafted from jute canvas make great gifts for men and women alike. These durable items will add a touch of functional luxury to someone’s workday or travel and feature a quality zipper and stylish leather touches.

Combine these items for a more significant gift; add a special piece of jewellery for something precious or pair with some natural toiletries for a present that truly pampers!

Toiletr y Bag - Bone (available in large and small sizes | also available in Camel and Ash)

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

secret santa

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T his page: Laptop/iPad Bag - Bone - Large (also available in Camel and Ash and a Small size) Opposite page: Pouch - Ash in Small (also available in Bone and Camel and a Medium & Large size)

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

travel lovers

Clockwise from top left: Pouch Collection - Bone (also available in Ash & Camel | Small Toiletr y Bag - Ash (also available in Bone and Camel and a Large size | Small Pouch - Camel (also available in Bone and Ash and a Medium and Large size)

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G A Canvas Pouch

loved year round... perfume, a book or

Medium Pouch - Bone (also available in Camel and Ash and a Small or Large size)

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Gift Idea is a perfect carry all which will be

. add some extra surprises inside like gift cards for a present that keeps on giving.

Small Pouch - Bone | Laptop/iPad Bag - Bone | Laptop/iPad Bag Ash in Large and Small

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Wall Hangings THAT TELL A STORY WITH EVERY WEAVE

Decorating with natural wall art helps to bring warmth, texture and a sense of calm to rooms, so they are ideal gifts for interior lovers. Because they hold the story of their maker, they often hold a similar place in people’s homes to a much-loved artwork.

Our collection is crafted by hand using natural fibres and a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques.

Designed to make a statement, these pieces are ideal for bringing life and character to a room and are often used above a console in an entryway, on a large living room wall or above a bed.

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Mandala Wall Hanging - Large

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“

This piece of wall art is just so stunning. It

takes pride of place in our entry and we love it

to bits. It sets the tone for our home. The story behind how it is made and where it comes from just adds to its beauty.

ALISON

Jumbo Tassel Wall Hanging

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”

Tassel Wall Hanging

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Designed by T he Dhar ma Door in 2014, the Jumbo Tassel Wall Hanging has since provided ongoing income for talented women in a small vi

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illage community in Bangladesh.

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T his page: Tala Wall Hanging | Opposite page: Amua Wall Hanging

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Puspa Wall Hanging - Small

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Puspa Wall Hanging - Large

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Mandala - Small

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Mandala - Large

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T he Mandala Wall Hanging beautifully showcases the macrame skills of the women who have been practicing these techniques for three genera

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ations.

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T his page: Sundara Tray - Large Opposite: Zila Basket - Large (Also available in Small)

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Beautiful Baskets THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME

Wanting to give a gift that can be used and appreciated for many years to come? Our collection of baskets have become a popular gift because they do just that.

Designed to be both useful and decorative, the collection can be used as a catch-all for many purposes throughout a home, including children’s toys, magazines, books, pillows, blankets, shoes and a favourite potted plant. They are also proving popular as a way to display treasured keepsakes, perfect for those you know who like to style their home with decorative vignettes.

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Short Round Jute Basket - Natural

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

style lovers

T his page: Seafarer Basket - Large (Also available in small) Opposite page: Sona Rectangle Basket- Large | Palm Fibre Coaster set of 6 in basket.

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“

This basket is flawless just like all of the other storage baskets I

have purchased from The Dharma Door. It is beautifully made and perfect for storing my cook books in my butlers pantry adding a nice little decorative touch.

”

ZOE

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Gift Idea The Jute Bowl makes a beautiful vessel to fill with other items to curate the perfect hamper. For the avid entertainer, fill with napkins, artisanal foods & wine for a gift they will love to receive on Christmas Day.

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T his page: Hemp Scrubber | Jute Bowl - Natural Opposite Page: Jute Bowl - Bronze Stripe (also available in Brass & Charcoal Stripe).

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Soha Laundr y Basket - Natural | Small Sona Square Basket Duo

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Sona Square Baskets

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T his page: Sona Square Duo Opposite page: Sona Rectangular Basket - Large | Dari Rug - Small

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Woven Pot - Large | Boda Basket - Earth

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

plant lovers

Woven Pot Duo

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All baskets designed and sourced by T he Dhar ma Door celebrate the individual weaving techniques of the communities they are crafted within.

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.

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Gift Idea A laundry basket is the perfect choice of gift for that special loved one who may have moved into a new home or has recently renovated. It’s the unexpected gift that they will use and love everyday.

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T his page: Seafarer Laundr y Basket | Opposite Page: Laina Basket - Natural.

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Jamina Laundr y Basket

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Boda Basket - Natural (Also available in Earth & Charcoal)

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T his page: Low Trio of Round Grass Baskets | Hemp Washcloth Opposite page: Trio of Round Grass Baskets - Tall | T hin Hemp Twine

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Styling Idea Good things come in threes! The Trio of Tall Round Grass Baskets are perfect vessels for anything around the home, plants, craft - you name it!

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Tableware ADD A NATURAL TOUCH TO YOUR ENTERTAINING

Create a relaxed vibe at your gatherings this season using woven placemats, coasters and table runners. Your selection of linen, glassware, pottery and flowers or greenery will help to add your own charm. Just add candles and some fairy lights for parties that head well into the night!

These items can be enjoyed throughout the remainder of the year at your table each day. A lovely storage basket for coaster and placemat sets keep things tidy and tasteful when not in use.

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Palm Fibre Placemat Set with matching basket and Palm Fibre Coaster Set in matching basket.

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simple, functional + beautiful

T his Page: Palm Fibre Coaster Set in matching basket.

Opposite Page: Palm Fibre Placemat & Coaster set in matching baskets

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“

Strong, well made set of 8 placemats in an equally strong basket look most attractive

on my timber table. Really pleased with the quality and the look.

”

WENDY

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T his page: NEW Malu Table Runner in Natural (also available in Bone & Charcoal) | Tonga Pendant - Natural Opposite: NEW Malu Placemats in Natural - set of 6 (also available in Bone & Charcoal)

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NEW Malu Jute Placemat Set x 6 in Bone.

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

entertainers

NEW Malu Jute Placemat Set x 6 in Bone.

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T his page: NEW Malu Jute Placemat Set x 6 - Charcoal | NEW Malu Jute Table Runner - Charcoal

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NEW Malu Placemat Sets from top: Bone, Natural & Charcoal

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Styling Idea The small Zila Basket will add beautiful woven texture to your table. It works well as a statement centrepiece for your Christmas table and can then be used as a fruit bowl the rest of the year!

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Zila Basket- Small

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T his page: Macrame Table Runner Opposite page: Jute Placemat Set of 8 | Jute Coaster Set of 8

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Each and ever y piece in T he Dhar ma Door collection is made entirely by hand and genuinely contributes to empower the woman who made it t

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hrough safe working conditions and fair wages.

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Natural Decoration SUSTAINABLE OPTIONS TO ENJOY YEAR-ROUND

Use natural fibres and handmade elements to dress up your Christmas. Sustainable jute garlands, twine, tassels and clay beads will add a relaxed, natural vibe to your celebrations and can be enjoyed throughout your home long after the season ends!

Use garlands to adorn table settings, trees and window or door frames. They also work well in tandem with simple glassware and other ceramic objects on your Christmas table. Twine works well for Christmas craft and natural gift wrapping - a great alternative to plastics that will break down naturally when added to your compost following festivities.

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Clay Beads

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Styling Idea A sustainable choice for your Christmas tree, decorating or table styling. These neutral garlands can be used year-round and are a fun decor idea for children’s bedrooms.

Woven Flower Garland x 2

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Woven Flower Garland with Tassels x 2

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Clay Beads - Large (Also available in small)

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A GREAT GIFT FOR:

natural beauty

Hemp Body Scrubber- 2 pack | Palm Fibre Coaster Set of 8 in basket.

Left: Hemp Washcloth 2 pack

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Fair Trade isn’t only about fair wages, these women are provided with a safe and clean workspace and enjoy the camaraderie of working togeth

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her to handcraft our products.

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Amtali Grass Tassels

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“

I love the natural feel and texture of this hemp twine, I love even more than I can help support women in their communities. It’s a perfect natural alternative when gift wrapping.

”

CLAIRE

Natural T hin Hemp Twine - 2 x 50m balls

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Jute Bowl - Bronze Stripe (Also available in Natural and Charcoal & Brass)

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Gift Cards GIVE THE GIFT OF CHOICE

The Dharma Door gift cards allow recipients to choose their own gift from our collection.

Ideal for those who appreciate Fair Trade and natural, handmade items, gift cards are also perfect for someone who has been coveting something from our store for some time. Our gifts cards are available in a variety of price points and are delivered via email to your inbox upon purchase.

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DHARMA CIRCLE R E WA R D S

be rewarded everytime you shop with our rewards program The Dharma Door has recently launched its rewards program ‘Dharma Circle Rewards’.

Once registered you will earn points for every dollar spent at The Dharma Door. These points unlock new levels of membership which allow you access to exclusive discounts, early access to sales and gifts.

JOIN HERE

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Jute Bowl - Brass & Charcoal | Woven Jute Coat Hangers | Seafarer basket - Small (Also available in Large) | Small Rectangle Jute Basket

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Wishlist CURATE YOUR CHRISTMAS

The Dharma Door has a comprehensive wishlist facility now available to use on our website. Curate a collection of products and make Christmas shopping a breeze.

The wishlist also allows you to create a list of items you desire this Christmas which can be shared on social media or via email with your friends and family.

NEW Malu Placemat Set of 6 - Bone.

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Always natural. Always handmade. Always Fair Trade.

The Dharma Door was created in 2004 to contribute to empowering vulnerable people out of the cycle of poverty. Through good design and ethical practices, the label has offered special pieces crafted from natural fibres ever since. Handmade – from start to finish – by skilled fair trade artisans, each item tells their story with every stitch.

We believe the greatest impact can be made through ongoing business. So we partner exclusively with non-profit, Fair Trade organisations, who provide a host of life-changing support and training for the people who craft our quality products.

United by a shared purpose, long term partnerships and mutual respect, The Dharma Door takes time to build authentic connections and understand artisan culture, craft skills and the raw materials they use to bring each new design to life.

Every single item in our collection has the power to change lives. By choosing wisely we can all make a meaningful difference.

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