Miami Fair Trade — Local services in Coral Gables

I was traveling through the area and looked up gift shops so I could purchase a birthday present for a friend. I am so glad Yelp guided me to this gem. The Miami Fair Trade Market is located in the beautiful and historic Coral Gables United Church of Christ. The church was built in the 1920's by Coral Gables founder and designer George Merrick in honor of his father Solomon who was a minister. It is located across the street from the Biltmore Hotel.

The idea for the shop came from senior pastor, Rev. Laurie Hafner, who wanted an alternative in Miami to all the shops that use child labor, sweat shops, and ither inhumane practices. The mission is to "support artisans in over 30 developing countries by purchasing their indigenous products made under safe working conditions. Whole village standards of living are raised with trade, not aid. Fair Trade is a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency, and respect. This system of exchange seeks to create greater equity and partnership in the international trading system." You can rest assured that the mainly women artists are paid a fair wage and there is no child labor involved.

I love the message of this shop, a hand up not a handout. It is small but carefully curated with beautiful and affordable things. I ended up purchasing a bracelet made of clay beads hand rolled in Haiti for my friends present. I was able to include a card in the organza bag my bracelet was placed in that explained the meaning of it. After looking through all of the beautiful jewelry I ended up purchasing a silver chain from Bali and paperclip link chain as an early birthday present for myself. The shop also sells award winning olive oil, notecards made by a local artist, tunics, gorgeous scarfs one of which was modeled by Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a picture, hand made toys, and accessories. They even have some Easter items in right now. You can read little signs about the items you are purchasing and the part of the world your purchase is benefitting. Donna helped me and I left feeling like I made a friend. I can't say enough good things about this precious shop. Follow their Facebook page and Instagram to see what is new. Next time you need a one of a kind gift or just a treat for yourself, head here and put some good out in the universe by supporting people in the developing parts...

This is such a unique place! Connected to the church all the items are apparently from lower SEC countries and ensures the workers ACTUALLY get paid. Has everything from clothes and jewelry to little trinkets and bookmarks.

I think it's the ideal gift shop. It's unlikely the person you're getting the gift for will have it and you feel good buying it!

In addition, the people who work the counter are LOVELY. Kind, helpful, and quick with relevant recommendations.

I'll keep coming back...

The Miami Fair Trade Market is an absolute gem! This is a great place to get unique gifts for others and for yourself. It is a fair trade shop with beautiful pieces made from different parts of the world. Donna was very helpful and explained where the pieces come from and how they are made. The prices are more than fair and they are beautiful. I will definitely be coming back for more special...