Parental Figures | Meridian Gift Guide

Our Taj Table Runner has been handmade by Fair Trade women weavers in Eastern India using cruelty-free organic silk. This cooperative of over 150 indigenous women work together to create a fair and steady income in a rural area that has been mired in conflict and is prone to monsoon flooding.

The cooperative is known for weaving in a compassionate and non-violent method in order to produce the silk. The women use hand-spinning techniques, natural dyes and organic materials to create each individual runner by hand. No pesticides, chemicals, or modern machines are used during any point of their process. The silk is woven on traditional zidagar frame looms made from bamboo.

We love the sustainability behind these minimalist and luxurious table runners. Use them everyday to lend a down-to-earth feeling to your dining table, or layer them as a decorative accent on a credenza or console table.

Our Banana Leaf Table Runner has been handwoven by Fair Trade rural weavers from Southern India. Woven on a traditional handloom, artisans twist banana fiber strips to create the weft and use yarn-dyed organic cotton as the warp. Based in rural hinterlands, most weavers involved in this enterprise weave as a family tradition from the comfort of their own home.

Historically, a banana plant bears fruit only once in its lifetime. Treated as agricultural waste, remains would head to landfills once the fruit was harvested. Instead, our partners have been able to transform what was once a wasted byproduct into a beautiful and natural handmade craft. Weaving has yielded these artisans a consistent source of income, and fewer members of the family, if any at all, seek casual labor work outside of the home.

Our Annabel Lidded Porcelain Pot is the perfect accent for any room. Made by hand by a third-generation artisan family in China, this pot can be used to hold a few stems of your favorite flower, or as a neutral and elegant decorative piece.

Our Banana Bark Basket is the statement basket your shelves, walls, and tables have been waiting for: Handmade by Fair Trade women artisans in Uganda, this basket bowl has endless uses. Place it on a shelf or desk for additional storage, use it on a cocktail table to hold essentials, serve fruit or bread at the dining table, or hang it on the wall using the hand-stitched loop on the back.

Our Block Print Napkins (Set of 4) have been handmade by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each napkin is printed by hand using an ancient process. 

To begin, a master craftsperson carves the desired pattern -- or fragment of a pattern that will later be combined -- out of a solid piece of locally sourced wood. After the block is completed, a second artisan mixes natural dyes before he dips each block and presses it down onto a long strip of cloth. Designs that contain multiple colors or complex images often require several different blocks to complete the pattern. This art form requires an incredibly steady hand and a precise, repetitive movement to execute a master-level block print.

Our collection of block print napkins is made entirely by hand, including the printing, cutting and sewing of each individual napkin at the family’s facility in Rajasthan. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India. 

Our Block Print Napkins (Set of 4) have been handmade by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each napkin is printed by hand using an ancient process. 

To begin, a master craftsperson carves the desired pattern -- or fragment of a pattern that will later be combined -- out of a solid piece of locally sourced wood. After the block is completed, a second artisan mixes natural dyes before he dips each block and presses it down onto a long strip of cloth. Designs that contain multiple colors or complex images often require several different blocks to complete the pattern. This art form requires an incredibly steady hand and a precise, repetitive movement to execute a master-level block print.

Our collection of block print napkins is made entirely by hand, including the printing, cutting and sewing of each individual napkin at the family’s facility in Rajasthan. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India. 

Our Block Print Napkins (Set of 4) have been handmade by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each napkin is printed by hand using an ancient process. 

To begin, a master craftsperson carves the desired pattern -- or fragment of a pattern that will later be combined -- out of a solid piece of locally sourced wood. After the block is completed, a second artisan mixes natural dyes before he dips each block and presses it down onto a long strip of cloth. Designs that contain multiple colors or complex images often require several different blocks to complete the pattern. This art form requires an incredibly steady hand and a precise, repetitive movement to execute a master-level block print.

Our collection of block print napkins is made entirely by hand, including the printing, cutting and sewing of each individual napkin at the family’s facility in Rajasthan. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India. 

Our Block Print Napkins (Set of 4) have been handmade by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each napkin is printed by hand using an ancient process. 

To begin, a master craftsperson carves the desired pattern -- or fragment of a pattern that will later be combined -- out of a solid piece of locally sourced wood. After the block is completed, a second artisan mixes natural dyes before he dips each block and presses it down onto a long strip of cloth. Designs that contain multiple colors or complex images often require several different blocks to complete the pattern. This art form requires an incredibly steady hand and a precise, repetitive movement to execute a master-level block print.

Our collection of block print napkins is made entirely by hand, including the printing, cutting and sewing of each individual napkin at the family’s facility in Rajasthan. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India. 

Our Block Print Napkins (Set of 4) have been handmade by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each napkin is printed by hand using an ancient process. 

To begin, a master craftsperson carves the desired pattern -- or fragment of a pattern that will later be combined -- out of a solid piece of locally sourced wood. After the block is completed, a second artisan mixes natural dyes before he dips each block and presses it down onto a long strip of cloth. Designs that contain multiple colors or complex images often require several different blocks to complete the pattern. This art form requires an incredibly steady hand and a precise, repetitive movement to execute a master-level block print.

Our collection of block print napkins is made entirely by hand, including the printing, cutting and sewing of each individual napkin at the family’s facility in Rajasthan. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India. 

Our Block Print Napkins (Set of 4) have been handmade by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each napkin is printed by hand using an ancient process. 

To begin, a master craftsperson carves the desired pattern -- or fragment of a pattern that will later be combined -- out of a solid piece of locally sourced wood. After the block is completed, a second artisan mixes natural dyes before he dips each block and presses it down onto a long strip of cloth. Designs that contain multiple colors or complex images often require several different blocks to complete the pattern. This art form requires an incredibly steady hand and a precise, repetitive movement to execute a master-level block print.

Our collection of block print napkins is made entirely by hand, including the printing, cutting and sewing of each individual napkin at the family’s facility in Rajasthan. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India. 

This Wooden Spoon Ornament has been handcrafted by a family-owned business in Indonesia. Perfect for the chef or food enthusiast in your life, you can hang this ornament on the tree or use it as a sweet and thoughtful topper on a wrapped gift. Sold individually.

This Wooden Spoon Ornament has been handcrafted by a family-owned business in Indonesia. Perfect for the chef or food enthusiast in your life, you can hang this ornament on the tree or use it as a sweet and thoughtful topper on a wrapped gift. Sold individually.

Our Eloise Blue and White Lidded Porcelain Pot has been handcrafted by a third-generation artisan family in China. This delicate and pretty jar can be used as a petite vase or as a striking decorative piece. It features an elegant depiction of a garden scene hand painted in gorgeous cobalt.

This natural fiber hand towel has been hand loomed by a talented group of spinners and weavers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Fair Trade group employs an art form that has been a part of Ethiopian crafts since ancient times. Our partners spin and weave 100% locally grown cotton and use AZO free dyes.

Our artisan partner ensures that their craftspeople are supported in the health, education and economic stability of their families. The group provides training and a reliable income, empowering the artisans to succeed. Our partner makes a particular emphasis on sustainability, and uses water recycling systems, biofuels, solar heating and composting in their everyday processes.

We love the neutral, natural fibers of this towel. Use it in the kitchen or bathroom for an organic, modern take on a traditional hand towel. It’s easy-to-care-for instructions mean that you can use it anywhere.

This natural fiber hand towel has been hand loomed by a talented group of spinners and weavers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Fair Trade group employs an art form that has been a part of Ethiopian crafts since ancient times. Our partners spin and weave 100% locally grown cotton and use AZO free dyes.

Our artisan partner ensures that their craftspeople are supported in the health, education and economic stability of their families. The group provides training and a reliable income, empowering the artisans to succeed. Our partner makes a particular emphasis on sustainability, and uses water recycling systems, biofuels, solar heating and composting in their everyday processes.

We love the neutral, natural fibers of this towel. Use it in the kitchen or bathroom for an organic, modern take on a traditional hand towel. It’s easy-to-care-for instructions mean that you can use it anywhere.

Our Zambezi Dancing Basket has been handcrafted by a group of Fair Trade BaTonga women in Southern Zambia, where they are known for their intricate basket work. The design and organic shape of this special basket is said to mimic the rhythm of dancing palm trees blowing in the wind.

There is great diversity in the styles of weaving and patterns across Zambia’s Southern Plateau region. Using local palm leaves, wild twigs and creeping vines, the artisans produce iconic basketry that showcases the region’s rich crafting heritage. Each basket is one-of-a-kind, and their unique shape is the result of the weaver’s creativity and skill.

Our 5x7 Bone Inlay Picture Frame has been created by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each frame is hand crafted in a meticulous and detailed process.

This beautiful frame features a traditional botanical pattern. Adorned with intricately carved recycled and naturally occurring bone, it takes a team of individual artisans to create a single frame. One artisan is responsible for hand carving each piece of bone into delicate leaf shapes. A second person affixes those pieces onto a wooden base in the intricate pattern featured on the frame. The third and final master artisan fills the outline of the pattern with colored resin to create the background. Additional team members sand and seal the piece before it is complete.

We’re in love with the stunning contrast between the intricate floral pattern and the dark resin background. Our Bone Inlay Picture Frame is a chic desk or bedside accessory. It also makes for a thoughtful and stylish gift. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India.

Our 5x7 Bone Inlay Picture Frame has been created by a family of master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each frame is hand crafted in a meticulous and detailed process.

This beautiful frame features a traditional botanical pattern. Adorned with intricately carved recycled and naturally occurring bone, it takes a team of individual artisans to create a single frame. One artisan is responsible for hand carving each piece of bone into delicate leaf shapes. A second person affixes those pieces onto a wooden base in the intricate pattern featured on the frame. The third and final master artisan fills the outline of the pattern with colored resin to create the background. Additional team members sand and seal the piece before it is complete.

We’re in love with the stunning contrast between the intricate floral pattern and the dark resin background. Our Bone Inlay Picture Frame is a chic desk or bedside accessory. It also makes for a thoughtful and stylish gift. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India.

Our 5x7 Inlay Picture Frame has been created by master artisans in Rajasthan, India. Using a technique that has been passed down through multiple generations, each frame is hand crafted in a meticulous and detailed process.

This beautiful frame features a natural and neutral resin pattern. Adorned with intricately carved recycled and naturally occurring bone, it takes a team of individual artisans to create a single frame. One artisan is responsible for hand carving each piece of bone into delicate shapes. A second person affixes those pieces onto a wooden base in the intricate pattern featured on the frame. The third and final master artisan fills the outline of the pattern with resin to create the background. Additional team members sand and seal the piece before it is complete.

We’re in love with the stunning simplicity of this complex design. Our Inlay Picture Frame is a chic desk or bedside accessory. It also makes for a thoughtful and stylish gift. Every purchase directly supports our artisan partners in India.

This vintage-inspired print of daisies grounded in our favorite hue, indigo, will light up your holiday celebrations, rituals and routines. Set them out on display near your favorite candle, or gift this oversized matchbook to a host or friend this holiday season. 

Our Elephant Bottle Stopper is created by a woman-owned, boutique manufacturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an eco-conscious production method, the artisans cast each bottle stopper from zinc and coat the exterior of the molded elephant with an antique brass finish. Each purchase empowers our artisan partners in South Africa.

Our Cheetah Bottle Stopper is created by a woman-owned, boutique manufacturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an eco-conscious production method, the artisans cast each bottle stopper from zinc and coat the exterior of the molded animal with an antique brass finish. Each purchase empowers our artisan partners in South Africa.

Our Hippo Bottle Stopper is created by a woman-owned, boutique manufacturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an eco-conscious production method, the artisans cast each bottle stopper from zinc and coat the exterior of the molded animal with an antique brass finish. Each purchase empowers our artisan partners in South Africa.

Our Giraffe Bottle Stopper is created by a woman-owned, boutique manufacturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Using an eco-conscious production method, the artisans cast each bottle stopper from zinc and coat the exterior of the molded animal with an antique brass finish. Each purchase empowers our artisan partners in South Africa.