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I went into Ten Thousand Villages with no particular agenda in mind. No Idea what I was looking for and no idea if I'd find anything at all. Now you've heard me extoll the virtures of TTV before--how they're a fair trade, not a free trade store and how their products are not only environmentally friendly, they help artisans around the world enrich their lives by earning non-sweatshop wages. I did buy some lovely cinnamon spice soaps and a body care kit, both from artisans working for Palam Rural Centre ("People's Association for Leather and Allied Manufacturing") in Tamil Nadu, India. Per their website, "...with money from product sales, Palam has purchased land and homes for artisans and built a school for artisans' children. Other artisan benefits include health care and retirement pensions. Palam artisans see education of their children as the key to hope and change. Through this work, Palam Rural Centre is providing dignity and security to artisans and helping to break down caste walls in society."
Ten Thousand Villages sells socially responsible goods that are really useful. Check 'em out sometime.