What is Ten Thousand Villages?

Updated

Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit retailer that sells ethically sourced, handcrafted goods and gifts, operating on fair trade principles and working with artisans around the world. It was founded in 1946 and describes itself as putting people first. If you're looking for artisan-made decor, jewelry, ornaments, or a gift that carries a stated social purpose, this is the kind of store to consider — and because it's a non-profit focused on fair trade rather than a conventional retail chain, the value proposition is as much about how items are made and who benefits as about the products themselves.

What the site offers

The homepage organizes shopping around occasions and recipient types rather than a single product category. Based on the site's own content, you'll find:

  • Handcrafted ornaments — including tree, snowflake, starfish, and animal-themed pieces
  • Holiday decor — handcrafted menorahs, nativities, and seasonal decorations
  • Gift guides — sorted by recipient, such as gifts for her, for him, for kids, for the world traveler, and for the zen seeker
  • Jewelry and home decor — mentioned in the gift card description as part of the broader catalog
  • Digital gift cards — for letting someone else choose their own item
  • Holiday hosting pieces — handcrafted items intended for shared meals and gatherings

The site also features artisan stories, such as a section on Mai Handicrafts, whose ornament sales are described as creating income opportunities for artisans (especially women) and supporting education and community projects.

How fair trade shows up in practice

The site states three commitments that define how it operates:

Claim What it means for a shopper
Artisans earn fair wages in low-income communities Purchases are positioned as directly supporting artisan income
Sustainable and eco-friendly practices Items use upcycled, recycled, and locally sourced materials
Preservation of heritage craft and traditional skills Products are tied to traditional techniques from around the world

These are the store's own stated practices, not independently verified claims in the material available. If fair trade sourcing is your main reason for shopping here, treat the artisan stories and "Meet the Artisan" features as the place to check whether a specific product's backstory matches what you care about.

Who it's for

This store tends to fit shoppers who:

  • Want gifts with a stated social or ethical angle
  • Are shopping for holidays and want ornaments, nativities, or menorahs with a handmade look
  • Prefer to buy from a non-profit rather than a conventional retailer
  • Are looking for a gift card when they don't know the recipient's taste

It's less suited to someone who needs a specific branded item, fast shipping on a tight deadline, or the lowest possible price — the emphasis here is on craft and sourcing, not on being a discount marketplace.

Practical things to know before buying

  • Prices are listed per item. Sample ornament prices shown on the site range from about $6.99 to $16.99, so you can gauge the price band before browsing further.
  • Some items sell out. At least one ornament was marked out of stock, and some products require choosing options (like size or color) before adding to cart.
  • Discounts appear as limited-time promotions. The site advertised 20% off a specific artisan collection for a limited time, which suggests checking the current homepage rather than assuming a standing discount.
  • Gift cards are digital. The e-gift card is described as a way for someone else to pick their own decor, jewelry, or gifts.
  • Email signup is available for new product and artisan story updates, protected by hCaptcha.

If you want to confirm current pricing, availability, or whether a promotion is still running, check the product page directly — those details change, and the site's own listings are the only reliable source.