Obakki Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back

The Potters of Akiliba

Gifting with intention is on everyone’s mind these days and Obakki has been leading the way for over a decade. Our holiday gift guide makes it easy to choose ethical, eco-friendly Christmas presents that will feel just as good giving as they do receiving.

We worked hard all year to find the most impactful causes, ethical manufacturers and fair trade artisans to bring you stunning products that also make a difference in the real world. All of our products come with a clean conscience so you can give gifts with a greater purpose. We’ve curated a list of our most impactful products for those looking to give back. We partner with artisans and communities around the world, providing financial independence through sustainable, ethical opportunities.

A Gift With a Cause: Scarves for Water

Scarves for Water

Our limited-edition scarves have brought clean water to over 3 million people in South Sudan and Uganda. Communities in dire need of a sustainable source of water are assigned a specific scarf colour and when we sell 500 of them, 100% of net proceeds go directly toward drilling a water well.

Our Bidi Bidi scarf features a design inspired by art from women in the world’s largest refugee camp, in Uganda. Our partnership with these women is helping them start new lives after escaping civil war.

Scarves for Water
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue Home Textiles

Turkish Silk Scarf | Blue

$215.00
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles
Turkish Silk Scarf | Black Home Textiles

Turkish Silk Scarf | Black

$215.00

Handwoven Baskets That Support Economic Independence

Basket Weavers of Kitui

The women of Kitui, Kenya weave baskets with soul. These widows and single mothers are able to feed their families and send their children to school by handweaving our baskets using natural dyes and locally-sourced sisal fiber.

Our eco-friendly baskets are handmade by our artisan partners using natural dyes and locally sourced sisal fiber. Whether you are using them as a storage catch-all or a woven plant pot, any way you style these baskets you’ll be adding a global flair to your space.

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18" Sisal Basket | Melange

$145.00
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18" Sisal Basket | Swirl

$145.00
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18" Sisal Basket | Solid

$145.00
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18" Sisal Basket | Stripes

$145.00

A Journey to Healing: Bags by Judith

Judith sewing her weekender bags

Judith is transforming tragedy into healing with her beautiful bags. After surviving a terrifying assault, Judith began sewing these bags to deal with her trauma. Her focus and dedication have had an enormous impact on her recovery. She says that with each stitch, she is slowly taking back her power, rebuilding herself after years of suffering.

PREORDER: The Weekender Bag | MOMA Edition Duffel Bags
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Bags
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Bags Moma OS
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Bags
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Edition Accessories
PREORDER: The Weekender Bag | MOMA Edition Duffel Bags
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Bags
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Bags Moma OS
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Bags
The Weekender Bag | MOMA Edition Accessories

The Weekender Bag | MOMA Edition

$75.00
The Weekender Bag | Namazzi Bags Arua OS
The Weekender Bag | Namazzi Bags
The Weekender Bag | Namazzi Accessories
The Weekender Bag | Namazzi Bags Arua OS
The Weekender Bag | Namazzi Bags
The Weekender Bag | Namazzi Accessories

The Weekender Bag | Namazzi

$75.00
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags Green Stripes
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Accessories
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags Green Stripes
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Bags
The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes Accessories

The Weekender Bag | Green Stripes

$75.00
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags Pixels
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Accessories
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags Pixels
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Bags
The Weekender Bag | Pixels Accessories

The Weekender Bag | Pixels

$75.00

Upcycled Jewelry From Kibera

Jack in his Kibera workshop

Situated in the heart of Nairobi is the neighbourhood of Kibera, and despite crushing poverty, the area has a thriving community of artists, dancers, craftsmen, and thousands of other talented residents. It is here in Kibera where you’ll find Jack and his group of artisans. Under Jack’s creative direction, they create beautiful jewelry from scraps found outside the tiny shack where they work, making them the perfect sustainable gift. Jack is the visionary of this talented collective and they’re looking to improve their quality of life through access to opportunities.

Reclaimed horn bangle
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry
Hoop & Ring Earring Jewelry

Hoop & Ring Earring

$125.00
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry Gold Plated
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry Silver Plated
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry Gold Plated
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry Silver Plated
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry
Squared Bangle | Slim Jewelry

Squared Bangle | Slim

$135.00
Split Ring Jewelry Gold Plated 5
Split Ring Jewelry Silver Plated 5
Split Ring Jewelry
Split Ring Jewelry
Split Ring Jewelry
Split Ring Jewelry Gold Plated 5
Split Ring Jewelry Silver Plated 5
Split Ring Jewelry
Split Ring Jewelry
Split Ring Jewelry

Split Ring

$110.00
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry Gold Plated
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry Silver Plated
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry Gold Plated
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry Silver Plated
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry
Hexagon Earrings | Large Jewelry

Hexagon Earrings | Large

$105.00

Wooden Bowls & Flatware with Generations of Skill

Amadou and his hand carved bowl

In northern Mali, Amadou has been refining his craft since he was eight years old. Using techniques passed down through generations, from father to son, Amadou has mastered the art of hand carving traditional wooden bowls. No complex machines. No fancy gadgets. No unnecessary complications. Just generations of knowledge and reverence for the wood itself passing through his hands.

Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10
Hand Carved 10

Hand Carved 10" Redwood Bowl

$135.00
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6
Hand Carved 6

Hand Carved 6" Seasoning Spoon

$49.00
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 9
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 8
Hand Carved 9

Hand Carved 9" Seasoning Spoon

$60.00
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12
Hand Carved 12

Hand Carved 12" Redwood Bowl

$207.00