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Lauren Conrad's New Amazon Handmade Shop Gives Back to Female Artisans Around the World

Every purchase from The Little Market empowers women with financial freedom, education, and more.

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lauren conrad amazon handmade the little market
Amazon Handmade/The Little Market

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Like many of us, Lauren Conrad has relied on Amazon to get her through quarantine. Even the other day, she found herself scrolling through Amazon Handmade to find decorative coat hooks for a room that she's sprucing up. (FYI: Amazon Handmade is a store within the Amazon marketplace that sells "unique products crafted by makers around the world.")

But now, it's come full circle for the reality star-turned-designer and entrepreneur: The Little Market, the nonprofit that she started with Hannah Skvarla in 2013, is now selling artisan-made goods on Amazon Handmade. Every item — ranging from coconut-soy wax candles to reusable burlap totes — is made by one of six female artisan groups across Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Philippines, Rwanda, the United States, and India.

"Storytelling is so important to us, and more and more, people want to learn the stories behind the products that they're using," Lauren told Good Housekeeping. Take the burlap wine tote, for example: It's made by women in Bangladesh, and every purchase (same goes for the rest of The Little Market line) puts money right back into their pockets. "When you give female artisans opportunities like this, you see independence in their homes. You give them more of a voice in financial decisions. A lot of the artisans even tell us that they're now able to send their daughters to school," she continues.

No matter if you're on the hunt for the perfect gift that gives back or simply want something special to upgrade your space (psst, take a look at the hand-woven baskets from Rwanda), you'll feel and do good when you buy something from The Little Market's new Amazon Handmade storefront. Take a look at our favorite products — Lauren's, too! — below.

1
Lauren's Must-Have Product

The Little Market Reusable Burlap Gift Tote Bag

Reusable Burlap Gift Tote Bag
Credit: Amazon Handmade

For a more sustainable option, throw gifts or groceries in this jute tote, which also boasts phrases like "I love you" and "Best day ever." Lauren loves their two-in-one factor: "You can fill these bags with little gifts or produce, but they're also a gift in themselves," she says. 

Supports artisans at CORR - The Jute Works in Bangladesh

2
Lauren's Go-To Gift

The Little Market Peony Scented Candle

Peony Scented Candle
Credit: Amazon Handmade

Candles are a classic gift for a reason — and these coconut-soy wax beauties made by female refugees at Prosperity Candle in Massachusetts are anything but basic. In fact, Lauren says candles are her go-to gift: "I like to give someone something that they can eat, drink, or burn. Giving a candle, in some ways, creates an experience for them."

Supports female refugees at Prosperity Candle in the United States

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3

The Little Market Lightweight Hand Towel

Lightweight Hand Towel
Credit: Amazon Handmade

Add a pop of pink to your bathroom or kitchen by hanging this hand-woven, ultra-absorbent hand towel. 

Supports artisans at Kara Weaves in India

4

The Little Market Woven Star Bowl

Woven Star Bowl
Credit: Amazon Handmade

One bowl, so many ways: You can store your keys, phone, or other essentials inside, or hang it on the wall for an eye-catching display. Opt for baskets in different sizes — available in 10" and 12" on Amazon Handmade — for added depth.

Supports artisans at All Across Africa in Rwanda

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5

The Little Market Reusable Burlap Wine Tote Bag

Reusable Burlap Wine Tote Bag
Credit: Amazon Handmade

Because you can never go wrong with a bottle of bubbly. Stock up on a few of these wine totes for the holiday season for hostess gifts, Secret Santa presents, or last-minute finds. Fun fact: The adorable champagne design was hand-drawn by Lauren. 

Supports artisans at  CORR - The Jute Works in Bangladesh

6

The Little Market Dainty Dark Blue Opal Necklace

Dainty Dark Blue Opal Necklace
Credit: Amazon Handmade

Blue Opal is said to bring joy and creativity to anyone who wears it, so you may want to order this ASAP. To really get your fix, pair it with the matching bracelet.

Supports artisans at TAYO Collective in the Philippines

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7

The Little Market Birthday Cake Candle

Birthday Cake Candle
Credit: Amazon Handmade

Even if you can't be there to celebrate their birthday IRL, they can burn this vanilla cake-scented candle to feel your love. The colorful sprinkles on top also bring some much-needed cheer. 

Supports female refugees at Prosperity Candle in the United States

8

The Little Market Layered Tassel Earrings

Layered Tassel Earrings
Credit: Amazon Handmade

These navy tassel earrings are light enough to wear all day, but still make a big impact (even if you're just trying to dress up your WFH look).

Supports artisans at Penh Lenh in Cambodia

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9

The Little Market Lightweight Striped Fringe Beach Towel

Lightweight Striped Fringe Beach Towel
Credit: Amazon Handmade

Throw this cotton towel on the ground for your next picnic or beach day, or style it as a sarong wrap when you catch a chill. 

Supports artisans at Kara Weaves in India

Headshot of Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

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