UPDATE: The winner is Joy [email protected]  Congratulations!

Recently I was contacted by NOVICA, who, in association with National Geographic offers hand goods from artists around the world.  NOVICA takes the middle man out, which allows the artists to make more money for their goods and the consumers to pay less, which is a win-win.  In addition, NOVICA allows artists to have worldwide exposure for their goods, which increases their market dramatically.  At NOVICA, you can find an array of goods including jewelry, wool scarves, and women’s accessories.

I ordered the pearl and quartz Cascadenecklace.  This necklace was crafted by Nareerat in Thailand.  In addition to a description of the necklace, you can also read a description of the artist.  For instance, Nareerat is a mother to a daughter and twin sons and opened her own store in 2004.

The package arrived within a few days and came wrapped in a lovely package of sustainably harvested bark in Thailand.  They even included a little card that explained the process.  In addition, I received a small card with a picture of Thailand.

If you like the cause NOVICA stands for, you may want to look into NOVICA LIVE,  which is NOVICA’s party division. You can sign up to be a host of a party where you can show your friends NOVICA products in person; a consultant will be available to answer questions and show items. Or, if you are interested in home business opportunities, you could become a NOVICA consultant.

NOVICA also offers microfinancing to their artisans.  You could choose to give a certain amount of money, say $25, as a 0% interest loan for an artist.  When you are repaid, you can gain an additional 15% of your loan amount if you use that money to purchase NOVICA products.

If you are looking for a unique, beautiful gift that helps support local artists from around the world, look no further than NOVICA.

The Giveaway

NOVICA has generously offered to give one Mom’s Plans reader a $50 certificate to NOVICA to use as you choose.  (This would make a great holiday gift.)

To enter, simply visit the NOVICA site and come back here and leave a comment about which item you would like to purchase should you win.

Additional Methods of Entry

-Follow Mom’s Plans via RSS Feed or Google Friend Connect, or leave a comment that you already do, if that is the case.

-Like NOVICA on Facebook

-Like Mom’s Plans on Facebook

-Follow NOVICA on Twitter

-Follow Mom’s Plans on Twitter

-Blog about this giveaway or write about it on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment that you did so along with the link.

This giveaway will end on Friday, October 28th at 11:59 p.m. CST.  The winner will be chosen via random.org

I was given one $50 gift certificate to try out NOVICA.  No other compensation was given.  All opinions are my own.