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Ten Thousand Villages (www.tenthousandvillages.com) has ten thousand tchotchkes to eyeball, touch, and buy. You’ll find something for everyone on your list, and while you’re at it, you’ll feel good about yourself. Ten Thousand Villages supports “fair trade” with developing countries; its artisans are supposed to be paid fair wages and not work in substandard conditions. The results-- great goodies at reasonable prices. There are chunky glass bracelets, hand-knitted scarves, hand-sewn leather wallets. There are long strands of silver streamers from India to decorate a Christmas tree, or toss over a chandelier. Multi-colored placemats from the Philippines are made from recycled paper and make a fun, colorful splash on your table. There are trendy table runners and other dining accoutrements, candles big, candles small, and candles in-between to fill every need, style and taste. Sometimes there are sad stories: A small embroidered change purse was made by Tsunami victims in Sumatra. A cat-faced bank made from goat skin leather helps displaced workers build homes in Kolkata. You can help spread the good will by registering for wedding gifts here. Your socially conscious friends will thank you. There are three Ten Thousand Villages stores in the state: Red Bank, Summit and Princeton. Find one close by and enjoy. Spend freely, so that others can share the wealth. Monday: We’ll trek to a rural farm, for a cheese that is sure to please! Have a great weekend, and a Happy Hanukkah!
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