In many developing countries women are the backbone of their families and studies show they thrive when they are economically empowered. It was facts like these that inspired Beth and Tammy to start Bambootique, an online store that sells unique and beautiful products that reflects the cultural heritage of those who made them. The items are made primarily by women and are fair trade and eco-friendly. Beyond simply acting as a business, Bambootique tries to promote social awareness and link customers to artisans and their families.

Pinky's Picks

Garden of Gratitude Clutch - Cambodian weavers use traditional looms to hand-weave silk cloth and then sew these into stunning cotton-lined purses, adding flowers and ribbon as the final touch.

Sarita's Necklace - These necklaces, made from hand-carved water buffalo bone, are created mainly by single mothers in Kathmandu, Nepal.

End of the Silk Road Scarf (Ocean Blue) - Handwoven by a Cambodian fair trade cooperative, this scarf can also be used as a table runner or used as an evening wrap.

Sunflower Notecard Set - Use these cards for any special occasion such as birthdays, graduations or just to say thank you for a thoughtful gesture. The cards are crafted by villagers in Thailand from handmade mulberry paper and each one features a sunflower design. The set of five cards comes with one each of blue, pink and green cards, as well as two natural cards.

Cigarillo Candles - These eco-friendly candles are made from all-vegetable wax and dyes, are fragrance-free and use cotton wicks. Their production encourages the preservation of the native Guatemalan forest.

See of all of the beautiful products Bambootique carries after the jump.

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