Cuddle+Kind

You know how your internet creepily stalks you and then picks ads directed at your specific interests? Well, thanks to Google (or maybe Big Brother), I stumbled across the Cuddle+Kind company. Usually I ignore these ads. However, the more I saw them, the more intrigued I became, and eventually I succumbed to curiosity. I’m glad I did.

These little toys are not only adorable, they support a very good cause (actually, two). Each handmade toy (they refer to them as dolls) provides 10 meals for children in need. In addition to this, the dolls are handcrafted in Peru by women artisans who then receive a sustainable and fair trade income. So these beautifully crafted toys help feed children in the US and around the world, as well as help reduce poverty and change the lives of the artisans in Peru.

Before you go and investigate for yourself, let me first say that initially I experienced some sticker shock. In fact, I visited the Cuddle+Kind website several times before I finally decided to make my purchase. I ended up buying two dolls (Stella and Hudson, the polar bear twins) which came with two free prints and free shipping, all for the nominal price of $103. For those of you who know me, I’m not really a big spender. Honestly, I typically don’t spend more than $100 on my daughter for all of her Christmas presents COMBINED. So this was a big ticket item for me.

The thing is this: the price is not about the dolls themselves. I didn’t just buy some expensive toys for my daughter for Christmas – I provided 30 meals for children in need and helped change the lives of the women artisans in Peru. Basically it comes to less than $3.50 per meal – I don’t think I can even buy a coffee at Starbucks for that amount. When I looked at it from that perspective I decided to buy both of them. (Besides it came with two free inspirational prints that also gave five meals each.)

This year I may have gone over my usual spending budget for my daughter, but I’m happy to say that at least I made a difference in doing so. If you have any kiddos on your shopping list this Christmas, you might want to take a look-see at the super cute toys that Cuddle+Kind has to offer. While there, be sure to read about all the wonderful things they are doing to make this world a nicer place.