Luxurious Gifts From The Middle East Provide Holiday and Economic Cheer

Last month we showcased Valerie Standen, founder of Oddysey Imports, who finds luxury goods that are responsibly hand crafted and also provide economic opportunity for those who have a difficult time finding gainful employment in the Middle East. Most of the goods that she showcases come from social innovation leaders who demonstrate incredible resilience and artisan workshops in Egypt and Lebanon.

We invited her back to show case some of the products that are part of her holiday lineup and boast what social enterprise in the Middle East is all about. All of them can be ordered on Oddysey’s Imports’ web site. Especially rewarding is her work from 2B Design, a Beirut workshop that salvages wrought iron from demolished homes and gives it a second life as lamps and other housewares. While providing a living to workers who would otherwise struggle, 2B Design has also won design awards for their craft.

Enjoy perusing the find results of Middle Eastern social entrepreneurship and have a great holiday season!

"Senteurs d'Orient" Gift Boxes, with a collection of soaps and bathing amenities worthy of a royal bath! Featuring here the Large Gift box and its contents.

"Senteurs d'Orient" Gift Boxes

Ideal Hostess Gifts and party favors, the "Senteurs d'Orient" organza Soap Pouches are available in 11 different fragrances and colors. Featuring here the Almond soap in its cheery green pouch.

"Senteurs d'Orient" organza Soap Pouches

Egyptian alabaster hostess set, including a wine cooler, cheese platter and coasters. Sold separately or as a set, to entertain like the Pharaohs did!

Egyptian Alabaster hostess set

"Beyt" by 2B Design Vintage decorative cushions. Featuring here antique Silk Sari fabrics, hand-beaded and embroidered in the traditional Indian technique, combined with neat, modern burlap. Beautiful accents for a festive home.

"Beyt" by 2b design Vintage Decorative Cushions.

"Beyt" by 2B Design 19th century wrought-iron lamp, paired with a vintage Suzani lamp screen, to light up the Holiday season with a touch of history!

"Beyt" by 2b design 19th century wrought-iron lamp

"Arabesque" authentic Levantine kaftan. Featuring here the "Calypso" knee-length model, A gorgeous display of Eastern embroidery with silk thread on delicate cream lace and satin trim on a cotton lining, this Arabesque design will complement any dress as an elegant overcoat, or pair with your favorite pants to take your Holiday outfit to the next level.

"Calypso" knee-length Kaftan.

Another "Arabesque"  authentic Levantine kaftan. An elegant and skilled patchwork of silk in precious tones of blues, golds and violets, antique-gold appliqué on the chest and blue lace trim on the hem, sure to make a statement at the Holiday festivities.

"Arabesque" authentic Levantine Kaftan.

Pictured top left:  -"Senteurs d'Orient" Soap in Silver, original, intriguing gift ideas. Featuring the "Hammam Bowl", the "Rosace Bowl" and the Round Silver Box.