The shopping season is in full swing — and so are your options for buying great presents and supporting Friends of Londiani. As we mentioned last week, our own Christmas shop is now open (and it’s even got its own page: just click on ‘Shop’ — above — and check the drop-down menu). The ‘stock’ includes our popular cards and calendar, of course, and some lovely and original handbags and clutchbags made by Somonaflo Enterprises — a women’s group in Londiani. And originality is the key to most of the Friend of Londiani Christmas shop offerings. You can buy handmade decorations from many sources of course, but where else, for instance, could you find a 15-piece nativity set and a set of angels handmade in Kenya from banana leaves and fibres? It does look as though the chance to buy something seasonal and surprising has attracted quite a few buyers already as the banana leaves and fibre Santa Claus has already sold out! And that’s not the only product that has attracted attention, so do take a look as soon as you can. All profits are in aid of community development programmes in Kenya so you can be sure you’re helping a good cause. In fact, if that idea inspires you, you can even put your name to a Christmas voucher for community development. For as little as €10 you can choose the community development programme that appeals most — everything from the Girls for Girls programme to clean water and education. Or, if you’re celebrating a recent birth, you could treat your (or a friend’s) new baby to a handmade doll from Kenya and know that your donation is helping to support mothers in Kenya to celebrate their own new, safe arrivals. It’s all there (but not for long!) so do have a look. And have a Merry Christmas!