Rainbow Hedgehog, Nepal

We fell in love with this adorable felted hedgehog the moment we saw it.  It is handcrafted out of wool in a fair trade cooperative in Nepal, and is free of harsh chemicals.  This comes with a loop for hanging. Not intended for children under 3 years old. ABOUT THE ARTISANS This felted toy was handmade by women in a small, family-run fair trade cooperative outside of Katmandu.  Approximately 60 women are employed and they are paid fair wages and work in a safe environment.  The money they earn is primarily used to pay for tuition and books so their children can attend school. Nepal does not provide free public education and the illiteracy rate is around 50% among adults due to the cost of education. This rate is even higher among women and girls in rural areas. The growth of the handicraft export industry has provided many women with increased income, which in turn is lowering the illiteracy rate in the country.