CLOSED: Novica (R&G)

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

I know there are many places I'd love to visit in my lifetime but whether I will get to visit all of them I really don't know but thanks to this wonderful initiative campaigned, in association with National Graphic, you can get to enjoy the traditional skills and talented craftsmanship of artists and artisans from 8 different regions in the world.
This is Novica!

The 'Novica Nation' bridges distances and geographic barriers to bring the regional works of local artists and artisans into your home.

Okay, so you have a fetish for handmade jewelry and want to take your collection to another level....well have you ever considered buying yourself unique, one of a kind pieces from around the world, sitting at your computer?

You can buy this beautiful gossamer pearl web necklace from Thailand

or to all you menfolk out there...Valentine's Day is fast approaching...how about this beautiful sterling silver heart necklace from exotic India?

Mommy, your little girl is now all grown up and is all set to leave for college. You want her to know that though you can't be with her always, she will be protected by God and His Angels will safeguard her steps (Psalm 91). Here's a precious little symbol to remind her of that, all the way from the Andes.


Novica has something for everyone including corporate gifts for the office big-wigs. The number of products showcased on the site are numerous and it took me over a week to finally narrow down on what I'd pick with my Novica gift certificate. Even though I was tempted to go all desi to support my craftsmen back home, I finally decided I'd pick something different, from a region I may not visit.....Bali and Java.

My package arrived in less than 2 weeks after placing my order, delicately wrapped to protect its fragile contents.
I particularly noted and appreciated the time taken to pack my Batubulan placemats


I also ordered a set of 4 traditional teacups and saucers (I know, I know....how could the tea lover in me resist!) and a pair of 'Frangipani Leaves' bowls.


My package arrived with a little note from the Novica team that completed the total package experience. (Click on the photograph to view a larger image of the note.)


Each product came with a little booklet introducing the origins of the product and a brief bio on the gifted artisan who'd created the same.


Needless to say, I'm thrilled with my treasures!

The Novica shopping experience is unique and above all, for a good cause...supporting and encouraging the work of local artisans and giving them a worthy recognition in the global market.

Truly...thanks to Novica and the National Geographic, the world literally does becomes your marketplace, just with a few clicks at your computer!


Buy it:

You can buy products from the Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa. Just keep in mind that shipping rates will vary from region to region.

Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a 75 US$ gift certificate that may be used to buy any product(s) from the Novica site. (The certificate can be used towards the shipping charges as well)

Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Look around the Novica site and tell me one product you'd love to own. (Please mention the region too)

Additional entries:

-2. Subscribe to my blog (remember you need to activate the subscription if you subscribe via email) or Follow my blog & leave a comment stating that you subscribe or follow.

-3. Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)

-4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can add the hashtag #giveaway #ebmr at the end. To make tweeting easy, I've added the re-tweet button! (You can tweet daily. Each daily tweet counts as an additional entry) or you can just copy and paste this tweet...

RT @ebmommy Win a 75 US$ Novica gift certificate at Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports: http://is.gd/6ZY00 #ebmr #giveaway

-5. Add the link to this giveaway on a Mr Linky on a blog giveaway site, forum, carnival. (leave a comment with the link)

-6. Snag my Blog button and leave a comment with the link.

-7. Vote for Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports in the Giveaway Blog Contest just once and receive an additional entry for every giveaway till March 1 2010.

This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years and above.

1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on February 20 2010 at 10 pm Central time, so enter before that. The winner's name will be posted thereafter. Please note if any winner does not get back to me 48 hours after his/her name has been posted, I will pick a new winner.



** EBMR Disclaimer: Thanks to Novica, I was sent a gift certificate to purchase Novica products for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**