The Perfect Gifts that Give Back

When you purchase a shell from Old Line Oysters, you’ll receive a gifted 5”x7” watercolor print like my lovely ginger jar. 

Whether it be birthdays, weddings, or milestones, these days, most of us are not gathering the way we once did. Even though we might not be physically with someone, it is always a good idea to recognize or send a gift for special moments! Heck, even if you have been working hard and want to treat yourself to a little something, gifts that give back are always a good idea. That’s why I love Old Line Oysters. They are a handmade, bespoke gift company from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, that focuses on oyster restoration and recovery, reef conservation and fair trade. You may remember a couple of months ago I chatted about Rachel and Old Line Oysters on my Instagram, and I am so excited to share more about the company, their mission, and why they are the perfect small gift destination. If you love anything coastal, you will love Old Line Oysters! 

THEIR MISSION 

Rachel, the founder, wanted to create a company where individuals could shop for artisanal pieces that speak to classic lifestyle inspired by Maryland’s Eastern Shore, whose profits supported nonprofits and small artists alike. Old Line Oysters has two key criteria: two be socially conscious and to support artists (especially female artists) through fair trade. Old Line Oysters partners with The Oyster Recovery Partnership and Hands Producing Hope to ensure that their gifts are giving back! 

Living near the water, Rachel saw the challenges the Chesapeake bay and oceans were facing from variables like pollution. The Oyster Recovery Partnership sets out to preserve oyster habitats and work on oyster restoration projects that maximize their important work in the ecosystem. Old Line Oysters donates 10% of every sale to plant restoring oysters. To date they have planted nearly 30,000 oysters! Old Line Oysters also supports Hands Producing Hope, a fair trade women’s artist collective that aids in providing women in rural or poverty-stricken areas access to maternal care and education. Most importantly, they empower and value their female artisans. Rachel’s partnership with HPH provides artisans with fair work opportunities, and wellness for the women who make Old Line’s Job’s Tears Necklaces and Moses Post Pearl Earrings. 

THEIR GIFTS & DESIGNS 

Especially in today’s climate, we want to be conscious of our dollars and know we will get a quality product, but also pay it forward. With each lovely Old Line Oyster design, you know you’re getting a small work of art and can feel good about gifting it. If you love blue and white like I do, you will love everything. From jewelry, to handcrafted oysters, to decor and art, there is a little something for everyone. Old Line Oysters’ gift wrap is also exquisite, with their very own toile wrapping paper! I mean, how cute are their gift tags? Their personalizable oysters make for a perfect gift for a bride as a ring dish. Whether they had to push their date, or chose for a smaller ceremony, their day should be celebrated and this is the perfect gift that will be just as meaningful as it is beautiful. 

Something that is important to note is that the process behind Old Line Oysters truly sets them apart. Rachel cares just as much about the integrity of the process and production as she does about the end result! How awesome is that? 

“As an artist, I wanted to make sure that the pieces I put out are either original watercolors done by me, art that I own the rights to, or something that I have collaborated with another artist on..The designs for my monograms are not fonts, but reproduced by hand from etchings of H. Renoir from the 1880’s. The zebra shells are an example of an artist collaboration. They were based on an original watercolor by Victoria Bell & all the proceeds made from the sale of this particular shell will go to the National Arthritis Foundation. Victoria suffers from a rare form of autoimmune arthritis.”  

Rachel, Founder and Owner of Old Line Oysters 

Whether you are looking for a gift for a loved one, or something for yourself, Old Line Oysters has the cutest inventory that is perfect for anyone with a penchant for classic style. When you shop with Old Line Oysters, you can feel good about supporting a small business that pays it forward and supports women. Not only does Rachel give back to organizations, but she also gives back to you! When you purchase a shell from Old Line Oysters, you receive a 5”x7” watercolor print like my lovely ginger jar. 

Thank you Old Line Oysters for partnering on this post and letting me share more of your story.