Il Villaggio dei Popoli

A short walk from the Sant’Ambrogio market, this fair-trade bottega has been Florence’s home for ethical shopping since 1990. Why it matters: Il Villaggio dei Popoli is a nonprofit cooperative with over 3,000 members that pioneered commercio equo e solidale in Tuscany, guaranteeing fair prices and dignified working conditions to producers across the Global South. The shelves mix single-origin chocolate, Indian teas and Filipino mascobado sugar with handmade crafts, cosmetics and jewelry, all certified through Equo Garantito. Pick up edible souvenirs here instead of at the airport – the cacao and spice section is excellent and your money funds producer communities. Note the midday closure, like most local shops.