As we celebrate Mother's Day this week on May 11, we have compiled a list of gift ideas from female-run Jordanian enterprises that support local women. While you can never go wrong with a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, a hand-made piece of pottery, an organic face lotion, or a cooking experience will certainly also overjoy moms everywhere.
Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative Association
The Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative Association was founded over two decades ago by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation (NHF). Since its establishment, the cooperative has worked to provide employment opportunities to Jordanian women and increase their income by utilizing their skills through producing and selling handmade pottery, fabrics, ceramics, soaps, and paper products. A set of colorful bowls, beach towels, or a handmade notebook from Iraq Al Amir will make for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. If you'd like to purchase their crafts, you can contact them directly or visit Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative during your trip in Jordan.
(Photo credit: Iraq Al Amir Facebook)
Established in 2006, Al Karma Kitchen is a Jordan River Foundation social enterprise that offers freshly cooked foods prepared by local women in Jordan. Products include cookies, pastries with zaatar and cheese, locally infused spicy macarons, and delicious cakes, such as the “shades of pistachio,” which is made of ground pistachio, dough, and syrup. All items are handcrafted with the finest ingredients that you can pre-order here and take as a gift for the mothers in your life.
(Photo credit: Al Karma Kitchen Instagram)
Bani Hamida Women Weaving Project
Launched in 1985, the Bani Hamida Weaving Project revamped the long-celebrated tradition of Bedouin weaving and provided job opportunities for local women. Visitors can purchase an array of unique products, designed by Jordanian women from across the kingdom, such as beautiful rugs and pillows with modern embroidery designs. Their items are displayed at the Jordan River Designs Showroom in Amman, or you can shop online through this page.
(Photo credit: Jordan River Designs Instagram)
At a home located in one of Jordan’s oldest neighborhoods, Jabal Al Weibdeh, three Jordanian sisters use their grandmother’s recipes to help teach people how to cook Jordanian dishes, offering them a unique cooking experience in a vibrant and fun atmosphere, which makes for a special Mother’s Day activity. The business also employs many Jordanian women from various areas across Jordan to teach cooking classes and share their techniques and tips with those who visit the home. Additionally, Beit Sitti provides an array for detailed recipes and instructions of local appetizers and main meals that one can easily follow in the comfort of their own home. These products and recipes can be found online on Beit Sitti’s website.
(Photo credit: Beit Sitti Instagram)
Created by Jordanian woman Amina Mango, Amina’s skincare line offers beauty and wellbeing products that are natural, organic, and safe for children, adults, and the environment. Amina's skincare is the only certified organic skin care manufacturing facility and brand located in Jordan and the Middle East. You can shop an array of gift sets online through Amina’s website, such as the “Dead Sea routine” and “The Mother Nature Glow-Up.”
(Photo credit: Amina's Instagram page)
Both Bani Hamida Weaving Center and Iraq Al Amir Women's Cooperative are also featured on the Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan, which includes other women-led social enterprises that offer authentically made Jordanian products and empower local communities while preserving cultural heritage across the country.
