We design and produce ethical gifts, and sustainable merchandising for your employees, clients, events (in Thailand, Southeast Asia, and globally)

At Dao Ethical Gifts, we work and outsource the production to women living in marginalized communities, empowering them with upskilling training and work readiness, challenging systemic poverty and gender norms by building self-confidence and dignity.

Our social enterprise is powered by the Baan Dek Foundation (www.baandekfoundation.org). 

Every day, we work closely with social workers to empower women most in need and carefully match the order of ethical gifts with their sewing, handicraft skills, and their priority income needs. Dao Ethical Gifts's production team in Chiang Mai will mentor them step by step to lead them through the “ production “ processes (product training, control and quality, delivery time, and contract processes). 

So...your customized gifts reflect a unique story of resilience and empowerment!

We are social change makers, carrying out ethical production processes without compromising product quality, safety, compliance, and social impact. We ensure the traceability of our raw materials, which come from ethical sources (labels Gotts, Ecotex), upcycled fabric from (Moreloop), and handmade Indigo from the location.

With our ethical branding solutions, merchandising, and gifts, we purely work at promoting sustainable practices. 

We are a Thailand-based registered non-profit social enterprise, meaning 100% of profits are reinvested into training and work-readiness coaching.

A young woman holding a baby girl in her arms outdoors. The woman has long brown hair, is wearing a white T-shirt with colorful text, and looks directly at the camera. The baby girl is dressed in a pink outfit with a matching hat and patterned pants, and is resting peacefully.

'Dao' was inspired by the story of a young girl named Duan (Thai for 'moon') and her younger sister Dao (Thai for 'star').

Duan and Dao were living under tin roofs in a marginalized community in Chiang Mai that lacked access to clean water and public services. At only 14 years old, Duan was using a false age so that she could work. She was then married at 15 years old, pregnant at 16 years old, and eventually became a single mother.  Despite Duan’s difficult situation, Baan Dek Foundation was able to inspire, empower, and support both Duan and Dao to help them build a better future. We believe that every woman and girl, no matter where they are from, deserves to live out their dreams.

Through Dao Ethical Gifts, we aim to bring a sparkle back into the eyes of women most in need: breaking the cycle of poverty, building ambition and hope for a brighter future.

A person holding a child's hand walking outside with a background overlay of blue with white stars and the text '50+ Producers are our Stars'.

The Dao Dream Team

Dao Social Enterprise brings together passionate professionals and pro-bono experts, working together, collaborating on R&D, interweaving marketing and social work skills to support women-led change.

Our enterprise was created in response to the critical needs of mothers identified by social workers in Chiang Mai. Powered by Baan Dek Foundation, we keep collaborating together to explore sustainable ways to shift gender norms, empower mothers, and build safer, community-based support systems.

  • A woman with long dark hair wearing a white T-shirt with the word DAC printed on it, standing in front of a white wooden wall.

    Magali du Parc

    FOUNDER & STRATEGIC ADVISOR

    ‘‘Every mother deserves a safe environment to nurture a future for her children.

    In my vision of women's empowerment, unity in purposeful action is essential: fostering innovation and cultivating networks and partnerships with private companies and society.

    Together, we can work to ensure that women see the sparkle of hope in their children's eyes and break the cycle of poverty.’’

  • A man wearing glasses and a white T-shirt with the word 'DAD' printed on it, smiling and pointing to his head, holding a decorated item with a red background and floral design, standing in front of a white wall and a metal grid.

    Werapong Peansupap (Pank)

    DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE, DAO ETHICAL GIFTS

    "We believe that every woman has great potential, but sometimes it is hidden or obscured by their surroundings. So our primary goal is to make women shine like stars, or ‘dao,’ the Thai word for star."

  • A woman with short brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt with the word 'DAD' in reverse and a star, smiling against a plain white background.

    Sudaporn Singhadhepthada (Amy)

    SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MANAGER

    “I feel honored to be a part of Dao Ethical Gifts team, it's a great opportunity to make a positive difference for driving inclusion and social mobility and be a ray of sunshine to those women in need.”

  • Naphalai Imon (Plai)

    PRODUCTION OFFICER

    “I feel grateful to be part of Dao Ethical Gifts because I can help mothers earn money and learn new skills while taking care of their families. It’s more than just a job, it’s an opportunity that can truly change lives.”

  • A smiling young woman with glasses and shoulder-length brown hair with red tips, wearing a white t-shirt with black Greek letters and a star, in an indoor setting.

    Mallika Hagat (Fah)

    PRODUCTION OFFICER

    “FEAR has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run. Face Everything And Rise”

  • Tinna Khumkerd (Tanya)

    ACCOUNTANT AND FINANCE OFFICER

    “Being part of Dao Ethical Gifts matters deeply to me, as even the smallest opportunity can help a woman rediscover her light, care for her family, and grow with confidence.”

  • A person smiling in a workshop or craft room, standing in front of a wall with posters and hanging papers, with shelves filled with various supplies and tools in the background.

    Supin Kongpaikun (Pin)

    WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM ASSISTANT

    “Real inner strength comes from self-belief.”

  • A woman with short, light brown hair wearing a white t-shirt with Greek letters 'ΔΑΦ' printed on it in black, standing against a plain white wall.

    Magda Dolna

    VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGNER (CONSULTANT)

    “It is very rewarding to support the creation and branding of Dao products, and to see Dao artisans enjoying their work to make handmade ethical gifts and growing every day.”

DAO SPECIAL COLLABORATORS

  • A smiling woman holding a navy blue pillow with white text that reads 'SHOES ARE L رحمcious' near a white wall.

    Chitsuda Chinati (Ann)

    “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

    - Maya Angelou

  • Young woman with curly black hair smiling, wearing a white t-shirt with black Greek letters and a star that says 'DAD'

    Supriya Kasaju

    “What brings me immense comfort are women like those who are a part of Dao and those who support Dao behind the scenes. By empowering women – no matter their station in life – we are now going to break free from the cycle of abuse and serve as inspiration for the next generation of women together.”

  • Chanpassanan Thachaiyossak (Boom)

    “Due to a lack of opportunities, many women do not have special skills. By empowering them with skills and knowledge, they become more confident and have more opportunities.”

  • A young man with dark hair and facial hair, wearing a white t-shirt with the text 'D4O' and a star, smiling indoors near windows with a view of trees.

    Natthawat Lawson

    “As a team, we work diligently to create meaningful opportunities and support networks for women in-need. Together, we strive to break down barriers and uplift the voices of those who have been marginalized. Our commitment to women's empowerment drives us every day, as we collectively build a brighter and more inclusive future for all."

  • A woman with short dark hair tied back, smiling, wearing a white T-shirt with black text that says 'DAD' and a star, standing against a plain white wall.

    Nang Sein Pwint

    "Many women experience violence, gender inequality, and discrimination due to traditional and cultural norms. With the support of Dao, women are able to reach their full potential through training in leadership skills, financial literacy, decision making, violence prevention, business management, and other skills. I encourage all women to improve their lives by stepping out of their comfort zones to become a better version of themselves.”

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