The Seller: Novica.com (part of the National Geographic Family) is an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with sourcing and direct-shipping offices in seven developing nations.

The Goods: At any given time, Novica features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to
world-style home decor. Novica also recently launched an entire section devoted to handbags, where you'll find the perfect tote handbag for running errands to that one-of-a-kind leather handbag you've been searching for to take to the office.

The Cause: Launched in 1999, to date Novica has helped change the lives of 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

The Cost: Most bags at Novica range in price from under $50 to about $200 (not bad compared to designer bags).

Here are 5 of my favorite handbags under $50:

Agel handbag, 'Blue Fantasy', $44.95. Woven by hand from agel grass, this nautical striped handbag says summer.

Alpaca wool shoulder bag, 'Andean Warmth,' $44.95. Rich colors and an on-trend "tribal" print make this bag a chic addition to any wardrobe.

Silk handbag, 'Silver Horizon', $44.95. A simple, classic silhouette makes this the perfect go-with-anything bag.

Cotton batik shoulder bag, 'Chocolate Bouquet', $49.95. Exotic floral patterns appear through hand-stamped batik in this shoulder bag from Bali.

Cotton handbag, 'Plum Abstractions', $22.95. This colorful tote from Thailand looks plucked from the MoMA giftshop, earning it some serious cool points.