International Women’s Day 2017 Gift Guide
As well as donating to your favorite organizations, here are some great products to celebrate all women
International Women’s Day isn’t just about cisgender women, white women or American women—it’s an important day to reflect on the hardships, power and resilience of women all over the world. This year’s theme is “Be Bold For Change” and that is about more than daring to take on a personal challenge; it’s about speaking against bias, calling out your friends, and having uncomfortable conversations regarding gender, sexuality, race, and politics. That said, International Women’s Day is also for celebrating women, and sometimes the best way to do that (other than getting together with your friends and family) is to wear your heart on your sleeve—so we have trawled the internet for some of our favorite feminist apparel, accessories and jewelry. Most of the items selected donate part of their proceeds to organizations that directly support women all over the country—and, of course, we suggest price-matching with a donation of your own, if you’re in a position to do so. Some of our suggested organizations are: Women in Need, National Center for Transgender Equality, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU. Of course there are many more beyond the USA.
However you decide to celebrate IWD this year, we hope it’s an uplifting experience that leaves you feeling recharged and ready to take on the world for the rest of 2017.
“Into Myself Always” Tote
A strong advocate for the self-love club, Melbourne-based artist Frances Cannon teamed up with Third Drawer Down for this very sweet, pale pink tote ($30AUD). Featuring an illustration of a woman with tags on different parts of her body all saying “Beautiful” on one side, the other side of the bag boasts everybody’s new mantra, “Into Myself Always.” Measuring 8.3″ by 11.4″, this tote is available exclusively at Third Drawer Down.
Sister Resister T-Shirt
Perhaps the strongest message to come after the 2016 election, January’s Inauguration Day and all the moves made by the US government since, has been resist—and persist. Otherwild has taken note, and now their bright red “Sister Resister” T-shirt ($30) is available for pre-order. The best part is that 25% of proceeds from these 100% cotton, made-in-the-USA, unisex tops will go to the ACLU.
Boob Necklace
Available in either solid sterling silver or 14K gold fill, this simple but sweet boobie necklace ($48) from Melopepo isn’t just a personal accessory—20% of profits go to the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. This simple shape is also used in Melopepo’s earrings and rings and as they are handmade each one is slightly different—just like the real thing.
Trans Symbol Anchor T-Shirt
One version of the transgender symbol, this combination of the male arrow and the female cross was designed by Holly Boswell in 1993 and reimagined as a bold T-shirt ($30) design for all genders. Including a rope motif, this T-shirt further emphasizes the anchor of the symbol and is made of lightweight 100% fine ring-spun cotton. Available in sizes from XS to 2XL.
1973 T-Shirt
1973 was the year in which the Supreme Court case Roe vs Wade culminated in abortion being deemed a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. In a majority vote, laws were changed and, in turn, so were lives across the country. As we’ve mentioned, we encourage readers to donate money to their preferred charities and organizations, but if you want to wear your heart on your sleeve—or chest—30% of profits from the sale of this unisex T-shirt ($30) go to the National Institute for Reproductive Health.
“We Can Be Radical” Onesie
For kids of any gender, this very cute onesie ($25) has a double meaning. LA’s Otherwild is famed for its positive and inclusive vibes, so the slogan “We Can Be Radical” could very well relate to feminism, or just generally being rad. Printed on a 100% cotton unisex black American Apparel onesie, this same design is available for tots of all sizes—and there are T-shirts for bigger kids too.
Queer Baby Angel T-Shirt
In sizes from small to XXXL, this Queer Baby Angel top ($18) is made for earth angels of all sizes. In pink (with red copy) or white (with black copy) the T-shirt is made from 100% cotton for all genders and $2 of each sale is donated to RAINN and Planned Parenthood.
“SIS” Necklace
Available in solid 14k yellow gold, this “SIS” necklace ($185) is a delicate piece with a robust message of solidarity. Cast in NYC’s Diamond District and soldered in WINDEN’s Brooklyn studio, it’s also designed and crafted by a woman.
Stand With Planned Parenthood Tote
More than a regular bag to tote your goods around (though it will do that), this bag ($15) from Power & Light Press sees all proceeds donated to Planned Parenthood. Listing all the services that PP offers—perhaps for those who believe it exists purely to provide abortions—the bag is simply printed with various essentials like pap smears, counseling and more.
T(it) Shirt
While breasts definitely do not maketh the woman, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating them from time to time. Still Here Shop does their best to free the nipple with the very playful T(it)-shirt, complete with embroidered love-hearts and beading. Entirely made in America, this top is available with red and pink, or rainbow beading.
Embroidered Denim Jacket
Not your average embroiders, Brooklyn’s Raging Bush aims to apply their skills to messages of empowerment. Their range of “Feminist” denim jackets ($80) proclaim a wearer’s respect for women and the feminist movement. It’s a powerful word that needs reinforcement and in three customizable stitching styles and with three pink color options, Raging Bush has you covered.
March On Bandana
Covered in images of loudspeakers, this screen-printed bandana ($15) was made in honor of the Women’s March that occurred all over the world earlier this year. Handmade in San Francisco from 100% cotton, each bandana measures 20″ by 20″ and is available in mauve, blue or pink.
Hero image courtesy of Raging Bush, all others courtesy of respective brands
