International Women’s Day 2018: Gifts That Give Back
Put your money where your mouth is with these products that donate to women-focused organizations
Over the past few years, feminism has become more accepted, embraced and discussed. Meanwhile, it’s also become a fashion trend. The latter development can be argued as beneficial for bringing further visibility to the movement, though many believe that it’s also problematic. Whichever part of the spectrum you stand on, there’s no doubt that attention toward gender equality, believing women, inclusion and intersectionality can lead to good things. The focus of the movement is ultimately to benefit all humans, and there are many ways to achieve this. To celebrate tomorrow’s International Women’s Day, we’ve searched for gifts that give back to women-focused initiatives. Sales from the following products offer a percentage (from 20% to 100%) to organizations like Planned Parenthood, TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund, ARAL Pro-Choice America and more. Of course, if you’re in a position to do so, we urge you to join these organizations and donate your time or money to these important causes.
“The Woman” T-Shirt
Made as a celebration of International Women’s Day, this slightly slim fit ALC T-shirt ($98) is made for all genders. The boxy white top comes in extra-small through large sizes and features a handwritten-style font. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from sales go directly to Planned Parenthood to help the organization continue to provide non-judgmental, affordable health care, support and sex education for those who need it.
“Believe Women” Postcard
Simple design and an even simpler message: The Outrage’s “Believe Women” postcards ($3) can’t be clearer. Measuring 5.83 by 4.13 inches, these matte postcards are especially useful for writing to your reps. NARAL Pro-Choice America—an organization that fights for the reproductive freedom of everybody in every state—will receive 100% of the profits.
“Make America Rational Again” Tote
The Rational Dress Society and Shrill Society have teamed up on this simple tote ($35)—a take on Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan (borrowed from Reagan’s 1980 campaign slogan). The proceeds will go directly to Rational Dress Society, and their mission to create new clothing from donated Ivanka Trump brand apparel. The organization has been collecting gently used and “emphatically discarded” pieces from the brand and is turning them into 100% made-in-the-USA jumpsuits.
Solidarity Balm
With 100% of the profits donated to organizations promoting and fostering women’s leadership worldwide, more than lips will receive nourishment thanks to L’Occitane’s new apricot-fragranced “Solidarity” balm ($6). Made with beeswax, shea butter, sunflower seed oil and more, this balm will hydrate and smooth lips, skin and hair.
“Stay Together” Print
In her signature bold and bright style, Shawna X’s “Stay Together” print ($75) features three people embracing. Echoing the sisterhood sentiment, the artist is donating 100% of the proceeds to Planned Parenthood—an organization she feels personally grateful for. This full-bleed print measures 13 by 19 inches.
TIME’S UP Clutch
Made from 100% hand-poured acrylic, Edie Parker’s TIME’S UP clutch ($1295) is as bold and direct as the movement itself. The silver block lettering stands out from the black acrylic, and the clutch closes thanks to a kiss-style clasp. It’s large enough to fit smartphones (up to an iPhone 8) and more. The most important factor, however, is that 100% of the proceeds go to the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. Administered by the National Women’s Law Center, the fund connects people who have experienced harassment, abuse and assault in the workplace to lawyers.
Girl Power Chocolate
A dark chocolate version of the best-selling salted caramel snack from Creighton’s Chocolaterie, this GIRL POWER bar‘s (£4) sales yield a percentage of the profit to Girls Out Loud. This organization works with teenage girls and offers mentoring, workshops and more in order to encourage confidence, resilience and hopefully the ability to recognize their own greatness.
“Time’s Up” Sweater
Made from 100% cashmere, and hand-stitched in NYC, Lingua Franca’s striped sweater ($380) makes its message clear in bold red lettering: Time’s Up. The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund receives $100 from the sale of each sweater to help their team fight to offer subsidized legal support to those who have been subjected to sexual harassment, assault or inequality in their workplace.
“Girls” Tank Top
With 100% of sales going to Girls Inc LA—a non-profit that aims to offer support to girls in low-income areas of South Los Angeles, Compton and Watts—this tank feels good for several reasons. Not only does a purchase support a great organization, the super-soft, 100% pima cotton tank ($88) is comfortable enough to sleep in.
“RESIST” Necklace
The act of resistance is still relevant and essential, and a friendly reminder comes in necklace form thanks to Eriness. The block-letter nameplate-style piece ($130) comes in sterling silver, 14k gold or 14k gold with diamond letters. Most importantly, 20% of all proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Images courtesy of respective brands, hero image also courtesy of Shawna X
