A knife. If you know someone who's sharpening up for political battle, get her the
How Dare You? acrylic knife from
eythink. Bonus: 50% of the sale price of each piece will be donated to
blackandpink.org, which supports LGBTQ prisoners.
A year of great reading, aka a newspaper or magazine subscription. Some suggestions:
Rad Women Worldwide, which tells
the stories of 40 women who have fought for equality around the globe—from ancient Sumerian poets to modern activists and graffiti artists. This is a great gift for kids or adults who are looking for some historical inspiration.
An abortion. Well, an abortion for a woman who would otherwise be unable to afford one. A donation to the
National Network of Abortion Funds ensures that women can access money to choose.
Planned Parenthood is also a good option.
...or another donation. Lots of publications have put together
lists of charities that could use your dollars. When I give donations as a gift, I like to pair them with a personal letter about why I chose to give in someone's name. Then your gift is not only the donation, but the letter explaining it. People love handwritten letters, trust me. Plus it's a reason to get
some nice stationary or
holiday cards.
Art! Sites like
Uprise Art and
20x200 sell prints and original works at affordable prices, perfect for art lovers who want to start a collection. Investing directly in artists is always a great decision.
Some help on following through. The Safety Pin Box is "a monthly subscription box for white people striving to be allies in the fight for Black Liberation." There are several different options and price points.
A little slice of colorful light. These
David Scheid stained glass pieces are perfect pick-me-ups.
Inspiration. Rupi Kaur's
Milk and Honey,
The Fire This Time anthology, Rebecca Solnit's
Hope in the Dark, Heather Havrilesky's
How to Be a Person in the World, or whatever book
you read this year that turned you on. Include an inscription about why you're giving it.
A good lol. There are lots of fun little things at independent, artist-run shops like
Friend Mart (
boob socks!
La Croix planters!) and
Working Girls (
Whoopi pin!).
A workshop or membership at a community organization. In Los Angeles, I recommend the
Women's Center for Creative Work. But collectives and community-oriented groups exist in many other cities, too—do a little research, and you might find a way to give the gift of involvement with community.
Don't like any of my ideas? Try the Mo Money Mo Progress gift guide.
