Feminist Friends’ Holiday Wish List

Looking for last minute, feminist-inspired gift ideas for the holidays? We at Feminist Friends have cobbled together our own holiday wish list with shiny, pretty things to wear, tasty treats and good reads. Happy Holidays!

1. Men’s Colotenango Oxford by Osborn

These shoes are for the most adventurous guy in your life. Just look at that pattern! As you might imagine, these shoes are made from repurposed Mayan skirts and they’re assembled by Guatemalan artisans. Ladies, there are far more options for you! Osborn was founded by Aaron Osborn after working at an orphanage in Guatemala. He met some out-of-work cobblers and teamed with them to make some inimitable shoes. Hopefully some of the money makes it’s way back to the cobblers.

2. LemLem Printed Rustic Scarf

Liya Kebede (an Ethiopian supermodel and former WHO goodwill ambassador for maternal, newborn and child health) started Lemlem, which means “to flourish or bloom” in Amharic, as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and preserve the art of weaving.

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when looking for a gift. This handmade scarf was originally $135 and is now marked down to $68! In keeping with the Lemlem aesthetic, it features a traditional Ethiopian print and a jarring pop of color. Good for all the gals and guys in your life!

3. Josie Maran Argan Oil

Women’s cooperatives in Morocco manufacture this argan oil. These co-ops provide a steady income, fair wages and good working conditions along with literacy classes. The oil is a great all- purpose moisturizer for face, hair and body. It’s vegan. There’s no strong scent. What’s not to love? This product is on our wishlist this year!

Find it at a Sephora near you!

4. Krochet Kids International Hat

Feminist Friend Rachel is the proud owner of this hat (in grey). The quality is great. It looks cool. And even better, with a mission of lifting communities out of poverty, Krochet Kids International provides the women in Uganda and Peru who knit the hats employment, education and mentorship. You can even send the woman who knit your hat a thank you note. You’ll find her name handwritten on the label!

5. M.A.C. Viva Glam Nicki Lipstick

For the fierce and fun feminist in your life, this Nicki Minaj lipstick from M.A.C. will be sure to please. This pop of pink goes on strong, and can be toned down or amplified with gloss. Not only will the recipient of this gift look awesome, they will feel great knowing that every cent of the purchase price ($15) goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

6. Baltimore “Love” Necklace

‘Tis the season to spread the love around, and this original, one-of-a-kind stainless steel silhouette of hands spelling out the word “love” is perfect. The necklace is from the Baltimore Love Project, a series of 15 street murals created by artist Michael Owen. Situated in various Baltimore neighborhoods, all of Owen’s murals are a design of four hands spelling out the word “love.” Did I mention that stainless steel is 100% recyclable?

7. Georgetown Cupcake

Cupcakes have been trendy for years now, but we’re not complaining! Georgetown Cupcake is a consistently delicious guilty pleasure that’s rapidly expanding out of the Washington D.C. metro area to New York, Boston and Los Angeles. It’s also a woman-owned business that ships anywhere in the lower 48 states! Sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne use only the finest ingredients in their cupcakes and you can taste it. Choose from everyday flavors (red velvet, gluten-free lava fudge, chocolate ganache), seasonal (chocolate egg nog, gingerbread) and daily specials. Holiday shopping is exhausting. Go ahead and treat yourself. (Cupcakes count as self-care.) A dozen cupcakes: $29.

8. The Nation

An online or print subscription to The Nation is the gift that keeps on giving. Established in 1865, The Nationis America’s oldest weekly magazine and flagship publication of the progressive left. For nearly a year, it’s kept us informed with critical, in-depth reporting and commentary on current news from the 2012 elections to Islamophobia and the risks to our food supply from fracking. The weekly magazine also boasts an impressive roster of feminist bloggers and columnists, from Melissa Harris-Perry to Jessica Valenti and Katha Pollitt. It’s the perfect gift to keep the progressive activist in your life deeply informed, educated and fired up on the issues she/he cares about. 

Online yearly subscription: $18, 47 issues.

Yearly print subscription: $32, 47 issues (includes online access).

Like these gift ideas? 

Be sure to check out these cool feminist gift guides for the holidays:

• Put Down That Barbie! A (Non-Gendered) Gift Guide for Girls
• Holiday Conundrums: What does a Feminist Gift Look Like?