14 Valentine’s Day Gifts to Spread Compassion and Equality

I’ve never been the kind of gal who longs for a heart shaped necklace or engraved jewelry on Valentine’s Day. I usually scold my husband if he comes home with flowers, knowing how jacked up the prices are in mid-February.

I’d rather have a bag of dark chocolate and a glass of wine (or cup of tea, let’s be honest about my uncool factor lately.)

But in the doldrums of winter – oh how dearly I miss playgrounds – an easy-lift holiday can be fun to celebrate with the kiddos. Not to mention, I’d love some of these tees, jewelry, and decor for myself.

So if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift that is feminist-inspired, check out these cool items steeped in equality and compassion.

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For the budding engineer:

“Girls don’t just like princesses and kittens – they love dinosaurs, science, trains, and softball, too!” The motto of Flip the Script Studios is a welcome attitude toward girls’ diverse, but underrepresented interests. Talented owner Jen created this shop last year to provide more options than the traditionally girly stuff in the big box stores. Images you’d actually want to put on your kid’s walls.

The inside of this lightbulb evokes a modern, science-y heart. With an extra dose of encouragement in a girl’s brain, this is a unique way to celebrate your love for her, beyond the typical hearts and rainbows.

Click here for Flip the Script’s printable art.

For the sweet tot in your life:

Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a simple and sweet book. A thoughtful treat for any baby, toddler, or grade school kid. It features beautiful drawings and simple messages of love. “You are the bees knees!”

For the new baby:

What’s more cozy than a one piece romper with “hugs and kisses” all over it? Perhaps a kangaroo pocket where your little babe can stash her paci or rattle? Adorable. While this is labeled “boys,” of course (there’s no pink or purple, so how would we know it’s a girl?)- I think it would look adorable on any little bundle. XOXOXO.

Click here for the XO 1-Piece by Gymboree (40% off right now)

For your witty coworker: (language warning)

It’s not a cat. It’s not a unicorn. It’s a caticorn!

What better way to sip your morning jolt than in a mug proclaiming your dedication to intersectional feminism? The stars and rainbows contrast nicely with the curse words.

They’ll think you’re sweet until kabam! pow! – you’re not messing around.

Click here for this Piccadilly NY Babe mug.

For your cool babysitter:

I’m about halfway into Roxanne Gay’s “Bad Feminist” and have enjoyed every page of her accessible, yet thoughtful short essays. Ranging from Scrabble tournaments to reality shows to body image, it feels like having coffee with your friend who’s relatable but undoubtedly smarter.

If you want to keep practicing your feminism, but get confused about some of the terms or nervous that you’re going to make a mistake, Gay will put you at ease in the first three pages.

For the compassionate little feminist:

If the little powerhouse in your life also happens to love jewelry with a feminine touch, she’ll love Sugar and Spunk. I’ve written about this small Florida-based business before. The owner Jessica is sweet and funny, with a serious passion for girl power.

Wear these cute bracelets as single strands or group them together for a fun look.

For sweet kiddos:

For some reason, most of the Valentine’s Day themed clothes targeted to boys will reference their status as a heartbreaker, a weird quality to impose on a baby or young boy.

It’s rare that retailers let boys show their capacity for love and compassion. Largely, they still lump hearts and rainbows and expressions of love with the girls. Our skewed view of masculinity prevents us from associating love and compassion with boys – two qualities that many parents I know TRY to foster within their boys. 

These tees would work for any kid, but they’re especially perfect for boys who rarely get to proclaim their loving side! Try the I Dig You tee shirt from Sweet Teez or the Love is My Superpower tee shirt from Free to Be Kids.

For your best gal pal:

If you don’t already know Leslie Knope’s brilliant invention, Galentine’s Day, you need to go watch all seven seasons of “Parks and Recreation” now.

Be My Galentine Card from Trop Mignon Paper Co. is sure to please any civic-minded, Joe Biden-crushing kinda gal who loves and appreciates her friends as much as you do.  Ann Perkins isn’t the only one who will love being called a “poetic noble land mermaid.”

For the Gilmore Girls fanatic:

If your preteen (or mid-30s friend, cough cough) is as obsessed with the witty and lovable crew from Stars Hollow as I am, you might already know Northern Liberties, an Etsy shop that features awesome Gilmore Girls items. And other pop culture goodies.

The words of Carole King look beautiful on this poster. When I redecorate my office, this is first on the list!

For the courageous and compassionate kid:

Sugar and spice and everything nice? No not quite. This is a much-welcomed improvement upon the outdated nursery rhyme.

Courage and smarts and a loving, kind heart. I’d much rather my daughter be made of those ingredients!

Grab this tee from Sea Goat Soul, one of my very favorite Etsy shops if you want your kid to “spread positive vibes to everyone she meets.”

For your Pinterest-fail pal:

The best part about this Felt Heart Garland by Carkeet Creations is that it looks homemade. Not quite the sewing-machine type who conquers every Pinterest craft? Just pretend you’re crafty with this beautiful felt heart garland.

I bought it last year in purple shades that match my dining room, and I know I’ll take it out every year for a classic, non-kitschy Valentine decoration.

For the one who counts her blessings:

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love, but for taking a moment to think about all of the friends and family you love. Step back from the chocolate and roses to reflect on the blessings in your life.

My grandmother always reminds me how lucky our large extended family is to have each other – and that we actually like each other. And how blessed I am to have a sister who is also my best friend. In fact, I think my gram would love this 3/4 length top that comes in nine different colors from Pink Robot Shirts, which has tons of feminist-inspired goodies.

For anyone, seriously:

If you know me personally, you’ll know that I’m semi-obsessed with Milck’s “I Can’t Keep Quiet” – a song she wrote years ago about abuse and trauma in her life. She performed it at the 2017 Women’s March with a group that had rehearsed it online only. Amazing, right?

After the video went viral, Milck performed it on Samantha Bee, and a cappella groups around the world chimed in with beautiful renditions. I couldn’t stop listening and joined in the 2018 Women’s March to perform it with the New Haven Resistance Choir. Check out our pre-March rehearsal here.

Milck recently released her new EP “This is Not the End” – a soulful set of seven songs just as emotional, showing off her rich and hearty voice.

Hope this list helps you for the little (or big) feminist in your life. Happy Valentine’s Day!