Have you ever marveled at all of the wonders that women have brought into the world? Have you ever taken a moment to pause and reflect on their power, their beauty, their strong resilience, and their acts of courage? Women are truly magic: independent, fierce, loyal, compassionate, and caring. They nurture and guide, teach and protect, and sometimes they can even make a hard day’s work seem effortless.
Women’s Day, March 8th, is an annual international holiday celebrating the achievements of women that is not always celebrated. Women's day was founded in the early 20th century, on February 28th of 1909.
New York City's Socialist Party of America was the first to create and recognize the socioeconomic, political, and cultural advancements of ordinary women, staging the first National Woman's Day. Not only did the day celebrate these changes, but it reflected on achievements women had been making for millennia and their power as a community.
The Suffragette Movement in the United States came right on the heels of this inaugural event, swiftly sweeping the nation as women petitioned for suffrage: their right to vote. This idea spread in 1910 with cries from delegates from Germany at the International Socialist Women’s Conference staged by Clara Zetkin.
At this international conference, these innovators stated that this day should be celebrated in all parts of the world, and Europe soon adopted it each year.
Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland's celebrations followed soon after the conference, while Russia held its first International Women's Day on the last Saturday in February 1913, according to the Julian calendar. If you're using the Gregorian calendar, Russia's momentous day took place on March 8.
Women did not gain the right to vote in the United States until August 18th, 1920, when the 19th Amendment passed. Women's Equality Day falls on August 26th, just around the same time, but International Women’s Day pushes forward goals of equal rights that fit a wider audience than simply American Women.
Why Does She Need a Gift?
This international day did not rise in popularity until the 1960s, when a new wave of protests and feminism embraced women's rights, individuality, gender equality, women's leadership, and sexuality for formerly confined and hidden housewives and young women. By 1977, the United Nations decreed that the day be an official holiday worldwide from Denmark to Australia.
Why, you may ask, did I not know about this day? Or you may be wondering, why does my wife or daughter need a present for such an undocumented holiday? True, we may not get it off of work, but what we do get is a chance for reflection and appreciation not only for history and where it has brought us, but those in our lives who identify as female and their extraordinary role in our world.
If you’re stumped on where, to begin with, gift shopping, look no further. As a premier jewelry company that caters to the desires and interests of female clients, we know just what our clientele may want.
Jewelry and Gems
At Mark Henry Jewelry, we are primarily focused on gifting her the most precious pieces from our collection. After all, it is our area of expertise. We are here to point you in the right direction to a few of our best finds for this holiday.
Our Cosmo Collection is centered around gorgeous, crafted floral pieces. Flowers can be dainty and beautiful but strong and resilient in hard weather and growth periods. Some of our Cosmo Collection features various birthstones like alexandrite, diamonds, or rubies to make the gift even more customizable.
Connect with power and status through our luxurious Sleeping Beauty Mine turquoise collection. From rings to pendants, our offerings are sure to convey the rich history of womanhood, just as turquoise has an incredibly rich history.
Our Horseshoe Ring is a wonderful gift for the woman in your life who loves the history of good luck charms. Dating back to Ancient Egypt, this symbol has appeared in the 16th-century lore and in imagery surrounding WWI.
Another symbol that might resonate with the women in your life is the stories of ancient goddesses. The goddess of the moon has gone by many different names in many different cultures. However, she is most often depicted as a warrior. The Day and Night Pendant calls upon women to invoke their inner Artemis, Selene, and Mawu.
Historical Spins
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a look back into previous wins for women across the globe; what better thing to commemorate than leaning into the theme. Does your loved one have a favorite female author? A favorite female Olympian? A favorite female activist? It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since they made their mark; paying tribute to their work is paramount.
Here are a few of our favorite gifts for the women in your life.
Fashionable Futures
It is not uncommon to hear a woman muse about how the perfect outfit was enough to turn her day around. Sometimes even the little things can add so much confidence and really create a spark in self-love. Not only can you delve into a bit of your fashion-forward side for this gift, maybe take it a step further and look into history-inspired pieces.
For example, you’ve probably heard the groan of a woman (or anyone with long hair) when they’ve lost an elastic or clip. Check out some customizable, bejeweled claw clips that are trending. You can write your loved one’s name or simply spell out a word of affirmation. To twist this idea, how about a Rosie the Riveter-inspired handkerchief. This gift idea still fits the theme of hairpieces and hair accessories but moves into a celebration of such an iconic female character during World War Two.
In the fight for generation equality and an equal future, it's important to share the victories from the past. Good role models can come from anywhere. Representation is so important in all matters of equality. A demonstration of support for women's leadership is critical; actions speak louder than words.
Commemorative Catches
Tapestries have a long and extensive history, as rich as their fabrics. Can you imagine if we said we found the perfect pairing of the two? We hope you’d be rushing to create or buy it, although it may take some extra effort or a knack for knitting (break out that old pair of needles).
Make the woman in your life what will be a guaranteed, instant centerpiece to any living room, bassinet, couch, or wall - a decorative throw blanket, tapestry, or scarf detailing some hidden and not so hidden figures of the women’s empowerment movement.
Feature images of prominent women throughout history like former First Ladies, civil rights activists current and former (like Ruby Bridges or Angela Davis, icons of acceptance like Lady Gaga, and equal education advocate Malala Yousafzai). Talk about some good examples. Proudly display this work in your home and help to educate the next generation about feminism.
Meaningful Gifts
The best presents are always the ones that are so much more. Finding products that you believe in and that support women is a key to determining which gift is the best fit for you and your loved one. Here are a few of our favorite options for gifts that contribute to female artisans.
For the Women at Home
There has been a disconnect over the years between working women and those who choose to stay home with their families or their partners. No matter what choices women make about their career path or formal occupation, they are part of helping the world turn.
To bring a splash of color to a woman’s life, check out hand-woven baskets. Not only are they always impeccably made with the most exquisite hues, sometimes funds go towards furthering workers’ education. These work for storage, decoration, or even practical kitchen use.
Also, for those who love to cook, check out a nice set of trays for serving purposes. Durable and practical, this gift will be used for years to come. Bonus points if it is passed down to a daughter or son.
To brighten up a table, invest in some creative blooms. Supporting locally-run, female-headed farms is a nice gesture and would probably be very well-received. If that isn’t an option, take the time to find the flowers yourself. You can truly light up her day with such a sincere gesture. The fresher, the better!
If the kitchen is a source of expression for the woman in your life, think about investing in a new set of cutlery. As the years go on, things begin to wear down, and if you’re feeding a family, it can be a small but mighty inconvenience to keep looking at chipped forks and knives. Consider some new pots and pans for a complete yet.
For the Women Who Deserve Relaxation
After a hard day of work, no matter where that may be, there’s no harm in pampering the women in your life. Here are some ethical and charitable gifts to consider for this purpose.
Cool down a room with the ever-relaxing bonsai tree: Filling her space with plants is a great way to create a soothing environment that feels all-natural. Plus, the overflow will be rejuvenated.
Gift her some slippers and a nice room. Better yet, draw a hot bath and buy a bath bomb. Epsom salts are a great gift to help ease muscle soreness after a long day. There is nothing better to come home to.
For the Future
The greatest way to show your appreciation for a woman in your life is to uplift the voices of women all across the world. By purchasing products that support them, you’re doing that.
After all, letting the people in our lives know we see, honor, and support them is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Sources:
Handmade Gift Ideas for People Who Love Crocheting, Knitting, and Stitching
Turquoise Stone Meaning and Use in Feng Shui or Jewelry | The Spruce
International Women's Day 2021: History, marches and celebrations | BBC