It may be 2020, but girls still need all the encouragement they can get when it comes to realizing their dreams. In the US, the gender wage gap is alive and well, with women earning just 79 cents to every dollar a man makes. Of course, there are lots of factors that contribute to this, but many experts believe much of this starts early, with girls being steered away from math and science and later discouraged from pursuing high-paying careers.
Whatever the case, planting the seeds of confidence early can often make all the difference — and that's exactly what International Day of the Girl is all about. Every October 11, nations around the world are called on to bring awareness to the challenges girls face everywhere, from realizing their own potential to battling for their human rights.
Scroll on for gift ideas that will engage and inspire a future Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Maya Angelou — today and every day.
'The Future Is Female' Bodysuit
$22
from
Maisonette
This onesie pretty much says it all. Super soft and ultra inspiring, it'll let a little feminist-in-training know that she's got a bright future ahead of her (even if she's still in diapers).
Eleanor Roosevelt Printed Quote
Eleanor Roosevelt was hands down one of the fiercest first ladies in US history. Even now, nearly 60 years after her passing, she is still beloved for her bold nature and humanitarian spirit. But it's her inspiring messages of hope and courage, just like this one, that continue to encourage girls and women to dream big.
Random Acts of Kindness Kit
$10
from
Uncommon Goods
Raising a strong woman is every parent's goal, but teaching her kindness, compassion, and empathy will also make her the kind of leader we all want to see in the world. This Random Acts of Kindness Kit includes 26 cards that will challenge her to do something nice for others — from picking up trash on the street to writing a letter to someone she loves.
Piccolina Kids Trailblazer T-Shirts
$28
from
Piccolina Kids
From Rosa Parks to Susan B. Anthony to the Notorious RBG herself, each one of these "trailblazer" T-shirts from Piccolina Kids honors a different woman in history who's more than left her mark. Aside from being cute and stylish, each one reminds little girls of the powerful women who came before them and the barriers they weren't afraid to break.
Girl’s Only: Secret Message Lab
Time to flex those STEM skills! This fun kit challenges girls to create codes, write secret messages, and apply chemistry skills to make invisible ink while uncovering the mysteries of how these very techniques were used throughout history. (How cool is that?)
Nevertheless, She Persisted Puzzle
Who can forget the iconic moment in 2017 when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell voted to silence US Senator Elizabeth Warren as she spoke in front of Congress? The words he held against her for boldly continuing her argument were ultimately turned into a feminist battle cry — ones that now appear on everything from tote bags to bumper stickers to this very jigsaw puzzle. With 1,000 pieces to put together, it will teach girls the empowering stories of barrier-breaking women, one piece at a time.
Letters To My Daughter Journal
$14.95
from
Barnes & Noble
This book is as much a gift for mothers as it is for daughters. The fill-in-the-blank-style journal offers mothers a space to share their thoughts, dreams, and wishes for their little girls. A sweet gift for birthdays, holidays, and more, it'll give her something she can always look back on when she feels alone, needs encouragement, or simply needs a reminder that she's loved.
Monthly Craft Club Subscription
$34.95
from
Kid Made Modern
Help her unleash all of that creativity in new ways with this fun and engaging craft club subscription. For just $34.95 per month, it promises "to bring art class" directly to her home, with a box of supplies and tips she can use to work on new projects every month.
Girl Power Face Mask
We never thought we'd be calling a face mask "stylish," but … welcome to 2020. This two-layer mask will protect little ones while they are out and about while (quite literally) sending a "girl power" message.
'Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls' Book
$35
from
Rebel Girls
Talk about the perfect bedside read. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is packed with 100 short stories of 100 amazing women who changed history — some you might already know and others who may be new. It's a great way to bond with daughters before bed, by reading a new story each night before turning out the light.
Little Patient Toy
$55
from
Uncommon Goods
Tiny surgeons-in-training can get to work learning how the body works with this adorable plush toy (aka "Erwin"). Zipped inside his body are six essential organs that kids can learn all about in an accompanying booklet. (Girls and their parents might just learn a thing or two while they're at it!)
Illustory Book Making Kit
This award-winning bookmaking kit for kids allows them to tell all their own stories, exactly as they envision them to be in their head. An accompanying guide will teach them how to write and illustrate a 20-page picture book. (There's even an "About the Author" section so they can showcase their talents!) When they're all done, send in their draft to be professionally printed — just like the real thing!
Lottie Young Inventor Toys
Step aside, Barbie! Lottie Dolls are inspired by real kids and are made for curious minds who love fixing, building, and inventing things. Each one is designed with a different interest but comes with plenty of accessories that encourage imaginative STEM play — such as this one, which includes a doll-sized hardhat, hammer, screwdrive, wrench, scissors, torch, and even a tool belt so she can get right to work.
'International Day of the Girl' Picture Book
What better way to celebrate International Day of the Girl than with a book that explains its very importance? This engaging picture book takes young readers through the significance of encouraging girls to recognize their own potential to make the world a better place while also increasing awareness about the problems that affect girls both near and far.
Foundation Chemistry Kit for Girls
There's a reason girls don't often think about becoming scientists — they rarely see female scientists represented in books, media, or on TV. This fun chemistry kit hopes to change that by providing curious minds with dozens of chemistry experiments they can do right at home. Inside, girls will find everything they need to get to learn and explore — from beakers, thermometers, and safety goggles to a chalkboard lab mat!
Little Feminist Board Book Set
Start 'em early! Each board book in this adorable set features a different group of inspiring women. From activists to artists, they all come packed with colorfully illustrated portraits of real women who've made a difference in some pretty big ways. Babies and toddlers will love turning the page to reveal each new face as those reading the books point these trailblazing women out by name and remind little ones of why they matter.
Girls Run the World Backpack
Just in case the boys forget who's in charge here … this stylish kid-sized backpack will remind them. It comes with multiple compartments for stashing pencils, snacks, and more, and a pom pom tassel that'll make it stand out from the rest. (Plus, if Mom wants one, she can nab the matching wallet!)
Women of the Senate Pencils
Clearly a Girls Run the World backpack is not really complete without a supply of empowering pencils. (Yes, that's right — there is such a thing as empowering pencils.) These feature phrases inspired by powerful women in the Senate, such as Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and more. But the best part? Fifty percent of the proceeds go to charities that champion women from all walks of life.
Beautiful Girl, You Can Do Hard Things Journal
$14
from
Natural Life
This one-of-a-kind journal features a reminder on the front that we all sometimes need: Yes, we can do hard things — even when it scares us. Inside, girls will find lots of blank pages to jot down all her thoughts, scribble poetry, or create stories.
'A Girl’s Guide to the Wild'
$18
from
Uncommon Goods
If you've got a girl with an adventurous spirit, this book is for her. It's geared toward girls who are natural-born explorers and nature lovers (or those who aspire to be!). It's packed with inspiring facts about the national parks, easy camping recipes, safety tips, fun outdoor crafts and activities, and loads of stories featuring brave outdoorswomen throughout history.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
