Badass Ladies You Should Know

Want to give badass gifts this holiday, or all year round?

Badass Ladies You Should Know is here to help. The project’s amazing women have picked their favorite gifts to give and receive, with over 75 suggestions to treat the badass ladies in your life – including yourself! 

Jessica Metcalfe, owner of Beyond Buckskin Boutique

“I give Sister Sky products to relatives all the time. Owned by two Native American sisters, they offer lotions, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and gift sets mixed with indigenous plants and recipes. All-natural luxury! The Sweet Grass option smells amazing.

When I’m on a budget (which is always!) yet want to give a special treasure/gift to a female in my life, I go for these earrings. Mea B'Fly offers a wide variety of designs, colors, and sizes of earrings that are inspired by the power of the past and infused with the energy of today. The small Humma Bird Remix Earrings are currently a top fave! And these earrings are perfect for all ages, from teens to grandmas and beyond.

Put some badassness on your walls! Prints and posters of pin-ups by Navajo/Chicana badass Nani Chacon. I would like her complete collection of prints please / thank you.”

Kelly Jensen, editor of Feminism For The Real World and Book Riot

“Andrea Sherer’s ecourses: I took Sherer’s “Mondo Beyondo” course this fall and it was incredibly inspiring and motivating. It taught me a lot about the differences between goals and dreams, and learning those distinctions opened up something in me I didn’t know hadn’t been tapped before.

A donation to her favorite organization: Something I’ve been conscious of doing throughout the year is donating money to the causes badass ladies I love care about. I try to earmark some cash to do this when it pops up – so when a friend is running in a race for something or talks about being a fan of x or y organization, I make a small donation. It’s nice to always be able to drop that $10 or $15 when someone has the courage to ask for it. 

A love letter: The best gift I like to give is a love letter to a friend. It can be handwritten or just an email, but there’s something really special and powerful about telling a friend how much you’re proud of them, believe in them, and you can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next. It’s especially nice at the end of the year to be able to remind them of how far they’ve come, the things they’ve achieved, and that they have the strength and drive to reach those next dreams, too.”

Smart ass socks: The best tangible gifts are the ones you never want to buy yourself, like socks that say things like “Carpe the fuck out of that diem” or “Here comes trouble” or “Mother Fucking girl power.”

Maya Rock, freelance editor, former agent, & author of Scripted

“1. Stacking Coaster Set from the Moma Design Store: I bought these for myself this year, and loved them!  The coasters are bright and cheerful, easy to clean, and made out of silicone, so they don’t stick to the bottoms of glasses.

2. Gift the author in your life with an editorial letter from Rock Editorial Services! The letter will help get them on the right track with revisions. 

3. When I worked at the literary agency, Christmas always meant lots of tasty goodies around, especially from the romance authors. What I looked forward to the most were the popcorn tins. I particularly loved the tins that offered three flavors: caramel, cheddar and regular.”

Jennica Schwartzman, producer at Purpose Pictures & actor

“For the Badass Traveler: Yoga socks and gloves. I am more productive and focused after I’ve taken care of my body. In a hotel room, waiting room, or just in front of the TV before bed- doing a few careful yoga poses can positively affect the rest of my day and interactions with other badasses.

For the Inspired Badass: Bluetooth beanie. Whether catching up on a podcast or listening to some beats, it’s important to stay warm and clutter free. I appreciate a no-wire tangle-free life. Bluetooth headphones in a beanie make my morning jog, light hike, inspired writing session, grocery run, or housework easy peasy.

For the Sentimental Badass: Pendant with handwriting. Sometimes I need a reminder that I am loved unconditionally. To have my dad, grandparent, college bestie, husband, or son’s handwriting in sight everyday keeps me confident and balanced. It’s good if I’m reminded WHY I work so hard every day.

For the Badass Instant Memory Gratification: Smartphone mini wi-fi photo printer to-go. Around the holidays and with all get-togethers, photos must be taken. Some folks are big media people, some scrapbook religiously, and others… well… if it isn’t handed to me in a frame, it may never be seen again. Whether you’re at a work event, dinner party, get-together, or just having a wonderful night curled up with family- take a moment and make it a lasting memory. You never know what project that photo on your desk may inspire…”

Ellen Oh, author of the Prophecy series & founder of We Need Diverse Books

“Here’s what would be on my badass ladies gift giving list:

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie should be on everyone’s bookshelves. This is required reading.

The Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seminal reading for anyone who is interested in women’s rights and how one woman can make a profound difference in the world. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is my hero.

Lastly, I believe this mug is a perfect companion to drink your feminist beverage of choice while reading these amazing feminist books.”

Samantha Mabry, professor & author of A Fierce and Subtle Poison

“I would love forever and ever and EVER the person who gave me ART from these Dallas- and Austin-based artists/jewelry-makers/craftspeople.

Art by Bruce Lee Webb

Watercolors and skull spoons from Pinky Diablo

Fort Lonesome custom chainstitch

Hand-cast pewter stuff, etc. from F Is For Frank”

Sarah Enni, journalist & host of podcast First Draft with Sarah Enni

“Here are some awesome random things I love and want to get/give to amazing ladies in my life:

The Adult Taylor Tee from Scissorsaurus

F_ck It patch from MartaRyczko

‘I Woke Up Like This’ glitter banner from Going Steady Shop” 

Sarah McCarry, publisher of Guillotine & author of All Our Pretty Songs, Dirty Wings, and About a Girl 

“I am admittedly a bit biased but the newest chapbook from my small press, Guillotine, is a gorgeous split issue featuring two incandescent speculative fiction writers, Kat Howard and Sofia Samatar. Hand-bound and letterpressed, the chapbook is as beautiful as the stories themselves.

I always give people books for holiday presents; my favorites include Jo Walton’s beautiful book Among Others, which is perfect for the obsessive readers in your life; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, an addictive, globe-spanning epic that deals with race, culture, becoming a writer, and love; and Yumi Sakugawa’s Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One With the Universe, a sly, funny, and beautifully illustrated sort-of self-help guide.”

Hafsah Faizal, graphic designer & book reviewer

“1. Make today so awesome, yesterday gets jealous. When I first released my 2016 planner line, a friend immediately saw this one and called it ‘one badass planner’. I think I have to agree, because it’s very motivational!

2. This one’s for all the boss ladies. Whether you’re a boss lady yourself, or know a few who rock the title, this pencil set is nine times the badassery.

3. For the ones who are up to no good, this badass planner/journal is a Potterhead favorite.”

Fayette Mong, attorney and activist (and new mom!)

“1) A massage (!!) 

2) Books for children that are educational and fun (all ages). 

3) A copy of Slaughterhouse-Five (Vonnegut) and The Rape of Nanking (Chang) (see #2).  

4) Tickets to the Tenement Museum in NYC. 

5) For any victim of any kind of abuse or just any person who finds themselves unable to say no: Codependent No More (Melody Beattie)”

Stephanie Kuehn, psychology post-doc Fellow & award-winning author of Charm & Strange, Complicit, Delicate Monsters, & The Smaller Evil

“These are things I’d like to receive:

Tuition toward classes at the Jazz School in Berkeley. I’d love to be part of a jazz ensemble and get back to playing/studying the bass.

Tickets to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Yummy soaps and sugar scrubs from Paintbox Soapworks.”

Michelle Schusterman, musician, teacher, & author of the I Heart Band & The Kat Sinclair Files series

“Chain of Being on Etsy: I’m in love with everything this shop sells. I have the solar system necklace and it always gets lots of compliments (plus it’s a fun way to put someone on the spot and see if they remember the good old My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas mnemonic). I’m really obsessed with the atmospheric strata necklace in particular. 

Out of Print: My dream wardrobe is basically every single t-shirt they offer and jeans. Also, their tote bags – my mom bought me the Poe-ka dot tote as a gift and I love it. Also, composition notebook leggings. And library card socks. Basically, I want all of the things on this website.”

Sarah Hannah Gómez , fitness instructor & former librarian

“Things I’d like to give to others: 

1. A bra fitting. Seriously. I wish every woman (cis or other) who wears a bra would step away from Victoria’s Secret, where they’re required to measure you improperly, would go to Nordstrom or a specialty boutique where they would learn that they are invariably a bigger cup size and smaller band size than they thought they were. After spending bazillions of dollars and having my self esteem ruined by people who didn’t know what they were doing, being fitted properly changed my life. It’s amazing how much better you look and feel when you wear a properly fitted bra. I actually have quite the talent for sizing people on the spot, but since I can’t meet every person in the world, I think everyone should treat themselves to the gift of bras in the right size.

2. An expensive gym or studio membership. I quit my job in June and started working as a fitness instructor in August. I can’t tell you how amazing it’s made me feel to change my body and my moods with some endorphins. I’ve become more comfortable in my imperfect, far from supermodel-sized or shaped body than ever before, and I heartily believe there is a form of fitness for everyone. I wish everyone could afford to try out the hip gym or fancy boutique studios. Since I’m not a billionaire, I’ll settle for encouraging people to take advantage of every Groupon and new member deal they can find until they find what suits them.

3. Manuscript review services, from editorial notes to guidance on diversity and social justice issues to plain old punctuation.

Things I’d like to receive:

1. I have no shortage of mugs in my kitchen, but this one is too funny to pass up.

2. More freelance writing gigs. ;-)”

Kristen Dorsey, Chickasaw metal smith

“Shield pendant: This powerful, yet delicate pendant is designed to wear alone, or may be layered with other pieces. The shield symbol, a design theme throughout the Panther Woman collection, symbolizes the strength and courage of our Chickasaw women throughout history.

Also, we are giving free wrap bracelets to all online orders over $150 through Sunday!”  

Marieke Nijkamp, author of This Is Where It Ends & VP of We Need Diverse Books

“First of all, definitely the journals (and planners! and pencils!) Hafsah designs over at IceyDesigns. I love her craftwork, and these journals are among my favorite to scribble in. They’re absolutely gorgeous!

I also love Summer (Butter My Books) and Gillian (The Art of Young Adult)’s bookish merch designs. There’s something so, so cool about seeing art created from and inspired by books. And I love the fantastic style of both these ladies.

And you know, right now, in the middle of debuting – my own book. Because it took a village and there were so many people who worked so hard on it. I’m proud of how it turned out.”

Jaclyn Roessel, museum curator & podcaster

“I am on this real self-love kick right now and each of these gifts is a way to shine love on  yourself or your favorite lady love in your life. 

Reclaim Your Power is one of my inspiring instagram accounts. Focused on inspiring women to acknowledge, hone and reclaim our power. I love this shirt. I’ve ordered one for my mom and sister <3!

Danielle LaPorte is one of my favorite inspirational women I follow. I love her Truthbomb emails and this deck is volume 2, and I am so excited for the power it will pack. Who doesn’t need more positivity in their life.

Tanaya Winder’s Words Like Love is a new book of poetry by a badass Native poet. A fellow lovetarian, Tanaya is such a powerful example of a young woman taking the world by storm. I love reading her work!
 
Naaltsoos Project Greeting cards: These are my babies and a great way to share another language people aren’t normally exposed to. I love sending snail mail so its awesome to get to share my creations featuring the Navajo language in the process. Stay tuned for more 2016 releases.”

Courtney Summers, author of Cracked Up To Be, Some Girls Are, Fall For Anything, This Is Not A Test, and All the Rage

“GIFTS I’D LOVE TO RECEIVE

Nothing but your well wishes–I go giftless for the holidays!

GIFTS FOR BADASS LADIES/ANYONE TO ENJOY

The holidays are a great time to give a gift that makes an impact. I often make charitable donations in honor of people I care about. Many charities offer gift donation options, and if you’re donating to a cause that you know is important to your loved one, that’s a wonderful way of personalizing it. If you do something like this, I strongly encourage checking out your charities of choice on Charity Navigator first.

Here are a few suggestions:

• The Syrian Emergency Relief Fund : If you donate to a registered Canadian charity by December 31st, the Canadian government will donate a dollar to the Syrian Emergency Relief Fund
  
• Oxfam Unwrapped 
  
• RAINN 
  
• Doctors Without Borders 
  
• National Coalition Against Censorship 
  
• First Book” 

Kirsten Hubbard, author of Like Mandarin, Wanderlove, Watch the Sky, & Race the Night

“Otherwild is an awesomely feminist store & community center located near me in LA’s Echo Park. lots of great stuff – including these amazing shirts. also I need that pin.”

Kaye M., activist, intern, & founder of #YesAllWomen

“1. “This Is My Year Planner 2016”, $25.76. Every badass lady has a plan. And I know I’m not the only badass lady out there who loves having a neat little place - with a rocking cover - to record her steps toward world domination right next to that lunch date on Thursday.

2. “Just Girly Things” Pouch, $14.97. This is something I’ve wanted personally FOREVER. It comes in different colors! You can use it for your favorite writing tools, the odds and ends that get lost at the bottom of a backpack or purse…heck, the seller herself points out that it is excellent for her Magic: The Gathering accessories and goodness knows we all need a little secret stash of something here or there.

3. “I Am Not Throwing Away My Shot” digital poster print, $5.00. Okay, who does not want a Hamilton reference all nicely framed, front and center, on their wall. Whether you’re psyching yourself up for a rap battle with a future President of the United States or writing your way out of a corner, it’s nice to remind yourself that you have potential and you’re not giving up until you’ve made it.”

Kate Hart, author of After the Fall and host of Badass Ladies You Should Know

“My very favorite things to gift are handmade, but in a pinch:

If I Was, the newest album from The Staves: I’ve seen this group of sisters in concert twice and their talent makes everyone in the room put down their phones and pay attention.

The best books I read this year: When My Brother Was An Aztec by Natalie Diaz, All the Rage by Courtney Summers, Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, The Walls Around Us by Nove Ren Suma, and The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob.

I like anything that makes me feel like I’m at Hogwarts, so I was beyond excited about when my mom gave me this Mystical Campfire Colorant. Don’t roast marshmallows over it.”

Badass Ladies You Should Know is an interview series in which talented women say to hell with false modesty. Features are interspersed with links to amazing ladies highlighted elsewhere. Know a badass lady? Submit pre-existing content here, or use the ask box to nominate someone for a profile. 

OR: Use the submit box to suggest your own badass gifts – we’ll reblog them as time allows!