Gift Guide – Girls Rock!

The title really says it all – girls freaking rock. We know this around here. But how do you go about finding gifts for the young ladies in your life that reflect this?

I loved Hillary’s article on the pink shovel the other day because that is something I struggle with every single time I purchase something for a little girl in my life. I may buy my nieces a pink sweatshirt, but then I stencil this on it:

I also second guess myself when buying stereotypical “girl” toys, like kitchen or tea sets, even if I know the child in question would adore it. So how does one balance the desire to bust out of gender normality with the all-too-often reality of girls loving gendered toys? Let’s give it a shot.

Toys

Amazon.com: Barbie Collector Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen Doll

A large number of young ladies like to play with dolls. We can argue back and forth all day about the reasons why, but there it is. Instead of a Barbie, with her unreasonable body expectations and crappily made wardrobe options, why not get her a Barbie-sized Katniss doll? Yes, the doll may still have body proportions that are unattainable for most, but it looks like her feet are not in the perma-heel freeze and she has a freaking bow, for goodness sake. Kicking ass and taking names, that Katniss is.

Toys R Us: LEGO® Friends Olivia’s Inventor’s Workshop.

There are plenty of pink Lego sets to be found, but how awesome is this one? A clearly “designed for girls” set that is a science lab instead of a hair salon or pet groomer??? You mean girls can do the science? WHO KNEW!!!???

Female Reproductive System 3D Anatomy Model.

Okay, I know I could use this model because there are some things I am woefully unfamiliar with when it comes to my junk and I don’t think I am alone out there, so this would be a good (if slightly odd) gift for not only girls but grown women as well. Shit, if it shows where the clitoris is, throw the guys in the ring as well. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your gifting needs!! Lady part models for EVERYONE!

Books

ThinkGeek: The Sneaky Book for Girls.

The Sneaky Book for Girls could be problematic if we are going solely off the title. Is this a Rules for Tweens that will teach them how to trap the boy that pulls their hair on the playground into settling down? An early primer on poking holes in condoms to keep their man? Thank fucking goodness, no. It has science projects, survival skills, and instructions on how to “create weapons from everyday objects.” That alone is enough to make me want it.

Amazon.com: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente and Ana Juan.

I haven’t read this book, but I have heard excellent things about it. I also like this line from a review: “Fairyland is a book that is both deeply in love with fairy tales and sharply critical of them.” Sounds like a great read for the independent little misses among us.

Clothing

Star Wars Panties.

I am almost embarrassed to admit how desperately I want these. Not enough to keep silent about it, though, because these are fucking fantastic. As many of you parents know, trying to find girls underwear that aren’t either nondescript and boring or covered in princesses is virtually impossible at regular stores. This Etsy store fixes that dilemma.

ThinkGeek: Self-Rescuing Princess T-Shirt.

A-freaking-men. You can find hundreds of sparkly “Princess” t-shirts at any store that carries clothing. They are everywhere. This shirt turns that nonsense on its head while still allowing the little one to retain her princess dreams. Be a princess all you want, ladies, just don’t depend on some dude to come save your ass. Learn how to save your own.

Also available in the Leia Version.

Her Universe Shop: Star Wars Self-Rescuing Princess T-Shirt.

Heruniverseshop.com has tons of women and girls geek apparel and accessories to choose from. I highly recommend checking it out.

Funny Princess-Style T-shirt by VicariousClothing.

I don’t know why this shirt has tickled my funny bone so much, but it has, so here it is.

Awesome Skulls With Hot Pink Bows.

And last but not least, in a shameless bit of self-promotion, are these adorable little clips that keep the hair out of one’s face without the unnecessary cutesy nonsense, made by yours truly. I also make custom tutus, which are shamelessly girly, but also awesome, should anybody need one for the holidays!

 

Happy shopping y’all!