March is Women’s History Month. Celebrate by supporting and highlighting gifts from certified women-owned businesses for graduates. As graduation gets closer, think about what you’re putting in the gift box. Make an effort to support women-owned businesses. You can find unique and high-quality gifts that your college graduate will love.
According to the Women’s Business Enterprise Council, the COVID-19 pandemic “has taken a huge toll on women’s economic progress and small businesses overall, widening existing economic disparities” and driving millions of women out of the workforce. Shopping small women-owned businesses ensures a more equitable, diverse, and sustainable future. To that end, we’ve put together graduation gift ideas curated by some of our favorite female entrepreneurs.
Decorative Lighting with a Dual Purpose
Looking for a home accent that will light up their lives? InPOWERED Lights are lamps with built-in USB chargers that will automatically switch on for 24 hours when there’s a power outage. Plug your smartphone into your lamp and sync up your wireless speakers to enjoy an uninterrupted music and light show. It’s perfect for nights on the beach or backyard special occasions. InPOWERED Lights gives some of their profits to programs that support women business owners. When you shop with them, you’re supporting female entrepreneurs and helping them build a successful future.
Workday Wardrobe Collection
Owned and operated by women who are committed to empowering other women, Grey State Apparel focuses on fits that are universally flattering with timeless silhouettes and luxuriously soft fabrics. Their work leisure collection features seasonless styles and wardrobe staples that people will wear and love for years to come. The Astoria Pant meshes comfort with style in four different colors and pairs effortlessly with Grey State’s flutter-sleeved Tabi Top. To easily elevate any top or dress pants in your closet, the Eco Elle Blazer provides a polished day-to-night look. And, made sustainably with USA cotton in deep black or classic grey, the Lyla Dress is the perfect versatile closet addition for everything from the office to social events. Check out Grey State’s full work leisure collection to mix and match pieces for your grad.
Frame Their College Degree
Set the stage for their next virtual meeting or job interview by displaying their hard-earned credentials for all to see! A framed degree is the perfect marketing tool for on-camera interviews. It’s an impressive achievement indicating to potential employers that your grad has the academic training and experience needed for the job. It reminds coworkers and clients of the reasons they were hired in the first place. And, it can also serve as a great confidence booster for your grad, a daily reminder of why she or he is completely qualified for the job!
Multifunctional Furniture
Recent grads will definitely need furniture for their first post-college apartment or house rental. However, depending on their living quarters and roommate situation, space may be at a premium. Luckily, Duobed offers modular multifunctional furniture that easily converts into other sitting, sleeping, and storage configurations. Mix and match just two Duobed storage ottomans and a sofa back pillow to make: a chair and ottoman, a chaise lounge, bench seating, or a twin bed. Add more units and you have more options. Best of all, this furniture does double-duty: Ottoman tops open to reveal convenient storage space for pillows, linens, books, video games, or whatever you want to hide away. Duobed is perfect for small houses, studio apartments, and offices, anywhere people sit and/or sleep. The pieces are available in a wide range of colorful stain-resistant fabrics or faux leather options to suit any and every decor. Best of all, when your grad moves into a bigger space, they can add more DuoBed pieces to create sectionals. With comfort and versatility, the possibilities are endless!
Stylish Bags for Women on the Go
Francine Collections designs laptop bags for women, by women. Their team of female designers create tote bags and accessories for leaders, travelers, students, mothers, artists, and athletes. They designed their collection for the young and the young at heart; women who possess an innate sense of style, have a savvy eye for value, and lead full lives. Francine Collections’ elevated messenger bags and laptop compartment accessories are designed to look fabulous as they move with women throughout their day-to-day operations. From the yoga studio to rooftop cocktails, from the office to the evening charity event, it’s a collection that is as multifaceted as your college grad.
Set Their Table in Style
Get your loved one a grad gift that’s both practical and beautiful: chic and timeless tableware! The Caskata Artisanal Home collection effortlessly blends classic and contemporary designs, making it easy to mix and match pieces to suit your grad’s unique style or favorite color palette. From plates, mugs, bowls, and serving trays, Caskata’s pleasing patterns range from coastal and botanical themes to classic neutrals and eye-catching geometrics.
Shop Women-Owned Businesses!
There are 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, representing 42% of all businesses. Yet, according to the WBENC, there is still significant disparity in revenue and capital between these businesses and others. No matter what gift you choose to celebrate their graduation, make an effort to purchase one from a woman-owned company. Supporting female entrepreneurs means celebrating diversity in the marketplace. And, according to a Harvard University study, diversity unlocks innovation, promotes creativity, and drives market growth. The next time you’re out running errands or shopping online, look for the Woman Owned logo on storefronts, websites, and products. It’s a sure sign that the company is certified and at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a woman!
