With so many challenges facing our planet, supporting activists working to make a difference is crucial. Why not show your support with lovely activism gifts? In this guide, I provide a list of unique gifts for activists.
Practical Gifts for Everyday Activism
In activism, there’s always something to do. Your activist may be organizing and attending events, holding advocacy sessions, or being creative and using their art as activism. Likely, they are always on the go. Here are a few practical gifts that can help them stay organized and effective.
A reusable water bottle
Activists spend much time on the go, so a reusable water bottle is a must-have. This will help them stay hydrated, and they will appreciate reducing their environmental impact. Stainless steel bottles are more durable and insulated than plastic bottles and can be recycled.
I have been gifted a Yeti water bottle and a Yeti cooler and love this brand. My Yeti bottle still had ice on a terribly hot summer day after a three-hour hike.
(Yeti also has an ice bucket for the person who has everything. And a wine chiller.)
A comfortable backpack
Activists often carry a lot of stuff, so a comfortable backpack is essential. Look for a backpack with plenty of compartments and padding to keep their belongings safe and organized. If your activist attends protests, they will appreciate a transparent backpack. These are sometimes required for those events.
This cute phone case reads: “Hello I’m a Vegan. I know you could never do that. No, I don’t eat fish…” and continues on with the typical questions vegans must field.
Everyone loves a care package. A package filled with snacks, drinks, and other goodies is a great way to show them that you’re thinking of them.
Unique Gifts for Activists
Your activist may appreciate unique gifts to help them in their activism work.
A subscription to an activist publication
Activist publications can provide them with news, inspiration, and ideas. I love the Good Newspaper, which is available in both paper and digital versions.
This time of year, especially, many bookstores carry beautiful calendars and planners, some with a local spin; irreverent socks; bumper stickers; vintage posters; mugs and pencil pouches; board games and jigsaw puzzles and plush toys; T-shirts and totes; literary-themed tea towels and oven mitts. All of it chosen with care by people who know their communities.
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways Book by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun
Everyone can be an activist, even those whose sensitivity may not make certain activism methods viable.
“Sensitive souls–including those who consider themselves highly emotional, empathic, or introverted–have much to contribute to bringing about a more just and equitable world. Such individuals are wise, thoughtful, and conscientious; they feel more deeply and see things that others don’t. We need their contributions.”
Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson is my go-to person for the latest political news. She highlights the day’s happenings in her newsletter “Letters From an American.” But she also dives into the history that explains the current news.
Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong
Disability Visibility is an anthology of the experiences of those who live with disabilities.
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants By Monique Gray Smith, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Nicole Neidhardt (Illustrator)
The young adult version of the amazing book by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Trendy Gifts for the Style-Conscious Activist
Activism doesn’t have to be boring! Here are a few trendy gifts that the activist in your life will love:
Activist jewelry
Accessibility For All Bracelet
Many talented artists create jewelry with activist messages. I love my earrings that say “vegan.” This is a unique and meaningful way to show your support.
