International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the important women in your life. Whether you’re choosing a gift for a partner, mother, close friend, colleague, or mentor, the best gifts tend to combine practicality with thoughtfulness, and genuinely reflect the spirit the day advocates — celebration, empowerment, and affirmation. Below is a comprehensive collection of gift ideas organized by category.
Flowers and Plants
As discussed earlier, flowers are the most classic International Women’s Day gift, particularly in Eastern Europe, Italy, and Central Asia. Mimosa, tulips, roses, and snowdrops are all deeply meaningful choices. If you’d like the gift to last longer, a carefully chosen houseplant — such as an orchid, succulent, or peace lily — is both beautiful and full of life, making it an excellent alternative to cut flowers. Supporting a locally owned, women-run flower shop adds an extra layer of meaning to the gesture.
Books
Books are a gift of both depth and personalization, and are especially fitting for International Women’s Day. Consider the following directions:
Literary works by female authors — such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novels, Toni Morrison’s classics, or contemporary voices like Sayaka Murata.
Feminist thought and social commentary — such as We Should All Be Feminists, The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir, or The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer, ideal for friends who enjoy reading with depth.
Biographies and memoirs by women — such as Michelle Obama’s Becoming, Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala, or the life stories of scientists, artists, and politicians — both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Career and personal growth — such as Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In, ideal for professional women or friends at a turning point in their lives.
Beauty and Self-Care
Self-care gifts are perennially popular, but it’s worth putting thought into quality and intention rather than defaulting to something generic.
High-quality skincare is always a safe choice. Consider serums, moisturizers, or eye creams from reputable brands, or products with natural and organic formulations. If you’re unsure of the recipient’s skin type and preferences, a hand cream or body lotion is the safest option.
Bath and fragrance gift sets — a curated collection of bath salts, bath bombs, candles, and body scrubs can create a luxurious at-home spa experience, suitable for women of all ages.
Perfume is a deeply personal gift. If you know the recipient’s tastes well, a carefully chosen fragrance can be unforgettable; if you’re unsure, a scented candle or reed diffuser makes a wonderful alternative.
Beauty tools — such as a rose quartz gua sha board, an electric facial cleansing device, or a high-quality makeup brush set — combine practicality with a sense of refinement.
Jewellery and Accessories
Jewellery is a timeless gift choice, suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Delicate gold or silver pieces — a simple necklace, a pair of earrings, or a bracelet are often more appreciated by modern women than grand, elaborate pieces, precisely because they are more wearable day to day.
Personalised jewellery — pieces engraved with a name, birthday, or significant date give the gift a unique personal meaning, letting the recipient feel your care and thoughtfulness.
Silk scarves and wraps — a good-quality silk or cashmere scarf is both practical and elegant, a graceful gift that transcends age.
Designer leather accessories — a refined small wallet, card holder, or handbag is stylish and practical in equal measure.
Experience Gifts
Sometimes the finest gift is not an object but an unforgettable experience and a shared memory.
Afternoon tea or a dining experience — booking a lovely restaurant or hotel afternoon tea and spending a relaxed afternoon together is ideal for a mother, close friend, or an important older woman in your life.
A spa or beauty treatment — a massage, facial, or manicure gives the recipient a chance to step away from daily busyness and properly indulge herself.
A cooking or craft class — if the recipient has an interest in cooking, pottery, flower arranging, or painting, a professional class is both a learning opportunity and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Concert, theatre, or exhibition tickets — learn what the recipient enjoys culturally and purchase tickets to a performance or exhibition, paired with a handwritten invitation card, so you can look forward to that special evening together.
A trip or weekend away — if circumstances allow, planning a couples’ trip or a friends’ getaway creates memories that are truly impossible to forget.
Food and Drink
Fine chocolates — a premium gift box from a Belgian, Swiss, or French chocolatier is a choice that almost everyone loves, and pairs especially well with a bouquet of flowers.
Specialty teas or coffee — for a tea or coffee lover, a beautiful gift set of fine teas or single-origin coffee beans, accompanied by an attractive cup or brewing accessory, is both practical and thoughtful.
Wine or champagne — a fine bottle with beautiful packaging is a classic choice for celebratory occasions, well suited to workplace gifting or celebrations among friends.
A gourmet hamper — combining a selection of fine foods — such as olive oil, preserves, artisan biscuits, and honey — into a beautiful basket creates a gift that feels generous and layered.
Gifts That Support Women
One of the core meanings of International Women’s Day is the support and empowerment of women, so choosing gifts from female-founded or female-led brands is itself a meaningful act. Many countries have women’s artisan cooperatives producing handcrafted goods — such as African woven textiles, South Asian embroidery, or Latin American ceramics — that combine distinctive beauty with social significance. Additionally, making a donation to a women’s charity or NGO in the recipient’s name can, for a friend with a strong social conscience, be more moving than any physical gift.
Workplace Gifting: Points to Bear in Mind
In professional settings, the gifting culture around International Women’s Day varies considerably by country. In Russia, Eastern Europe, and China, it is common practice for companies to present female employees with flowers or small gifts; in Western workplaces, however, it is important to consider appropriateness and professional boundaries. Workplace gifts should be light and impersonal in nature — flowers, fine chocolates, a tea gift set, or a small desk plant are all perfectly judged choices. Avoid anything too personal or expensive, which could cause discomfort.
Presentation and Thoughtfulness
Whatever gift you choose, careful wrapping and a handwritten card can significantly elevate its warmth. In the card, there’s no need to rely on pleasantries — instead, write sincerely about the specific reasons you admire this woman: her courage, her talent, the way she has shaped your life. These words, spoken from the heart, are sometimes more treasured than the gift itself.
The meaning of International Women’s Day, ultimately, lies not in the value of a gift, but in the feeling of being seen, cherished, and celebrated.