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Filtering by Tag: feminist gifts

14 Graduation Gifts for Smart, Hard-Working, Progressive Grads

Stacey Bowers

Rad grad gifts are in right now. Give the graduate in your life an empowering custom bar necklace, the Nevertheless She Persisted Necklace, the Strong As Hell Necklace or a custom mantra cuff. You can also add a birthstone to a necklace to personalize it even more.

Rad grad gifts are in right now. Give the graduate in your life an empowering custom bar necklace, the Nevertheless She Persisted Necklace, the Strong As Hell Necklace or a custom mantra cuff. You can also add a birthstone to a necklace to personalize it even more.

Graduation season is here, and after an exceptionally stressful year of pandemic-style learning, I think the grads of 2021 deserve a HUGE shout out for keeping it together, adapting to virtual learning, and putting in the extra organization work that this year undoubtedly required. The graduation jewelry gifts I’ve been making this year have reflected the theme of perseverance more than ever: empowering custom bar necklace that say things like “total badass,” “keep going” and “Dr., Not Ms.,” the Nevertheless She Persisted Necklace, the Strong As Hell Necklace and custom mantra cuffs with a number of uplifting and kick-ass phrases are a few of the popular gifts. You can also add a birthstone to a necklace to personalize it even more. Here are a few more of my top graduation gift picks for 2021:

The Smash the Patriarchy Hammer Necklace is a great way to empower a new feminist graduate heading into the workforce for the first time. Remind them to power forward no matter what obstacles try to slow them down, especially if they’re entering a male-dominated field. Get the Smash the Patriarchy Necklace here.

The Smash the Patriarchy Hammer Necklace is a great way to empower a new feminist graduate heading into the workforce for the first time. Remind them to power forward no matter what obstacles try to slow them down, especially if they’re entering a male-dominated field. Get the Smash the Patriarchy Necklace here.

Think of these hand-stamped custom Mantra Cuff Bracelets as your Wonder Woman cuffs. (Cuffs don't come with super powers, but you do!)Keep your grad motivated to keep being the badass they are with these stamped mantra bracelets. Cuffs are solid brass or solid aluminum, polished so there are no sharp edges, durable and adjustable. Each cuff is hand stamped letter by letter with the mantra of your choice. Choose from our variety of favorite mantras or enter your own at checkout. Some of my favorite phrases are: take no shit, get shit done, grown ass woman, unstoppable, get out of my way, strong female lead, and keep kicking ass.

Think of these hand-stamped custom Mantra Cuff Bracelets as your Wonder Woman cuffs. (Cuffs don't come with super powers, but you do!)

Keep your grad motivated to keep being the badass they are with these stamped mantra bracelets. Cuffs are solid brass or solid aluminum, polished so there are no sharp edges, durable and adjustable. Each cuff is hand stamped letter by letter with the mantra of your choice. Choose from our variety of favorite mantras or enter your own at checkout. Some of my favorite phrases are: take no shit, get shit done, grown ass woman, unstoppable, get out of my way, strong female lead, and keep kicking ass.

A briefcase for the modern badass. The world will make no mistake: you get shit done with this Get Shit Done Tote Bag.

A briefcase for the modern badass. The world will make no mistake: you get shit done with this Get Shit Done Tote Bag.

For the history major: The Acropolis Column Earrings are an ode to strength and beauty. Thousands of years after civilizations fall, their artwork and culture survives, like the columns standing on the Acropolis in Athens and the mythologies we keep telling.

For the history major: The Acropolis Column Earrings are an ode to strength and beauty. Thousands of years after civilizations fall, their artwork and culture survives, like the columns standing on the Acropolis in Athens and the mythologies we keep telling.

For the graduate going into the legal field: This hand-stamped I DISSENT necklace is like a contemporary dissent collar, nodding to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’ve paired the stamped bar with a silver-plated gavel charm, because ther…

For the graduate going into the legal field: This hand-stamped I DISSENT necklace is like a contemporary dissent collar, nodding to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’ve paired the stamped bar with a silver-plated gavel charm, because there are many tools for smashing the patriarchy. BONUS: This RBG necklace donates to the scholarship fund for the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers, so you’ll be paying it forward to future grads!

“Going high” takes on several meanings in this Go High Mountain Range Necklace. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s famous words, “When they go low, we go high,” this bronze necklace has the words GO HIGH pressed into a solid bronze mountain range, for when you need some extra motivation to get over the next ridge and revel in your hard work and commitment, or for when you need a beautiful reminder to take the high road and let the bullshit wash under you like water under a bridge instead of splashing around in it.

“Going high” takes on several meanings in this Go High Mountain Range Necklace. Inspired by Michelle Obama’s famous words, “When they go low, we go high,” this bronze necklace has the words GO HIGH pressed into a solid bronze mountain range, for when you need some extra motivation to get over the next ridge and revel in your hard work and commitment, or for when you need a beautiful reminder to take the high road and let the bullshit wash under you like water under a bridge instead of splashing around in it.

For the grad who can do absolutely anything they want: Let the world know that you do you, and nothing can stop you with this handmade I Do What I Want Stamped Necklace in silver or gold color.

For the grad who can do absolutely anything they want: Let the world know that you do you, and nothing can stop you with this handmade I Do What I Want Stamped Necklace in silver or gold color.

A gift for the graduate going into science and medicine: This I Believe in Science Necklace is a subtle but firm mantra. The science necklace is hand-stamped letter by letter and comes with a little dopamine molecule charm. Get the I Believe in Scie…

A gift for the graduate going into science and medicine: This I Believe in Science Necklace is a subtle but firm mantra. The science necklace is hand-stamped letter by letter and comes with a little dopamine molecule charm. Get the I Believe in Science Necklace here.

For the literary grad: Are you a bookworm? A Bluestocking? A bibliophile? Is seeking out your next good read on your list of top joys in life? Me too. So I made a necklace about it. This hand-stamped necklace features a solid brass heart stamped with the words ASK ME WHAT I’M READING. It’s a conversation starter in the best way and it’s like a tiny, attractive Bat Signal to fellow avid readers out there.

For the literary grad: Are you a bookworm? A Bluestocking? A bibliophile? Is seeking out your next good read on your list of top joys in life? Me too. So I made a necklace about it.

This hand-stamped necklace features a solid brass heart stamped with the words ASK ME WHAT I’M READING. It’s a conversation starter in the best way and it’s like a tiny, attractive Bat Signal to fellow avid readers out there.

For the classical studies grad: Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, was represented by the owl. She was wise and often referred to as “gray-eyed,” hence the gray jade stone in this necklace dedicated to her. The Athena Necklace features an intricate perched owl centered within a shield, combining Athena’s signature bird with strong, warrior imagery. It’s available in bronze and sterling silver. Looking for another Greek god or goddess? Find my entire collection of Greek mythology jewelry here.

For the classical studies grad: Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, was represented by the owl. She was wise and often referred to as “gray-eyed,” hence the gray jade stone in this necklace dedicated to her. The Athena Necklace features an intricate perched owl centered within a shield, combining Athena’s signature bird with strong, warrior imagery. It’s available in bronze and sterling silver. Looking for another Greek god or goddess? Find my entire collection of Greek mythology jewelry here.

For the art history or biblical studies graduate: There’s something scintillating about seeing Artemisia Gentileschi’s image of Judith Slaying Holofernes, a biblical scene also depicted by Caravaggio and other male artists of the Baroque era, and realizing that this c. 1620 painting of a robust, ruthless Judith mercilessly and dutifully slicing the head from Assyrian general Holofernes was painted by a 20-something-year-old woman. If you don’t know the story behind the painting, Holofernes is about to ransack Judith’s city, but he drinks too much before the siege, allows beautiful Judith to enter his tent thinking it’ll be a good time, and Judith cuts off his head while he’s drunk. It’s kind of a lovely feminist twinkle in the Bible if you ask me. What’s so special about Artemisia’s work, (besides finding a well-known woman artist of this era being like finding a needle in a haystack) is the strength and brutality of Judith. Many other works depicting the theme portray Judith as a seductive, demure or more delicate beauty, but Artemisia went really Rosie the Riveter with her Judith, giving her impressive arms that hold Holofernes down while she violently saws off his head, him writhing and blood spurting everywhere. My Judith Slaying Holofernes Necklace is a nod to the gruesome, powerful scene by Artemisia, with Holofernes’ severed head above two daggers and a garnet drop of blood. The cast bronze or sterling silver pendant hangs from an 18-inch 14K gold-filled or sterling silver chain and is accented with a flat-cut, teardrop-shaped garnet (also the January birthstone if that’s your month). Looking for more art history jewelry? Find my entire collection of art history jewelry here.

For the art history or biblical studies graduate: There’s something scintillating about seeing Artemisia Gentileschi’s image of Judith Slaying Holofernes, a biblical scene also depicted by Caravaggio and other male artists of the Baroque era, and realizing that this c. 1620 painting of a robust, ruthless Judith mercilessly and dutifully slicing the head from Assyrian general Holofernes was painted by a 20-something-year-old woman. If you don’t know the story behind the painting, Holofernes is about to ransack Judith’s city, but he drinks too much before the siege, allows beautiful Judith to enter his tent thinking it’ll be a good time, and Judith cuts off his head while he’s drunk. It’s kind of a lovely feminist twinkle in the Bible if you ask me. What’s so special about Artemisia’s work, (besides finding a well-known woman artist of this era being like finding a needle in a haystack) is the strength and brutality of Judith. Many other works depicting the theme portray Judith as a seductive, demure or more delicate beauty, but Artemisia went really Rosie the Riveter with her Judith, giving her impressive arms that hold Holofernes down while she violently saws off his head, him writhing and blood spurting everywhere. 

My Judith Slaying Holofernes Necklace is a nod to the gruesome, powerful scene by Artemisia, with Holofernes’ severed head above two daggers and a garnet drop of blood. The cast bronze or sterling silver pendant hangs from an 18-inch 14K gold-filled or sterling silver chain and is accented with a flat-cut, teardrop-shaped garnet (also the January birthstone if that’s your month). Looking for more art history jewelry? Find my entire collection of art history jewelry here.

Bang-Up Betty is snarky, meaningful, well-made jewelry made in North Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as feminist pins, stickers and gifts. Since 2013, Bang-Up Betty has been crafting custom and personalized jewelry and other quirky, nerdy and feminist necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Shop Bang-Up Betty’s unique Arkansas-made jewelry through our “shop” tab, where you can also order custom name necklaces, mantra cuff bracelets, stamped key tags and more.

Find Handmade Jewelry and Gifts in Arkansas for the Holidays

Stacey Bowers

A glimpse inside the studio of artisan jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty, who will be stamping jewelry on location at two Little Rock boutiques in December.

A glimpse inside the studio of artisan jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty, who will be stamping jewelry on location at two Little Rock boutiques in December.

Come watch me work this December, and shop local and handmade for the holidays!

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty will be onsite with a huge selection of hilarious and sweet hand-stamped jewelry, enamel pins, koozies, stickers and more at two Little Rock boutiques in December. She'll also be stamping custom orders ONSITE! Pick your phrase, your metal, your charms and watch it happen before your eyes. Whether you need stocking stuffers or that perfect special something, she's got you covered. You could even get your whole gift list knocked out between Bang-Up Betty and the clever, quirky gifts at Moxy and the local art and delicious tea at Abbi’s Teas and Things!

Sunday, December 2

Moxy Modern Mercantile

1419 Main Street in Little Rock

11 am - 3 pm

Sunday, December 16

Abbi’s Teas and Things

2622 Kavanaugh Boulevard in Hillcrest, Little Rock

2 - 6 pm

December 7- 8

Fayetteville friends, catch Bang-Up Betty jewelry in Fayetteville, Arkansas, December 7-8 at the Nerd Prom and Winter Wonderland hosted by Cattywampus Co-op!

Find funny, sweet and feminist jewelry in our online shop or at one of the several shopping events  held in Arkansas in December, where Bang-Up Betty will be stamping and making jewelry onsite so you can take it home with you right then and there.

Find funny, sweet and feminist jewelry in our online shop or at one of the several shopping events held in Arkansas in December, where Bang-Up Betty will be stamping and making jewelry onsite so you can take it home with you right then and there.

Photography by Katie Childs.

Gifts That Give Back

Stacey Bowers

Nasty Woman enamel pin, I Believe in Science Necklace and George Michael Lapel Pin by Bang-Up Betty give back to great charities. 

Nasty Woman enamel pin, I Believe in Science Necklace and George Michael Lapel Pin by Bang-Up Betty give back to great charities. 

Over the past several weeks, I've launched a lot of new products, and many of those products give back to local and national nonprofits. Thanks to you purposeful shoppers, I've been able to donate around $2,000 to progressive causes near and far in the last year. This convenient gift guide shows you how to shop consciously and what causes Bang-Up Betty is supporting. 

I Believe in Science

I Believe in Science enamel pin, stamped necklace and bumper sticker donate a portion of the proceeds.

I Believe in Science enamel pin, stamped necklace and bumper sticker donate a portion of the proceeds.

$1 from each I Believe in Science sticker and pin and $4 from each I Believe in Science necklace sold at bangupbetty.com goes to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Think Locally

Strong as Hell bracelet and George Michael Enamel Lapel pin by Bang-Up Betty give back to Arkansas charities. 

Strong as Hell bracelet and George Michael Enamel Lapel pin by Bang-Up Betty give back to Arkansas charities. 

You're probably not going to believe this, but Christmas morning I was in the shower thinking about work, because I always think about work in the shower. I was thinking about what pins I'd make in the new year, and I had been planning to make a George Michael pin at some point because he is everything to me. I started thinking about "Last Christmas" and feeling optimistic. I decided to go forward with the pin right then. Fast forward several hours later, after Christmas lunch, I'm opening gifts with the family, and the most precious thing on earth is handed to me... a Wham! Make it Big record. Fast forward LITERALLY 10 MINUTES and my phone lights up with a text: "I'm sorry about George Michael." And that's the story of the best and worst Christmas ever. 

Anyway, I knew I had to make the pin, and to honor George, $1 from each goes to Lucie's Place, and LGBT homeless shelter in Little Rock.

On a much lighter note, I made this Strong As Hell bracelet to benefit Arkansas Women's Outreach, a nonprofit that provides feminine products, underwear and much more to homeless women in Arkansas. 100% of the proceeds from this bracelet go to AWO. So far given them more than $1,500! 

Get Nasty

Nasty Woman Feminist Lapel pin and sticker by Bang-Up Betty give a portion of the proceeds to charity. 

Nasty Woman Feminist Lapel pin and sticker by Bang-Up Betty give a portion of the proceeds to charity. 

$1 from each of these Nasty Woman stickers and enamel pins sold at bangupbetty.com goes to the American Civil Liberties Union to help combat this bogus administration.