Your Guide to International Women's Day Gifts & Celebration

March 8 is just around the corner; Many people are looking for gifts for Women's Day and planning celebrations. Others aren't sure what the holiday is about. Whether you are the first or the second, it is worth telling a little history about the celebration. International Women's Day is an official holiday celebrated around the world on March 8. It commemorates women's enduring fight for equal rights and their outstanding contributions to the world. The holiday recognizes their achievements in all spheres of life, from economic and political to cultural and artistic.

Women's fight for equality is not the story of a single feminist or organization, but the efforts of all who care about human rights. International Women's Day means different things to different people. For some, it is a call to action to empower women around the world to stand up for themselves. However, for others it is similar to Mother's Day: a time to honor mothers, wives, daughters and colleagues with Women's Day gifts . There's no wrong way to celebrate, no one will notice: it's a day for all women. Everything from a hug to a gift basket is a welcome way to thank them for being awesome.

History of International Women's Day

International Women's Day celebrates the achievements and struggles of women throughout history. The holiday began during labor movements in North America and throughout Europe in the early 20th century. In 1909, the first official Women's Day was celebrated in honor of the women's textile strike in New York. More than 15,000 working women marched through the city in 1908. They protested horrendous working conditions and demanded voting rights, better wages, and shorter work days.

In 1910, Clara Zetkin, leader of the "women's bureau" of the Social Democratic Party in Germany, initiated Women's Day celebrations. Later in 1911, it was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19. Then, in 1913, the holiday was moved to March 8 and has been celebrated on that day ever since.

Now International Women's Day is an official holiday in more than 100 countries around the world. It is celebrated in Belarus, China, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and many more.

How to celebrate International Women's Day

• Learn about the achievements of women around the world.

Women often go unnoticed in history, but their achievements cannot be forgotten. Read about the women in history who have made a difference. Stop by a library, bookstore, or go online, there is a lot of literature available on the topic. Check out Simone de Beauvoir's classic and groundbreaking study of women, “The Second Sex” (1949).

There are also many informative films you can watch to educate yourself. Enjoy a movie night with friends and watch documentaries about great women and their contributions to world history.

• Donate to a good cause

There are many wonderful organizations that help women around the world. Find a cause important to you, from domestic violence prevention to breast cancer research, and donate as much as you can. Whether it's money, clothes, food or time, every little bit helps. Volunteering at a local women's shelter helps remind you of the struggles women continue to face. It will also keep you doing your part to help the cause.

• Participate in a marathon

Communities around the world organize marathons, walks or even protests during International Women's Day to raise awareness or funds. See if there is a local walk in your area. Joining together with like-minded people can help show your support and raise awareness for women's struggles around the world.

• Send gifts for Women's Day

In addition to celebrating women's history on International Women's Day, it's important to recognize the people close to you. Let your mom, girlfriend, wife or colleague know that you care and tell her why it's so important. It's as simple as thanking your mother for raising you or sending her Women's Day gifts that include her favorite flowers.

If the woman you want to celebrate is far away, you can use social networks and share a loving post. Or send a thoughtful gift for Women's Day and help her enjoy a day of self-care. A spa gift basket will immerse her in scented bath water that might be heavenly enough to cleanse her of toxic gender stereotypes. Add the chocolate and repeat as necessary. A delicious gourmet basket large enough to share (or not) will seduce with its sweet aroma of equality.

International Women's Day traditions around the world

In countries such as Albania, Belarus, Italy and Russia, it is traditional to give women bouquets of yellow mimosas with chocolates on Women's Day. Other Eastern European countries have traditions of giving flowers, but Russia takes Women's Day celebrations to a new level. This centuries-old holiday surpasses Valentine's Day in importance and is one of the most observed holidays during the year. On March 8, men of all ages will rush to throw extravagant celebrations for the women in their lives. They pamper them with flowers , Women's Day gifts and attention.

In Armenia, an unofficial “Women's Month” begins on March 8. It is a month-long celebration of women that culminates with Motherhood and Beauty Day on April 7. In China, women have half a day free for shopping, as many stores have special discounts for the holidays. Women in Italy enjoy free admission to all museums that “celebrate the female world” by highlighting art made by and about women.

No matter how you decide to honor and empower women this International Women's Day, follow our simple tips and make a difference!

• Find gifts for Women's Day on our website: www.UniversalGiftBaskets.com
• Remind your friends to honor women by clicking one of the share buttons below.