International Women’s Day Gift Ideas for Moms, Friends, and Colleagues

The History of International Women’s Day

International Women's Day has its roots in the early 20th-century labor movements and the women’s fight for political and economic rights. One of the key moments often associated with its origins happened on March 8, 1908, when thousands of female garment workers in New York City protested for better working conditions, shorter hours, fair pay, voting rights, and an end to child labor. Around 15,000 women marched under the powerful slogan “Bread and Roses," symbolizing both economic security (“bread”) and quality of life (“roses”).

In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an annual International Women’s Day to promote equal rights and women’s suffrage. The proposal was unanimously approved by over 100 women from 17 countries. The first official International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 in several European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. For decades, the observance was most prominently recognized in socialist and communist countries. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day, helping expand its global impact.

Why Are Purple, Green, and White the Colors of International Women’s Day?

If you’ve noticed that purple, green, and white dominate International Women’s Day campaigns, events, and decorations, there’s a reason for it. Each color was carefully chosen during the early women’s suffrage movement to symbolize key values of the fight for equality.

The Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the United Kingdom adopted these colors in the early 1900s:

• Purple represents justice and dignity.

• Green symbolizes hope and new beginnings.

• White stands for purity and integrity of purpose.

Together, these three colors capture the spirit of International Women’s Day: empowerment, equality, and progress.

International Women’s Day Gift Ideas

Whether it’s for your mom, your best friend, a mentor, a colleague, or someone who inspired you to become who you are today, International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show appreciation, gratitude, and admiration. Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be extravagant, they just need to come from the heart and reflect how much you value the women in your life.

For Moms

Moms are often the heart of our lives, the ones who cheer us on, nurture us, and inspire us every day. On International Women’s Day, show her how much you appreciate her.

1. Color Burst Bouquet V-1154 - Carnations symbolize love, admiration, and gratitude, making them the ideal flowers to honor the women who have shaped our lives. Our Color Burst Bouquet V-1154 is a medley of yellow lilies and solidago, purple daisies, orange roses, hot pink carnations, and purple waxflower. This explosion of color is a celebration of nature's palette.

2. Sunny Peace Lily PL-8005 - Moms love plants, and this International Women’s Day, the Sunny Peace Lily PL-8005 is the perfect gift to let someone know you are thinking of them. Known for its glossy leaves and distinctive white flowers, this plant thrives indoors and is very easy to care for. Our 6″ Spathiphyllum comes in a happy orange tin, making it both beautiful and practical, a lasting reminder of your love and appreciation.

3. Fiesta Gift Bag GF-910 – When you’re not sure what to send, Fiesta Gift Bag GF-910 has you covered. Inside a bright reusable tote, she’ll find 15 gourmet truffles, a hand-poured soy candle, and an adorable 9" plush bear, creating a playful and heartwarming surprise she’s sure to love.

For Friends

Friends are the sisters we choose, the ones who lift us up, make us laugh, and stand by us through every twist and turn. International Women’s Day is the perfect time to show appreciation for these “siblings from another mother” who bring joy, support, and love to your life.

1. 6 or 12 Sunflowers Wrapped Bouquet – Sunflowers are the flowers of friendship, and just seeing them is sure to make anyone happy. Brighten a friend’s day with our 6 or 12 Sunflowers Wrapped Bouquet, featuring 6 or 12 bright sunflowers paired with waxflower and fresh silver dollar eucalyptus. This arrangement is full of warmth and positivity, making it perfect for International Women’s Day.

2. 15-Piece Assorted Truffles – Give your friend something sweet this International Women’s Day to show her she deserves a little extra love with 15-Piece Assorted Truffles. This gift includes over 15 mini gourmet truffles, made with the finest ingredients, including fresh cream from a family farm. These truffles are naturally gluten-free and come in a colorful assortment of milk, dark, and white chocolate. Each one is carefully crafted with a rich chocolate ganache filling, then coated in a smooth layer of premium chocolate. Hand-decorated and presented in a charming window box, they’re the perfect treat to savor and enjoy in every bite.

3. Colorama Bear RED 14" – Cute can be fierce too! Celebrate International Women’s Day with our 14" Strawberry Red Colorama Bear, a playful and cuddly way to honor the strong women in your life. Its joyful face, soft plush fur, and bright red color make it both adorable and bold, just like the women you’re celebrating.

For Colleagues

Colleagues make our workdays brighter, support us through challenges, and inspire us to do our best. International Women’s Day is a great time to show appreciation for the women you work alongside, whether it’s a mentor, teammate, or someone who always brings positive energy to the office.

1. Tulip Love V-1177 – Tulips are always a favorite, and your coworker is sure to love this cheerful arrangement. Choose from 10, 15, or 20 Dutch tulips arranged in a clear vase and tied with a raffia bow. Tulip Love V-1177 is the perfect way to show appreciation and celebrate the women you work alongside this International Women’s Day.

2. Frosted Sugar Cookie Lumberville Soy Candle – For the coworker who works hard, handles stress like a pro, and inspires those around her, this Frosted Sugar Cookie Soy Candle is a good gift for International Women’s Day. With warm notes of vanilla, sugar, and amber, it brings comfort and a touch of nostalgia, perfect for relaxing after a long day. Made with all-natural soy wax, a lead-free cotton wick, and phthalate-free fragrance oils in a reusable glass jar, it’s a sweet and practical way to show appreciation for the women you value at work.

3. Sansevieria (Snake Plant) in a 6" Basket PL-960 – The Sansevieria (Snake Plant) in a 6" Basket PL-960 is perfect for anyone who loves plants but doesn’t always have time to care for them. It needs very little sunlight and water, making it ideal for a desk, office, or any space that could use a touch of greenery. This low-maintenance plant is a practical gift for International Women’s Day, bringing a sense of calm and nature to the workspace of the women you admire.

Celebrate the Women in Your Life

International Women’s Day is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and everyday impact of women around the world. It’s a day to celebrate achievements, raise awareness for equality, and show appreciation for the women who inspire us in our personal and professional lives.

No matter if it’s your mom, your best friend, or a colleague, International Women’s Day, giving gifts on this important day is a good way to express gratitude, admiration, and love. Ready to make this day extra special? Visit Fiesta Flowers, Plants & Gifts for beautiful gifts that will make every amazing woman in your life feel appreciated this International Women’s Day.