The festive period is upon us! (pun intended) but many of us are still be wracking our brains trying to come up with ingenious gift ideas for our families, friends and partners. This year why not spread a little period joy and start a new conversation with something from our list of alternative Christmas gifts which are all aimed at helping you have a positive period!
1. “Cheers” Embroidered Patch by Jess De Wahls
Do you want a Christmas gift that celebrates menstrual cups? I mean of course you do! This beautiful iron on patch ought to do the trick! The lucky person who receives this gift can stick it wherever they like, on a t-shirt, a rucksack or a pair of jeans. Plus, the profits from sales go to our good friends over at Bloody Good Period – who supply menstrual products for people who can’t always afford them such as female refugees, so it’s a gift that gives twice!
2. An Eco-Friendly and Festive Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle is close to being number one on the list of period essentials – they’re great for helping to manage cramps and the perfect cosy accompaniment to those cold winter evenings.
This one from the Hot Water Bottle Shop has a gorgeous, Christmassy design and it’s eco-friendly – its made from 80% renewable materials. It would be the perfect gift for a positive period!
3. A Lovely, Soft Pyjamas Set
When you’re on your period it’s always good to have a nice, comfy pair of pyjamas you can slouch around in if you need to. I love the design on these pyjama trousers from Fat Face and they’re super soft as well!
4. This Funny Little Pouch to Hold All Your Period Supplies
This pouch is a lovely way to carry all your menstrual products and look cute doing so! The pouches – sold on Etsy by MadeByShannon – are made from fabrics collected at antique shops and fairs which then have different sayings stitched on the front. There is a variety of sayings to choose from but ‘Leak Week’ was one which made me giggle.
5. Period by Natalie Byrne
Period is the book we all wanted when we were in our teens: it’s your one stop shop for all things period. It’s funny but also packed with information and delightful illustrations from Natalie Byrne. Really it’s a gift for anyone who could do with learning a little bit more about periods – and let’s be honest, most of us could!
6. Animal by Sara Pascoe
I couldn’t resist adding another book to the list – this one is funny and warm and talks all about female bodies, including periods. We’re seeing more and more conversations open up about previously ‘taboo’ topics and this is the perfect example of that. I can personally confirm that it is hilarious and thus a perfect Christmas gift.
7. A Pair of Thinx knickers
A pair of pants for Christmas? You might be thinking I’m scraping the barrel for gift ideas here but I think this is a fabulous idea. For a start they’re not just any old pair of pants – these washable, reusable pants absorb your period!
They can be used as a replacement for pads and tampons and they’re much more sustainable than disposable period products. And Thinx campaigns to empower menstruaters around the world so they’re a pretty great company too.
8. This Adorable Tote Bag
Spread some period positivity this Christmas with a cute little tote bag. It will remind the menstruaters in your life that they are an amazing and unstoppable force whose period doesn’t affect what they can achieve – I think that’s a pretty good gift to give!
9. Divine Chocolate Tasting Set
The link between periods and chocolate might seem a little bit cliché but all I know is that there comes a certain time of the month when I just want to inhale some cocoa goodness. These little bars from Divine have some insanely delicious sounding flavours – dark chocolate and raspberry I’m looking at you – and they’re all Fairtrade.
Divine also have an amazing selection of vegan chocolates if you’re swapping presents with someone with different dietary requirements. These little bars could make a great stocking filler!
10. A Menstrual Cup or Donation to the The Cup Effect
There are so many benefits to having a menstrual cup which makes it an excellent, practical gift. Buying a menstrual cup not only makes your period a heck of a lot easier but it’s also a way to save money AND make your period more environmentally friendly.
What’s more, if you buy from The Cup Effect you’ll be helping to support people facing period poverty all over the world – for each menstrual cup purchased from us, two are given to women and girls in need overseas. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of physical gifts you give this Christmas, making a donation to The Cup Effect could be a great alternative.
Katrina Gaffney is a Cup Effect Volunteer Writer and a Media, Campaigning and Social Change Masters Student at the University of Westminster. She is an intersectional feminist who cares about human rights and peace campaigning. She also loves baking and can often be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen!