She Leads We Rise
International Women’s Day is the kind of calendar moment that can spark real pride and connection when it’s done with intention. Done well, it feels energizing and personal. Done quickly, it can feel like a copy-paste announcement that everyone forgets by lunch.
Let’s make it the first one.
This guide is packed with fun, modern ideas to celebrate in a way that’s meaningful, inclusive, and genuinely enjoyable for your team. You’ll also find smart gifting and swag inspiration that feels elevated and thoughtful, not forced.
What International Women’s Day is all about
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It’s also a reminder that progress takes steady effort, not just one day of recognition.
In the workplace, that means celebrating wins while continuing to strengthen what matters most: opportunity, inclusion, mentorship, leadership development, equitable policies, and a culture where women can thrive at every level.
The best celebrations balance two things:
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Recognition that feels sincere
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Action that makes a difference beyond the day itself
A quick checklist for a celebration that lands well
Before you finalize plans, run your idea through this quick gut check:
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Is it inclusive? Women have diverse experiences and identities, so plan with that in mind.
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Is participation optional? No one should feel pressured to share personal stories.
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Does it avoid stereotypes? Keep it modern and respectful.
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Does it work for remote teams? A great experience should travel well.
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Is there follow-through? Even small commitments matter more than big statements.
If you’re nodding yes, you’re in a great spot.
Eight International Women’s Day ideas your team will actually enjoy
1) Spotlight stories that go beyond job titles
Invite women across teams to share a quick “win story” or lesson learned. Keep it flexible: written, recorded, anonymous, or live. The magic is in the realness, not the polish.
2) Host a mentorship mixer
Create short, rotating conversations that pair people up for quick mentoring chats. Include allies and leaders. The goal is connection and visibility, not perfect career advice.
3) Run a practical mini workshop
Skip the generic panel and bring in something skill-based: negotiation practice, leadership communication, career storytelling, or building confidence in high-stakes meetings.
4) Celebrate women-owned businesses
Order lunch, coffee, or treats from a women-owned vendor. For distributed teams, consider a shipped kit or credits that employees can use locally.
5) Make it a giving moment
Choose a nonprofit supporting women and girls and donate as a company. Want it to feel even more personal? Give employees a set donation amount and let them choose where it goes.
6) Create a commitment wall
Ask leaders and employees to share one action they’ll take this quarter: sponsor someone’s growth, review hiring practices, mentor, strengthen meeting norms, or support an ERG initiative. Then revisit it later so it doesn’t vanish after the event.
7) Build an internal resource hub
Gather books, podcasts, learning sessions, and internal policies in one place. Make it easy to access year-round, not just in March.
8) Make a remote-friendly celebration kit
If your teams span time zones, plan a simple shared experience: a short video, a discussion prompt, and a gift that ships easily. It keeps the day cohesive without forcing everyone into the same meeting.
International Women’s Day swag and gift ideas that feel modern
The best gifts are useful, well-made, and thoughtfully chosen. They shouldn’t feel like a themed party favor.
Here are options that consistently feel like a win:
Wearables people love to keep
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Premium tees and crewnecks with clean, subtle designs
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Quarter-zips or lightweight jackets that work year-round
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Hats and beanies that are easy to wear and easy to size
Desk-friendly favorites
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Insulated tumblers or travel mugs
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Sleek notebooks and pens
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Tech accessories like charging pads or cable kits
Wellness without the clichés
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Tea or coffee kits that feel elevated
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Stretch break bundles or recovery items
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Calm-focused items with scent-free options when possible
Curated swag packs that feel intentional
A well-built swag pack can include a short note about why the day matters plus a few premium items employees can actually use. Keep it inclusive, avoid stereotypes, and prioritize quality.
The easiest way to make gifting feel personal without the chaos
Here’s what usually makes International Women’s Day gifting stressful: tracking sizes, chasing addresses, guessing preferences, and trying to time a bulk shipment perfectly. It’s a lot.
A smoother approach is employee-choice gifting through an on-demand store experience, where people pick what they actually want.
With Merchloop, you can:
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Create a curated International Women’s Day collection in a branded store
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Let recipients choose their item, size, and color
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Ship directly to each person, which is ideal for remote and distributed teams
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Avoid over-ordering and leftover inventory with on-demand fulfillment
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Build thoughtful swag packs without complicated logistics
The result is a gift that feels more personal and a process that’s easier on your team.
What to write in your International Women’s Day message
Keep your message clear, warm, and real. A great note is short and intentional:
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Acknowledge International Women’s Day and why it matters
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Thank the women on your team for the impact they make
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Reinforce your commitment to building an inclusive workplace
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Keep it honest and grounded in action
Sincere always beats overly polished.
Make International Women’s Day feel bigger than one day
International Women’s Day can be a meaningful culture moment when it’s built with care. Celebrate wins, create space for connection, support causes that matter, and give gifts that feel genuinely thoughtful.
If you want a smooth way to deliver a modern gifting experience, Merchloop can help you build a curated International Women’s Day store or swag pack program that’s inclusive, flexible, and easy to manage, whether your team is in one office or spread across the world.
