Special Sights ~ A Mighty Girl

 

 

    I always assumed when/if I became a mother that I was bound to have all boys.  I have never been a girly girl (in fact, it took years of working in the fashion industry to be able to do my own hair and makeup properly) and felt that sort of disqualified me as a role model for girls.   When I married my husband, who played football on scholarship for University of Hawai'i, is now a fireman, and is the poster child for the red-blooded American man, I knew it was set in stone- boys it would be.  Obviously, we are living by a plan not our own.  Now, we have two girls.  Their lighthearted spirits and unwavering gumption have changed our souls forever. 

 



[from A Mighty Girl's facebook]

   The responsibilities of raising little women in the world today are immeasurable (as are those of raising little gentlemen) and I certainly don't take them lightly.  Any organization, ambition, or cause focusing on empowering girls today should be celebrated.  I stumbled upon a *special sight* that I not only encourage you to visit, but also am not sure how we lived without it.  Have you ever wished girls would aspire to more than depending on a trust fund and a fairy godmother like Cinderella did?  Have you ever hoped that you could help influence your delicate little princess to also become a cunning force to be reckoned with?  Search no furthur than A Mighty Girl, described on its website as, "The world’s largest collection of books and movies for parents, teachers, and others dedicated to raising smart, confident, and courageous girls."

   In Janine D'Arcy's article about the launch of A Mighty Girl by D.C. couple Carolyn Danckaert and Aaron Smith, Danckaert explains, “A major impetus for us in creating the site was the frustration we’ve experienced when seeking out presents for our four nieces over the past 12 years."  And taken from its website, "Girls do not have to be relegated to the role of sidekick or damsel in distress; they can be the leaders, the heroes, the champions that save the day, find the cure, and go on the adventure. It is our hope that these high-quality children’s products will help a new generation of girls to grow and pursue whatever dreams they choose -- to truly be Mighty Girls!"

 

   The site is perfectly organized (which speaks to my heart) and very easy to navigate!   You can search for the perfect gift by age group and/or price within these categories: books, toys, movies/tv, music, clothing, and character collection.  Also, you can filter each category further.  For instance, within their "Book" section, you can explore subtopics such as "Role Models" and "Women's History", and subjects like "Science/Math", "Arts and Crafts", and "Outdoor Play" can be found under "Toys".  These are a few toys that really caught my eye as some I'm sure the girls would love to play with:

 

Who wouldn't want a "Rainbow In My Room"?!

 

 

Design Your Own Wooden Shield

 

I think a Money Savvy Pig is a better toy than a princess credit card.

 

Box Creations Pirate Ship (with markers)

 

 

   The extensive "Character Collection" is filled with a beloved cast of heroic girls and women including, but not limited to, the following:

• Hermoine from Harry Potter
• Ladybug Girl
• Pippi Longstocking
• Amelia Earhart
• Hellen Keller
• Princess Leia
• Merida from Brave
• Wonderwoman
• Batgirl
• Violet from The Incredibles

 

   A Mighty Girl even has its own book club and  "Best of..." lists.  For example, now that the holidays are here, the "Top Mighty Girl Winter Holiday Stories" is a convenient and thorough directory for holiday shopping!  And by "holiday", I don't just mean Christmas.  Within this list (and throughout the site) you can find books about Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.  It also incorporates Polish, Irish, and Latino influences.  Where else can you find such an all-encompassing collection of books that covers all from above and focuses on "smart, confident, and courageous girls"?  Nowhere but A Mighty Girl.

 

   After becoming a member (it's free), you can post your own reviews of products, comment on the blog, and make a wishlist for holidays and birthdays then share it with others!  I have had so much fun discovering new things on the site lately!  And thanks to A Mighty Girl, my never-ending list of books to acquire just got a bit longer.  I think we need these:

 

 

 For Baby Girl~

 

Stella, Star of the Sea. Review here!

What Do You See?
A Lift-the-Flap Book about Endangered Animals

 

 

For Little Girl~

Violet the Pilot.  Review here!

I love the look of this watercolor classic, Apple Tree Christmas.

    If you have any shopping to do for your daughters, nieces, granddaughters, cousins, or step-daughters, be sure to stop by A Mighty Girl!  If you and/or her aren't really "into" books yet, it is a great place to start too!