Empathy trinkets, social justice jewelry, toys for aspiring climate nerds, and more!
The Barack Obama Presidential Center won’t be open to the public for another few weeks, but the gift shop is already up and running. All proceeds will support the Obama Foundation and its mission to “inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.” The foundation is also responsible for funding and operating the new presidential center, which has been described as a “hideous eyesore” befitting the colossal vanity of a tinpot dictator.
So, what are you waiting for? You can help fund Obama’s brutalist monstrosity right now by purchasing some of the inspiring items for sale on the center’s website.
This gorgeous lapel pin ($30) This “unique accessory” was designed by Sameera Chukkapalli Holmes, a former NYU professor of ethical leadership and an architect who specializes in sustainability and social equity. It allegedly represents the “intersection of bold design and global leadership.”
These heartwarming hats ($35) Choose from hope, empathy, community, and imagination. These low-key powerful fashion statements were designed to serve as a “reminder to keep dreaming big.”
These motivational trinket dishes ($20) Designed by a “diverse-owned and woman-owned local business” in Chicago, these delicate porcelain creations are more than just a conversation starter. They are a “token of the strength needed for every step of the journey” on the road to progress.
This adorable dog hoodie ($40) Calling all dog moms! This cozy, cute-tastic, and democracy-forward canine apparel won’t just keep your fur baby warm in the winter. It will also allow them to “represent the mission of shared progress in their own wagging way.” Fun! (Bo Plush sold separately, $45.)
This uplifting book of postcards made by children ($13) These 30 postcards are based on the Obama-themed miniature quilts crafted by middle and high school students at a workshop hosted by the Social Justice Sewing Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to fusion of activism and artistic expression.
This pearl necklace inspired by Michelle ($390) Fish out your wallet! This token of “whimsical elegance” from Chan Luu, the AAPI- and woman-owned brand dedicated to “supporting sustainable artisan communities worldwide,” is a tasteful tribute to the former first lady’s “celebrated eye for fashion and her belief that our style is a powerful part of our story.”
These epic toys for aspiring climate nerds ($400) Bring the future of clean technology to life with these STEM experiment kits. Why let your children play outside when they could be building functional models of wind turbines, solar-powered cars, and hydroelectric power stations?
These vintage campaign posters ($150-$350) Act now while supplies last! The entire iconic collection—Hope, Vote, and Progress—can be yours for the bargain price of just $750.
This children’s book by Dr. Jill Biden ($20) Apparently the Bidens also had a cat running around the White House along with the feral German Shepherds who kept getting “sent away” for mauling Secret Service agents. Willow the White House Cat came out on June 4, 2024—just three weeks before Sleepy Joe ended his career on the CNN debate stage. It’s the only Biden-related item in the store, so act fast!
These other books by notable authors ($40) It’s always a good time to learn about community organizing and structural racism. Add these fun titles to your child’s summer reading list, or get the whole neighborhood involved by starting a book club—in which case you should probably get them on Amazon for half the price.
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