When I found out I was pregnant with a girl, I immediately started shopping for ribbons and ruffles. As she’s gotten older, we haven’t said goodbye to these frilly decorations, but I’m realizing how important her clothing can be. What we dress our daughters in will play a huge role in defining not only their personal style, but their self-worth. I want to raise a little girl who feels empowered and who knows that she is not defined by outdated stereotypes about women or the tired princess refrain. But I’ve been disappointed by the dominance of tees for girls with phrasing like, “Daddy’s Little Cutie,” or “You Can Call me Princess.” I’m aiming for words of feminism, kindness, and strength. Since it can be hard to find inspiring tees for little girls, I rounded up my favorites. Most of these are designed by fellow moms, so a lot of love went into creating them.
21 Kick-A*S Inspiring Tees for Little Girls
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Girl Power
There's nothing like a little (or a lot) of girl power! Boost your kid's confidence with this cool tee.
Available at: Savage Seeds, $22
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Girl Wonderful
This fabulous, feminist little shop has tons of awesome designs for little girls and women, too. The namesake tee is among my personal favorites, but check out their Girl Scientist and Girl Strong designs, too!
Available at: Girl Wonderful, $25
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Glass Slipper
Here's to glass ceilings being shattered by our amazing little girls!
Available at: Wire & Honey, $25
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Kind Words
Raise them to be strong, self-aware, and also to speak kind words. I absolutely love the message and sweet graphic of this hand-printed tee.
Available at: Lulu's Lovely Tees, $20.95
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I Love My Hair Like This
My little girl is not one to be told when she should wear her hair a certain way. I love the concept of letting them choose, and also the sense of empowerment and ownership that comes with embracing natural hair.
Available at: Trendy Treehouse, $15
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My Limit Does Not Exist
Remember that fabulously empowering moment during Mean Girls when Cady nails it at the Mathletes competition with, "The limit does not exist"? Well, this fun tee brings that same you-can-do-it spirit to girls of all ages.
Available at: Little Hooligans Co., $20
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Rebel Leader
I am so over seeing the boys' tees get all the rebel nods. My little girl has been a rebel since the day she was born, and I'm sure she'd love to lead a pack of like-minded girls one day. This tee is so rad for the ones who go their own way.
Available at: Zany Du Designs, $18
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Rubies & Pearls
"She is worth far more than rubies and pearls." Though it's a biblical quote, I think this one has universal appeal. Every little girl's life has more meaning than the material things. I love the lesson of valuing yourself above even the most precious stones.
Available at: Sweetees, $23
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She Persisted
"She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted." Give her another role model outside the princesses of her storybooks; Elizabeth Warren is a great place to start.
Available at: Free to be Kids, $16.95
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The Bravest of Them All
Forget the fairest of them all -- this girl is the bravest!
Available at: Quirkie Kids, $16
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Be Kind
It is never too early to discourage "mean girl" antics. This tee shows that kindness counts.
Available at: Crunchy Cuts, $18
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Don't Label Me
That's right, little lady! Don't you let them label you. Our girls should know that they are the ones who decide who they are, no labels welcome.
Similar available at: Curly Q's Counter
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Fundamental Rights
The perfect pick for your little feminist-in-the-making. No one's ruling out fun, of course, but girls just want to have fundamental rights. The entire shop at Wire and Honey features empowering statements of equality for all -- including you, Mama!
Available at: Wire and Honey, $25
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You Hold the Future
She doesn't need a fortune teller to read her future; she holds the keys right in the palms of her hands. What a beautiful message -- and imagery -- for any little girl. (Though pictured here as an infant bodysuit, this design is offered up to a 5T).
Available at: The Pine Torch, $22
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Girl Boss
Who runs the world? Girls! I love the pink font and the black heart on this because they demonstrate that femininity and power can coexist. Show your little girl who's boss with this tee, because we're raising leaders, after all.
Available at: Tulip & Vine, $18.99
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Fierce Like Friday
I can't think of anywhere better to end but here. May she be Daring Like DaVinci, Mighty Like Maya, and certainly -- fierce like Frida.
Available at: Wee Rascals, $32
