Posted by Starfish Project, Inc. Admin
on October 09, 2026
I’ll admit it: I polled my family and friends to create this guide to gifting by decade. And after years of working at Starfish Project—and owning A LOT of Starfish jewelry—I have plenty of favorites of my own!
I love a good statement earring, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and gorgeous rings. But lately I’ve been wondering: Do the pieces I reach for again and again have something to do with the decade I’m in?
As a wife, mom of a college daughter in California, a teenage daughter still at home, and the daughter of 70-year-old parents, life feels wonderfully chaotic. I’m juggling work and travel, school pickups, sports, youth group, water aerobics, cooking, and all the in-person and FaceTime moments in between.
Through it all, I wear my favorite jewelry everywhere: my Canopy Earrings, Confetti Necklace, and Give Hope Bracelet. They’re my wardrobe staples—and perfect for this stage of life called my mid-40s.
I love that a beautiful piece of jewelry can make me feel a little more elegant and put together, even on the craziest day. And because I’m a Midwesterner, I’m always happy to tell someone where I got it—and, even better, share the story of the women who made it.
So, whether you’re shopping for a teenager, a new graduate, your mom, your best friend, or yourself, I've compiled a complete guide of my favorite Starfish Project gifts for every decade!
What Gifts to Choose For Each Decade
Our products are made for real life, created by real women in dignified employment in Asia. My favorite gift ideas for every decade begin here:
Teens: Fun, Colorful & On Trend
Whether they’re beach lovers or Swifties, these triple-set bracelets are a fun gift they’ll actually want to wear. They’re colorful, easy to layer, and perfect for expressing their style.
My pick: [Light We Carry Bracelet Set in Turquoise]
20s: For New Beginnings
For the newly graduated, newly employed, or settling into a first apartment, a beautiful blanket is a gift they’ll use and appreciate for years.
My pick: [Woven Together Blanket in Slate Gray]
And if jewelry is the way to their heart, the Little Dragon Set or Guiding Lights Necklace adds a little sparkle to a new chapter.
30s: Classic with a Little Glitz
For the woman who can go from the office to a night out, these classic yet unique hoops are a perfect choice. They’re effortless, versatile, and special.
My pick: [Crescent Moon Thread Drop Earrings in Gold]
Pair them with one of our cross necklaces for an elevated, meaningful look.
40s: Statement Pieces for Busy Women
Hands down, my favorite! I’m in my 40s, and I reach for my Canopy Earrings again and again. They make me feel polished and put together—even when everything else feels chaotic.
My pick: [Canopy Earrings]
Pair them with the Give Hope Necklace for a beautiful gift set that feels both elegant and meaningful.
50s: Color, Glam & Comfort
This is the decade to add a little color and glam! These beautiful flower earrings bring personality to any outfit without feeling overdone.
My pick: [Hope in Bloom Flower Earrings]
And for the ultimate cozy gift, our blankets are the perfect weight for curling up when life calls for a little extra comfort.
60s: Colorful & Confident
Sixty is the new fifty, right? I say live colorfully! These beautiful turquoise and gold studs add just the right pop of color and are easy enough for everyday wear.
My pick: [Oasis Turquoise and Gold Studs]
Want to make the gift extra special? Pair them with the Brayden Necklace for a beautiful, ready-to-give set.
70s+: Beautiful, Effortless & Meaningful
Looking for a beautiful gift that’s effortlessly stylish? These bracelets are gorgeous on the wrist—and carry an even more powerful story of hope for the women who make them.
My picks: [Stillwater Turquoise Bracelet] and [Pearl Glow Bracelet]
More Than a Gift
One of my favorite parts of working at Starfish Project is introducing people to beautiful jewelry with an even more beautiful story.
Every necklace, bracelet, pair of earrings, and blanket represents more than beautiful design. Your purchase helps create meaningful employment, vocational training, and opportunities for survivors of human trafficking as they build lives of freedom and independence.
That’s why I love giving Starfish gifts—and wearing them myself. The pieces I reach for every day remind me that I and the women who made them are treasured and valued.
So when I find something beautiful, meaningful, and easy to give, it’s an easy yes for me.
I’ll wear hope and give hope every day.
Amanda Helfrich is the Events and Relationship Manager at Starfish Project, where for the past 12 years she has connected people with beautiful products that make a lasting impact. A Midwesterner for life, Amanda enjoys sharing product recommendations, the Starfish Project mission, and the powerful difference your purchases can make. When she’s not working, Amanda is busy keeping up with her teenager, traveling to California to visit her college kid, and enjoying adventures with her lawyer husband.
