Kwanzaa Gifts

Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, today the holiday of Kwanzaa is celebrated throughout the world. This holiday lasts for a week; beginning from 26 December upto 1 January every year. The holiday of Kwanzaa honors African heritage and features activities such as lighting the candle, feasting and gift giving. Kwanzaa gifts or zawadi forms an important part of this holiday as it recognizes the achievements of the person receiving it while it also puts stress on the principle and themes that form an important part of this holiday. Taking this into consideration, it is advisable to buy something that is related to education and African and African-American culture.

Tips to select Kwanzaa Gifts:

• To begin, decide who you are buying the gift for. According to tradition, parents give gifts to children, but it is also fine for other members of the family to exchange gifts.
• Next decide on the day when you plan to exchange the gifts. You can do so on each day during the Kwanzaa festival or exchange gifts only on 1^st of January, which is the last day of the holiday.
• Before buying the gift take into consideration the behavior and achievements of the person you plan to give it to. This should be done since Kwanzaa gifts are gifts that are given in order to recognize achievements as well as challenges that have been overcome as well as commitments honored.
• Choose gifts that are educational in nature. Gifts that emphasize African as well as African-American culture are also appropriate. You could also buy creative gifts like clothing and other gifts that are made from African prints. Sculptures and artwork based on Africa also make for good Kwanzaa gifts.
• If you are good with your hands and have a creative bent of mind, you could also make you own Kwanzaa gifts. A few examples of the gifts you can make at home are potpourri as well as spicy and fruity vinegars.
• Once you have decided on the gifts, remember to wrap them well in papers that have African prints. You could also try using red, green and black papers which are the traditional colors of Kwanzaa.

Ideas for Kwanzaa Gifts

• Books
• African Beads
• Baskets
• African music CD’s
• Puzzles based on Africa
• DVD’s related to African-American culture
• Posters that feature the seven principles
• Kinara candle holder
• A heritage symbol of Africa
• Folktales based on Africa
• Educational Games
• Textiles woven in Africa
• Fabrics of pillows that bear African motifs
• Personalized certificates
• Commemorative Kwanzaa stamps

All the gifts mentioned here can be found at most stores. Of course if you do not have the time to venture out of your home, you could also buy these Kwanzaa gifts online. To buy the appropriate gift all you need to do is browse through the various websites and select the gift which will then be delivered to you. If you have time on your hands, you could also make your own creative Kwanzaa gifts; something personalized keeping in mind the recipient. If you are running out of ideas of what to make, you will surely find all the help you need online. This way you will be able to make the perfect gift and be sure that it will be treasured in the years to come. Kwanzaa cards can also be sent to add to the festivities. You can purchase these cards at stores or even send e-cards through the internet, of course. With the wide choice of cards and gifts available today you can be sure that the gift will add that little something to the holiday spirit and let the person know how much you appreciate and care for him or her. Happy Kwanzaa!!