Kwanzaa is just a couple of short weeks away, which means there is a lot of fun to be had soon. However, it also means that there isn’t a whole lot of time for holiday shopping. If you’re struggling to come up with a gift or two to share the love with the children in your life, then you’re in luck. Not only will these gifts help to fit the theme of Kwanzaa, but they will also allow you to save some money so you can enjoy other aspects of the holiday too. With these ten ideas to guide you, you are certain to be the best gift-giver during this incredible holiday.
1. Holiday Inspired Books
Since Kwanzaa is a celebration of African culture, then one of the best gifts that you can give is a book inspired by the holiday. It doesn’t have to be all about Kwanzaa as there are many books that you can purchase that talk about Africa, its history, and its culture. Of course, there are numerous books to choose from that are actually all about the holiday. These are actually amazing for younger children but can also be a good gift for any newcomers to the holiday or those hoping to learn more. One of the best things about books is you can cater to personality, interest, and age. This helps to make it a wonderful gift for just about everyone on your list.
2. Kwanzaa Clothes
It is part of the holiday’s tradition to dress in traditional African clothing. So, one of the best gifts that you come up with for a child is a new set of traditional clothing. You can purchase these from specialty shops online, but you might also be able to make your own clothing. You can find traditional fabrics online and in some craft stores, which is a great place to start. You might even be able to order patterns or follow tutorial videos to create unique looks that suit traditions. If you don’t want to give traditional clothing, then there are Kwanzaa-themed tees, hats, and hoodies to choose from. You can also stray a bit by offering African-themed clothing that children can wear all year long.
3. Talking Globe
Learning about the world is incredibly important for children. Since Kwanzaa teaches about Africa and beyond, it is a great idea to give little ones a globe that can teach them more about the place they are learning about. These globes can help make Africa feel real to a child and will give them imagery to add to the things they are learning. The globe is also a gift that can be used throughout childhood. You never know, you might be inspiring a globetrotter, which will make your gift all the more important in the eyes of a child.
4. Candle Kit
Each day of Kwanzaa is accompanied by a candle. So, if you want to help children feel like they play a larger role in the holiday, then you might consider gifting a candle kit. A kit can allow children to learn a new hobby which is beneficial in numerous different ways. It can also allow children to work to create their own candles for the holidays. You can find candle kits, even those designed for children to use, at a variety of hobby or craft shops. However, if you know how to make candles then you can easily set up a kit yourself, so you can customize it for the child you’re gifting it to.
5. Instruments
Creativity and music are another great part of Kwanzaa. That is why gifting musical instruments is an easy thing to do. There are many instruments to choose from for this, but you might first aim to choose traditional options. Drums are always a good pick and can be a great option for children to learn. You can also make your own drum or purchase a kit to make one, so the gift is a bit more personal. Of course, children can benefit from any instrument you provide, especially if you accompany it with lessons or information about music that is derived from Africa or music that stems from African culture.
6. Beaded Jewelry
Another great idea is to offer beaded jewelry for Kwanzaa. This will help to create a traditional vibe for the holiday while allowing you to easily provide a gift that is perfect for all-year use. You can even find beaded jewelry that is designed by African artisans, which can allow you to truly put the meaning of the holiday into action. If you want to satisfy the creative aspect of the holiday, then you might consider purchasing some beading kits for kids that are old enough. There are so many kits to choose from so you can truly make this gift personalized and fun for each recipient.
7. Coloring Book
Coloring books are currently a big trend, but they have been popular for little kids for quite some time. Luckily, you should be able to find quite a few Kwanzaa coloring books on the market, which will help little ones have some fun for the holiday. There are coloring books for older kids and adults, as well. You might have a harder time finding books that are Kwanzaa related, but you should be able to find African-themed coloring books. If you are good with programs like Adobe Illustrator, you can make your own coloring sheets and add them to a special book for the recipient. This can truly add a special touch to the gift.
8. African Blanket
Since Kwanzaa takes place during the cold season, you might want to consider gifting a blanket for the holiday. There are so many online stores that offer artisan blankets at a fair price. This will allow you to help out someone crafting in Africa, which will add even more meaning to the gift. One of the more popular blankets to purchase is a Basotho blanket which can actually be worn. However, there are so many options to choose from that you are certain to be able to find something that will allow you to personalize the gift to suit anyone on your gifting list.
9. Art
A work of art that depicts everything that Kwanzaa is about is a great way to share the holiday with a child. There are so many works of art out there to choose from too, which will make it simple to find age-appropriate options. If you don’t want to stick with Just Kwanzaa then you might consider a piece that involves African or African culture. If you are crafty then you can always make your own art to give out. Some children might prefer an art set that you can enjoy with them as they learn more about African art.
10. DNA Kit
A DNA kit can be one of the best ways to help the children in your life learn more about their ancestry. Some DNA tests will even be able to help children pinpoint where their relatives come from, which is a great way to help inspire them to learn more about their culture and what area of Africa that they are from. Although younger children might not appreciate this gift today, it will become a valuable resource when they are older. These tests can always be managed by parents until a child is old enough to manage an account. Some ancestry tests can even connect to relatives living abroad, which might prove to be a great learning resource under the supervision of an adult.
Kwanzaa gifts can be a fun addition to your holiday. These ten ideas can actually help to find the perfect way to gift to the children in your life. With any luck, you will choose the perfect item to help spread knowledge and so much more.