The best Kwanzaa gifts thoughtfully honor Pan-African culture. This celebration, with festivities from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, was first established in 1966 as a time to recognize the history, culture, and values of African American and Pan-African communities. On the last night of the 6-day celebration, people usually exchange gifts. However, present-giving isn’t the festival’s main focus but rather a small part of a much bigger holiday. Traditionally, Kwanzaa gifts are handmade, but the holidays can be busy (especially if you’re also celebrating Christmas), making it hard to find the time to get crafty.
When life happens, you can pick up a Kwanzaa gift online or in stores. These presents are meant to be inexpensive small gifts, primarily geared toward children. Plus, buying your Kwanzaa presents is a wonderful way to financially support the Black community and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Typically, store-bought options include greeting cards, candles, books, and affordable toys.
So we’ve curated a list of the best Kwanzaa gifts that support Black-owned businesses and African American artists. (Note that with small businesses, you will have to account for low stock inventory and longer shipping times, but the support is valuable and worth it). And with affordable prices and great sales, you can be ready for the family gift exchange on Dec. 31 without breaking the bank.
Kwanzaa Book Gifts
Manifest Notebook
This lined notebook ($14.99, Etsy) features the silhouette of a young Black woman surrounded by encouraging phrases. Mantras include “You are stronger than you think” and “Make yourself a priority.” The idea is to empower young women to set goals, believe in themselves, and dream big. We’ve seen this go on sale for $12.74 in late December.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
This picture book ($8.99, Barnes & Noble) by African American author Angela Shelf Medearis tells a story of family, culture, and the value of working together. It’s currently eligible for free shipping and Kids’ Club deals.
Together For Kwanzaa
Author Juwanda G. Ford writes a heartwarming picture book ($3.99, Amazon). The story follows young Kayla and her older brother Kahri as they hope to be reunited for the holidays. The book is also eligible for free 1-day shipping with Prime.
Candles for Kwanzaa Gifts
White Sage & Lavender Candle
Light up your celebration with a handmade candle ($18, Etsy). Made of 100% vegan soy wax and a cotton wick, this candle is all-natural. Perfect for more environmentally conscious loved ones.
Smells Like It’s Time for a Change Candle
Not only does this candle ($15, Etsy) support a queer, Black-owned business, but 10% of proceeds also go towards the Equal Justice Initiative. You can help the fight against racial injustice while enjoying one of over 20 fragrance options. Scents include gardenia tuberose, Froot Loops, mahogany teakwood, and more.
Best Kwanzaa Toy Gifts for Kids
Happy Kwanzaa Puzzle with Matching Poster
Teach little ones about the principles of Nguzo Saba with a fun puzzle ($9.99, Etsy). This 48-piece puzzle depicts the symbols of Kwanzaa in bright, seasonal colors. Plus, it’s currently on sale for 10% off, bringing the price down to $8.99.
Positively Perfect Kiara Toddler Doll
This baby doll ($19.99, Target) lives up to the brand name! Positively Perfect is a Black-owned brand that focuses on representing a wide variety of skin colors and hair textures. For example, the Kiara doll has 3c curls!
Tiffany Unicorn Plush Toy
Unicorn lovers, look no further. This stuffed animal ($30, The Black Unicorn Shop) has brown skin and the cutest afro puff pigtails. Other unicorns feature locs and braids, too. Even better, this plush is currently on sale for $25.
Update: this is out of stock now, but you can sign up for emails for when it’s back in stock.
Brown Toy Box Amara Chemistry STEAM Kit
Teach little ones about science with this hands-on kit ($29.99, Target). The kit includes a cutout doll of a Black hijabi girl named Amara and her science lab, an activity book, and several experiment ideas and supplies. So it’s perfect for encouraging a love of learning!
Joyful Carousel Kids’ Jumbo Puzzle
This 24-piece puzzle ($17.99, Target) is made of thick cardboard, making it easier for little hands to pick up. The design shows a diverse group of children all enjoying a merry-go-round together.
Best Kwanzaa Greeting Cards
Seven Principles (Red/Faux Gold) Card
Send your season’s greetings with a customizable card ($3.37, Zazzle). The design features a word art collage of the seven principles of Kwanzaa overlaid on a red and gold background with the message “Happy Kwanzaa” beneath. And it’s currently on sale for 50% off with the code WINTERDEAL22, making the final price $1.69.
Season’s Greetings, To All
For shoppers who celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, this card ($3.99, Culture Greetings) wishes you a happy everything. Not to mention the company is described as a minority-owned, philanthropically-minded, environmentally-friendly organization.
Kwanzaa Holiday Card
This card ($4.17, Zazzle) features a kinara surrounded by word art of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The border around the design matches the colors of the holiday in vibrant red, green, black, and yellow. Even better, it’s on sale for $2.09 with the code WINTERDEAL22.
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