Creative Kwanzaa Gifts

Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African celebration centered on bringing awareness of what it means to be of African decent. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who celebrated it for the first time in 1966. While Kwanzaa was created as a black alternative to Christmas and Hanukah, many families add it to their holiday celebrations. Over the seven days of the annual Kwanzaa celebration, which starts December 26 and ends January 1, different principles (the Nguzo Saba)are celebrated. Kwanzaa gifts are traditionally given on the seventh day, but they can also be given on each day to coordinate with the principles being celebrated.

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, family and friends come together to share in the celebrations. The holiday celebration is accompanied by the ritual of lighting the kinara, a special candleholder with seven candles. There is to be one black candle, placed in the center, three red candles to the left of the black candle and three green candles to the right of the black candle. In addition to having the kinara on the celebration table on top of a mkeka mat, there should also be mazao (fruit crops) of some sort and at least two ears of corn. The unity cup is also used to offer tambiko (libation) to ancestors. Other African objects, gifts and books are also placed next to the mat to symbolize African heritage.

During the Kwanzaa celebration, it is customary for a child to light the appropriate candle and discuss the principle of the day. It is also important to do the unity cup ritual, which includes pouring water, grape juice or wine into the cup each night, pouring small amounts on the floor in honor of ancestors and taking a sip and passing the cup to each person. As the cup is passed, it is to be raised as the cup holder says harambee, meaning "let's all pull together." The principles of each day are as follows:

Umoja (Unity): On the first day of Kwanzaa, the black candle is lit to celebrate unity in the family, in the community, in the nation and among the race. The African saying "I am because we are" reflects the importance of this day. A set of matching rings would be a great Kwanzaa gift to give on this day.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): On the second day of Kwanzaa, the first red candle is lit to celebrate how define yourself, name yourself, create for yourself and speak for yourself. The purpose is to bring awareness and purpose to being a positive force in your own life and in the lives of your family and community. A book of positive sayings would make a great Kwanzaa gift on this day.

Ujima (Collective Work, Responsibility): On the third day of Kwanzaa, the second red candle is lit to celebrate community. The purpose is to commit to maintaining community and taking responsibility for the problems of others. An intricate puzzle would be a great gift to give on this day, and the whole family can work together to assemble it.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, the third red candle is lit to celebrate cooperative economics, which means building and maintaining stores and businesses and supporting each other in those endeavors. On this day, it would be appropriate for children to receive money as a Kwanzaa gift.

Nia (Purpose): On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, the first green candle is lit to celebrate purpose in working to develop your community and yourself. Give gifts on this day that go along with the person's talents and calling in life.

Kuumba (Creativity): On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, the second green candle is lit to celebrate creativity. It is intended to remind you to use your individual creativity to beautify and maintain your community. On this day, it is wise to give items that promote creativity, such as art sets and writing materials.

Imani (Faith): On the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa, the final green candle is lit to celebrate faith including faith in your parents, teachers and leaders. This candle reminds participants to strive for a higher level for humankind and to affirm their self-worth and ability to triumph in struggle. Gifts are traditionally given on this seventh day of Kwanzaa, although you can opt to give a gift on each day that relates to the principle being celebrated. This is a good day to give an inspirational book as a Kwanzaa gift.

Traditionally, Kwanzaa gifts were given from parents to children, and many were handmade. These days, Kwanzaa gifts can be given to anyone, and there are many places you can purchase gifts for Kwanzaa. In general, you can't go wrong by giving books or cultural items.

Here are some additional ideas for Kwanzaa gifts you can make or purchase:

Beaded Necklaces: You can make these out of fishing line and beads in the traditional Kwanzaa colors of red, green and black. You can purchase the beads or make them yourself from clay that you can bake in the oven.

Fabric Dolls: Create dolls made of fabric with button eyes. Also create a homemade book that tells a story of the doll, which you can make up or tailor from an African proverb.

Kwanzaa-Specific Gifts: If you want to give a Kwanzaa gift to an adult, you can make or purchase a new unity cup that can be used in their Kwanzaa celebration.

Food: A dish you might want to bring would be sweet potato pie, Kwanzaa celebration cake, koki (a black-eyed peas appetizer), okra and beans or ginger beer.