Top Gifts for Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture and principles observed by millions of people across the United States. The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili words matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits." The Kwanzaa festival is celebrated around the time of Christmas and Hanukkah, so many feel an urge to give gifts in association with the celebration. Here are some top gift ideas for Kwanzaa.

What to give

Kwanzaa celebrates African culture, and so should the gifts. Give a book on African culture or art. Choose a CD with music from African artists. Find out about the film industry from one of the African nations, and offer a Blu-ray or DVD movie. Give fabrics produced in Africa or clothing made in Africa.

Why you give it

The festival emphasizes seven principles in the Swahili language. The principles are:

1. Umoja (unity), expressing unity in family and community
2. Kujichagulia (self-determination), calling for self-reliance as individuals and African-Americans defining their own identity
3. Ujima (collective work and responsibility), for African-Americans to solve problems within their community and rely on each other
4. Ujamaa (cooperative economics), to patronize black-owned businesses
5. Nia (Purpose), to be determined to build a better world for African-Americans
6. Kuumba (creativity), to focus on beautifying the surrounding community
7. Imani (faith), to believe in the righteousness of the struggle

Given those concepts, you may prefer to give gifts that recognize these principals and will help the recipients put them into action. For instance:

1. For Umoja, give a family portrait or scrapbook of family remembrances.
2. For Kujichagulia, give a book on great leaders from the African diaspora. The leaders don't have to be from the continent, as long as that leader expresses the defining principal.
3. For Ujima, get a puzzle featuring black leaders or a vision of Africa or African-American life that is big enough to take a group effort to solve.
4. For Ujamaa, find a black-owned business, and buy a gift there.
5. For Nia, give a book on African philosophies or philosophers.
6. For Kuumba, make something yourself to give.
7. For Imani, give a book or film about the civil rights movement or the emancipation of slaves.