Special Kwanzaa Gifts for Kids, Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers
Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate the best of the holiday spirit by gathering together, honoring ancestors and building unity. It’s also marked by storytelling, music, food and, of course, gifts! While the roots of the cultural holiday encourage handmade items, we’ve got plenty of shoppable Kwanzaa gift ideas that pay homage to African and African-American traditions. From kid toys and books to clothing and accessories in the Kwanzaa colors of red, black and green, there’s something befitting every tradition.
Before you start searching for the best Kwanzaa gifts, you might need a little primer on the holiday itself. The weeklong celebration was founded in the United States in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies, author and activist, with a desire to unify the black and brown community worldwide.
Kwanzaa honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26th to January 1st. Traditions vary, but the goal is to celebrate, inspire and honor the past. And, of course, the festivities culminate with gift giving and a big feast.
From informative books to wooden toys and traditional textiles, these sweet gifts will give your kiddos plenty to celebrate—and provide you with an opportunity to teach them about their heritage.
Kwanzaa Coloring Book
Help your littles learn about and celebrate Kwanzaa with this engaging coloring book. Each page has a large picture with one of the symbols of Kwanzaa or traditional African scenes and patterns. The large format designs are perfect for little and big artists alike.
African Bogolan Baby Pants
These adorable harem baby pants feature a traditional African print in the colors of the African flag. Similar to the colors of the Kinara, a candle holder, during the holiday, the black represents the people, red for their struggle and green for hope.
Big Dot of Happiness Happy Kwanzaa Bingo Cards
Everybody will have fun playing Kwanzaa bingo at any holiday party with this exciting game. Kwanzaa-themed cards and markers give this classic and beloved game a fresh holiday-appropriate look.
My First Kwanzaa Onesie
If baby is celebrating their first Kwanzaa this year, mark the occasion with this adorable personalized onesie. Available in sizes newborn to 18 months (and in short or long sleeves), your little one can get in on the celebration long before they understand the importance of the holiday.
American Girl Do Kwanzaa Celebration Outfit
Get your child in on the holiday action with an American Girl holiday doll outfit that honors the seven symbols of Kwanzaa, including a unity cup, woven mkeka mat and a booklet that highlights five different cultural celebrations, in addition to the customary African print outfit.
African Kente Baby Gift Set
Looking for the perfect baby gift set to mark Kwanzaa? The adorable bib, burp cloth and pacifier clip in this set all feature the traditional African Kente cloth print. Made of 100 percent cotton, each handmade piece can be customized.
I Spy With My Little Eye Kwanzaa Book
Let your kiddos explore the pages of this adorable and entertaining book by searching for all the hidden traditional Kwanzaa symbols of candles, fruits and cups that are used in the seven-day celebration.
Kids’ Happy Kwanzaa Crew Socks
Spread the joy of Kwanzaa to the kiddies with the ultimate creature comfort: socks! The colorful design and vibrant premium knit on this pair make them super-cute and extra cozy.
Dabble and Dollop Kwanzaa Gift Set
Celebrate Kwanzaa at bathtime with the traditional colors of the holiday that symbolize the candles of the kinara. Included in this gift-ready box, is a 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath and body wash you can mix to create seven unique scent and texture combinations.
Little Likes Kids’ 48-Piece Musical Crossroads Memory Game
If you’re looking for an educational Kwanzaa gift from a Black-owned business, this is a great option. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this beautifully illustrated memory game introduces kids to all kinds of musical instruments, accessories and dances.
While kids are generally the gift recipients during Kwanzaa, anyone would appreciate a thoughtful gift that honors the traditions of the holiday and shows them how much you love and appreciate them.
Love Pop Happy Kwanzaa Pop-Up Card
Surprise and delight a loved ones with a unique and fun greeting card that celebrates Kwanzaa’s beautiful traditions.
Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day Book
Anyone will appreciate this go-to guide to Kwanzaa and its seven principles, celebrating how the important traditions and meaningful sentiments can be part of life all year round.
Hope & Wonder Kwanzaa Unisex Adult Pajama Set
These PJs will help you celebrate Kwanzaa in comfort and style, no matter what your weeklong plans are. Your partner will enjoy putting these on, gathering with loved ones, telling stories, reading books and learning about the holiday.
Share the spirit of the season with your loving grandparents. This year, spread the light of Kwanzaa with a lovingly chosen gift—from holiday candles and home decor—that will offer shopping inspiration to make your Kwanzaa gift giving memorable.
Premium Home Fragrance Scented Holiday Soy Candle
Embrace the coziness of the winter season with this scented soy candle, with subtle top notes of citrus and cypress. The perfectly giftable candle is made by hand in New Jersey by a Black-owned business.
Cherish Traditions Light-Up Kwanzaa Pillow
Illuminate your home this Kwanzaa with the cozy comfort and vibrant colors of this unique light-up pillow. A decorative and celebratory accent for any living room or bedroom space.
Society6 Happy Kwanzaa Gift Wrap
This is the perfect find for grandparents looking for a fun way to decorate the gifts they’re giving loved ones this holiday season. Take wrapping up a notch with this festive paper that’s also great for bookbinding and scrapbooking.
150 Kwanzaa Recipes: Explore Kwanzaa Cookbook
No gathering is complete without some seriously amazing Kwanzaa food. You’ll want to make the mouthwatering dishes from this cookbook all year long.
Whether you’re looking to gift something to your nanny or daycare providers, these affordable Kwanzaa gifts are sure to be a hit. Remember, a small token of appreciation goes a long way.
Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa Engraved Celebration Set
Begin the festive holiday with a Kwanzaa celebration set that comes with a hand-carved kinara and umoja unity cup, seven traditional Mishumaa Saba candles (three red, one black and three green). The set also includes a kente cloth, basket, Kwanzaa mkeka mat and Kwanzaa guide.
Personalized Africa-Shaped Ornaments
Searching for affordable Kwanzaa gifts for someone special? Check out these laser-cut, sanded, engraved and sealed ornaments shaped like Africa.
Personalized Kwanzaa M&M’s Dispenser
Celebrate how sweet the Kwanzaa holiday season is with this retro-style gumball dispenser filled with custom-created M&M’s in the traditional Kwanzaa colors of red, black and green, plus the words, "Happy Kwanzaa!"
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