Kwanzaa Gifts

An African American festival that celebrates the traditions and values of African people, Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa is marked by exchange of Kwanzaa Gifts every year and is observed by millions of Africans worldwide. Kwanzaa hails traditional African values that emphasizes on community responsibility, self-improvement, family and commerce. Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest" in Kiswahili, an African language, and is also referred to as the harvest festival. The celebration goes on for 7 days and Kwanzaa Gifts are traditionally exchanged on the 7th day. However, people also give and receive Kwanzaa Gifts on all of the 7 days.

Like any festival, people celebrate Kwanzaa with friends and family. Food, Kwanzaa gifts, and rituals comprise the major part of the celebration. Traditionally, Kwanzaa starts off with lighting of the candles in traditional candle holder known as 'Kinara'. It holds seven candles, first-the black one in the middle, three red ones on the left of the black candle, and three green candles on the right. The ritual also includes the 'Unity Cup' that's used to drink to the ancestors. Anything that emphasizes on African heritage is welcomed to be a part of the ritual. Children play a very important role in the celebration as, like any other culture; they are the torch-bearers of African traditions and values.

As discussed above, Kwanzaa gifts are meant to be exchanged on the 7th day but in modern times, people love to buy gifts for each and all the seven days of the festival. Kwanzaa gifts should be traditional and useful. We suggest you ideas for Kwanzaa gifts for each of the seven days which can never go wrong.

• Umoja or Unity: The first day of Kwanzaa talks about unity and the strength of togetherness. It includes unity in both family and community. This day is marked by a popular African saying that means "I am because we are". The perfect Kwanzaa Gift for this day would be set of matching rings for a family or matching wrist bands. You can also go for matching jewelry for the ladies. A 'Unity Cup' is however, a traditional gift that suits the best on this day.
• Kujichagulia or self-determination: The 2nd day is about knowing what you are and what you want. It encourages individuals to stand up and talk for themselves and the community. This day is celebrated to induce positive energy in everybody's life. The best Kwanzaa gift for this day would be a book on self-motivation and positive approach towards life. You can also go for books of positive quotations and sayings.
• Ujima or Collective work and responsibility: the 3rd day of Kwanzaa celebrates and preaches individual responsibilities toward community and the world. It also talks about everybody's obligation to the society and collective work that can make world a better place to live in. The Kwanzaa gift for this day would be a puzzle or games that people can play together and solve. Anything that encourages team work can be a good Kwanzaa gift on the third day.
• Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics: The third day talks about the strength of collective economic strength that helps people to support each other. The best Kwanzaa gift on this day would be gift checks and cash prizes for the children and adults.
• Nia or Purpose: the 5th day of Kwanzaa encourages one to fulfill personal goals and add to the betterment of the community. Any gift that compliments a person's talents and goals is a good gift for this day.
• Kuumba or Creativity: It encourages one to use his/her creativity for the betterment of the society. Anything that boosts one's creativity can be a good Kwanzaa gift for the 6th day. Painting sets, musical instruments and writing books can be good gifts for Kwanzaa.
• Imani or Faith: The final day of Kwanzaa emphasizes on believing in traditions and striving for higher human existence. It also encourages one to realize his/her worth and value to community. The best gift for this day would be an inspirational book.

Kwanzaa is a celebration African-American people believe in. Anything that compliments the traditional sentiments of African-American people can make great Kwanzaa Gifts.

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