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Hey! While we’re doing our best to make sure the products we feature will arrive in time for Christmas and Kwanzaa, shipping times are especially tricky this year and can vary depending on where you live, which product you purchase, and more. Shop early and be sure to double check the retailers’ websites for shipping information to ensure that your gift will arrive in time for the 25th!
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture, heritage, and values that takes place between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Dr. Maulana Karenga created the holiday in 1966, modeling it after the traditional harvest celebrations in Africa.
1. A set of Kwanzaa candles so you can honor the symbolism of both the color and number of candles in the kinara (candle holder). The seven candles, called the mishumaa saba, stand for the Seven Principles.
2. A battery-powered kinara to kick off the holiday without worrying about also burning down the house.
3. Or a handmade traditional kinara set that'll stand out because it's so beautifully crafted. You'll want to leave this one out even after Kwanzaa ends.
4. A reversible mkeka to mark your first Kwanzaa as a family. The mkeka symbolizes "the foundation on which all else rests." Personalize it with your last name and it'll become a precious family heirloom you can pass down for generations.
5. A rosewood unity cup because the tambiko (libation) is a key part of Kwanzaa activities. Wine, juice, or distilled spirits are poured from the kikombe cha umoja (unity cup) into the earth as a way to remember deceased family members. Participants also take turns drinking from the unity cup.
6. Some Kwanzaa cards (these linocut or hand-drawn cards are both beautiful options!) if you want to greet your loved ones. Habari gani (What is the news?) is a traditional Swahili greeting during Kwanzaa.
7. A box of shortbread cookies that'll help you break your fast if you chose to forgo food before the Karamu (Kwanzaa feast). Just make sure you read the happy message before you devour these biscuits!
8. A Kwanzaa bingo set for keeping family members young and old entertained for hours.
9. My First Kwanzaa, a paperback to introduce you and your little ones to Kwanzaa and its importance.
10. Seven Spools of Thread because it's an inspiring Kwanzaa story that incorporates the Seven Principles through a story of seven bickering brothers who learn to put aside their differences.
11. A Kwanzaa gift set if you're looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate. Zawadi (gifts) is another important part of Kwanzaa, and gifts are in recognition of both the parents' and kids' hard work and success.
12. A festive nail polish set so you can celebrate the holiday in style. All polishes are vegan, 10-free, and cruelty-free.
13. A Kwanzaa box that'll come with everything you need — kinara, candles, mkeka, decorative corn, a kente cloth, and more.
14. A kente ornament because your Christmas tree is in desperate need of some color. (Yes, you can celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa, if you and your family choose!)
15. A roll of Kwanzaa wrapping paper if you want your presents to look as good on the outside as they do inside.
16. A set of handmade coasters so the festivities aren't ruined by water rings on your coffee table.
17. A tree greeting card that'll spread the cheer and create something that could outlast all of us — a whole freaking tree! Plus, Forest Nation plants 10 trees in a developing country for every purchase.
18. And a Kwanzaa cookbook for ensuring the whole family can spend some quality time together in the kitchen whipping up some delicious dishes.
You and your family this Kwanzaa:
Want to learn more about Kwanzaa? The Anacostia Community Museum (within the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution) has a more in-depth explainer about the meaning and origin of Kwanzaa.
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