Ryan Davy
Dec 31, 2024
Obioma's Kwanzaa Essentials
As the year comes to a close we get ready to celebrate and connect with the people that are closest to us. Kwanzaa provides us a unique opportunity to reflect on, celebrate, and put important values into practice.
Giving gifts plays a meaningful role in this celebration, and it’s a great opportunity to show loved-ones how important they are. As we get ready to celebrate Kwanzaa ourselves, we wanted to share some gift ideas that we try and stick to in order to bring our loved ones closer together, show them we care, and share our appreciation for various elements of African culture.
Handcrafted Art and Jewelry
Sharing a piece of authentic African artwork or jewelry with a loved one can certainly brighten their day and their look, but it can also have a much greater impact. Giving these kinds of gifts also serves as an important opportunity to support all kinds of artisans and craftspeople.
For stylish and practical standouts like the Mini Swirl Plateau Citron (shown right), or the Mixed Raffia Fringe Placemats stop by https://indegoafrica.org/.
To get stunning yet tasteful jewelry, like the wood and painted bone earrings shown left, visit africaimports.com. Going through vendors like these ensures you can not only share the ornate, practical, and authentic works of African Artisans and craftspeople but also support them directly.
Music that Resonates
One of the best ways to unwind, lift spirits, and connect with those around us is through music. Creating and sharing a unique playlist, along with music service subscriptions or vinyl records, are great low investment high return gift ideas.
These can also be introduced along with new speakers and headphones for avid listeners too. Playlists and albums don’t cost a ton, and can be cherished for years and used regularly in a way that many other gifts can’t be. This can serve as an opportunity to explore and share some of the works that make up the rich tapestry of African music.
A favorite of ours, and the perfect backdrop for family activity, is the work of “Ethio-Jazz” pioneer Mulatu Astatke. Enjoying music together is hard to beat, but it’s always so satisfying to unwrap physical tangible gifts.
Celebrate Heritage with African-Inspired Clothing
Aside from spending time, and creating long lasting memories with our loved ones Kwanzaa serves as an opportunity to honor and embrace traditional African culture. It’s no surprise that one way we enjoy honoring and embracing African culture is by wearing authentic African clothing.
In our collection a popular option currently are our Dashikis. They come in three forms: an enchanting dancing skirt, a striking formal jacket, and a timeless traditional shirt (shown right).
If you’re interested in sharing the impact and history of Dashikis this Kwanzaa you can read about it in our most recent blog post! We have all kinds of options, small and grand, from belts and other accessories to gowns, to suits. We’ll be sure get you what you need and express your cultural pride in the way that’s the most you.
Foster Family Connections with Shared Activities
The most important thing to do during holidays is spending meaningful time with their loved ones, and hopefully create long lasting memories.
Whether it's on the living room floor, outside, or in the car, activities like games can be a great way to get people together for moments that one day become cherished memories.
For time spent indoors a good choice can be, classics like Mancala, Rummikub, or scrabble.
Another good option is a high quality jigsaw puzzle depicting any number of pieces of fine art, which can be found at fineartamerica.com (shown right).
If you live somewhere with nice winter weather, pickup games of football, basketball, or catch are always more fun than you think they will be. Buying a set for games like ring toss, horseshoes, and bocce are always good to have too. Finally, if you’re on a road trip and you’re taking the opportunity to force some family interaction, word and trivia games like contact, ghost, and black stories are always fun to bring out especially after hours of music or podcasts.
Kwanzaa Essentials
Finally a more traditional option would be one of the traditional items essential for celebrating Kwanzaa. First and foremost, the Kinaraa. Our friends at 7principles365.com have a beautiful selection of magnificent wooden Kinaraas. Their Diamond Step Kinara is shown here.
Additionally they have a selection of Mishumaa Saba to light up your new Kanaraa. And of course they also sell the Mkeka, Kikombe, and Muhindi as well.
This way you can use authentic traditional pieces to put your Kwanzaa celebration into practice and get connected to the seven principles of the holiday.
Finally
As you get your gifts together this Kwanzaa, we hope you can come together to spend time with your family, enjoy and appreciate the work of African artists, share your appreciation for African culture in a way that’s the most you, and create indelible memories that last a lifetime.
From all of us here at Obioma Heri Zi Kwanzaa! Share some of your best moments from Kwanzaa this year with us below!
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