Kwanzaa Gift Guide

Here, seven ideas that celebrate the values of each day.

It’s a Celebration! - Celebrating Kwanzaa this year? It starts December 26 and runs through January 1, with a focus on a different one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) on each day. On the final day, we give zawadi, or gifts, that embody the spirit of the celebration. Much like Christmas, kids are the primary recipients, but we could all use a reminder of the principles. Here, gift ideas that celebrate the values of each day; starred items — all but two — are from black-owned companies and organizations. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: 2/Inti St. Clair/Ocean/Corbis)

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It’s a Celebration! - Celebrating Kwanzaa this year? It starts December 26 and runs through January 1, with a focus on a different one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) on each day. On the final day, we give zawadi, or gifts, that embody the spirit of the celebration. Much like Christmas, kids are the primary recipients, but we could all use a reminder of the principles. Here, gift ideas that celebrate the values of each day; starred items — all but two — are from black-owned companies and organizations. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: 2/Inti St. Clair/Ocean/Corbis)

Day 4. Ujamaa | Cooperative Economics - #BuyingBlack is the rallying cry of day four, and the dandy-approved bowties from William + James — the company is named for W.E.B. DuBois and James Baldwin — make the perfect handmade gift for your dapper dad, son or bae. (The Garvey, $65*)   (Photo: William+James)

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Day 4. Ujamaa | Cooperative Economics

Day 5. Nia | Purpose - The Passion Planner doesn’t just help you map out your day, it helps you identify your purpose and goals and gives you the tools to work toward them daily. Give one to your favorite dreamer.(Passion Planner Compact 2015, $25)   (Photo: Passion Planner)

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Day 5. Nia | Purpose

Day 6. Kuumba | Creativity - Paper Crafts for Kwanzaa by Randel McGee features eight art projects you can do with your little one, from a mkeka (woven mat) to a pop-up card featuring a kinara. Bonus points if you buy it at a local bookstore. (Paper Crafts for Kwanzaa, $9)  (Photo: Enslow Elementary Publishers)

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Day 6. Kuumba | Creativity

Day 7. Imani | Faith - The final day of Kwanzaa falls on the first day of the New Year and it represents faith in our people, faith in our future and faith in our forward movement. A handmade doll from black-owned Jacq’s Dolls will remind the recipient — and you — that our most important job is to create a better reality for our little ones. (Emma, $38*) (Photo: Jaq's Dolls)

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Day 7. Imani | Faith