Make Kwanzaa Gift Baskets

Tuesday December 4, 2007 •  

kwanzaa_basket.jpgWhen Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 he wanted to reaffirm African American roots to Africa and celebrate family, community and culture.
 
Kwanzaa is not connected to Christmas even though it is celebrated December 26th through January 1st. It is typically celebrated at home where a Kwanzaa altar or table is set up and decorated. The set up includes the Mkeka (mat) placed in the center. Then the kinara (candleholder) containing the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) is added. One black candle is placed in the center of the Kinara. The other candles are 3 green and 3 red. Each day a candle is lit from left to right followed by the discussion of one of the seven principles, Nguzo Saba.
 
Also placed on the table in a bowl are Mazao, fruit and vegetables.  One ear of corn for each child in the family is placed on the mat. If the family has no children they add one ear of corn to symbolize the children of the community.
 
Since Kwanzaa is still a relatively new celebration, families add much creativity and imagination to the way they commemorate it, while keeping in place its spirit and purpose.
 
Dr. Karenga encourages the exchange of gifts that are handmade, not commercially produced. But with the increasing popularity of Kwanzaa, celebrated by over 18 million people worldwide, there is no stopping the commercialization. 
Companies have rolled out a wide variety of Kwanzaa gifts, textiles, housewares, stationery, greeting cards, mugs, plush and more. Since you may be asked to prepare Kwanzaa gift baskets, here are a few suggestions.

1. A fruit basket is an appropriate and welcomed hostess gift.
2. A gift basket filled with gifts and food will satisfy the whole family. Gifts should be positive items that encourage education, promote family togetherness and a sense of community. The kinte pattern is a popular color scheme on Kwanzaa gifts.
3. A basket perfect for a child or the child inside us would be a wonderful surprise. Books, videos or other educational resources about Kwanzaa or African American heritage are popular Kwanzaa items for children.

  • To get more design ideas for your Kwanzaa gift baskets, visit EasyGiftBasketIdeas
  • Whatever you design, remember to use Kwanzaa colors of black, green and red.  These colors represent Bendera, the African flag: black (the people,) red (continuing struggle,) and green (the future.)
  • Find out more about what’s appropriate for Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and other major holidays in Business Etiquette for the Savvy Gift Basket Retailer.
Filed Under Gift basket business, Kwanzaa gift baskets