Since Kwanzaa's conception in 1966 by the revered Black scholar Dr. Maulana Karenga, Black families throughout the diaspora have been celebrating Kwanzaa in honor of their heritage and tradition. The celebration is a week long, and includes drumming, traditional foods, decorations, and the Kinara — the candelabra that holds seven candles representing the seven guiding principles called the Nguzo Saba. (This translates to "seven principles" in Swahili.)
The seven principles are unity umoja, self-determination kujichagulia, collective work and responsibility ujima, cooperative economics ujamaa, purpose nia, creativity kuumba, and faith imani. Karenga wrote in his book Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture that children are central to the holiday, and therefore the primary recipients of the gifts given during the week. He noted that they should receive two gifts — a book and a heritage symbol — that teach them about the beautiful and rich culture that they are inheriting.
So, this is a gift list that comes in pairs. In this guide, we've included books about African culture for kids, as well as age-appropriate African heritage items. May your Kwanzaa be full of family, learning, light, and love.
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1
Best Leadership Book
‘Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba’ by Ekiuwa Aire, illustrated by Natalia Popova
Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba is the true story of Queen Njinga, a woman who survived and thrived through a tumultuous childhood to become the queen of two nations.
Queen Njinga was a political juggernaut of Angola in the 1600s, and this beautifully told, stunningly illustrated book does her history the utmost justice.
Your little one will feel cozy and loved in this Angola-print cuffed romper. Ranging in sizes from birth to age 6, this traditional Angolan print makes for a stunning outfit.
And the zipper for easy diaper access and machine washability doesn't hurt, either.
The joy in Alphabet of Black Cultures is truly something to be experienced. It's a wonderful expression of Blackness, written in a text that will appeal to all ages. The illustrations in this book are drawn with exquisite detail.
This is a book your child will pull off the shelf to read again and again.
African baby wraps are some of the best in the world, and this one is a gift as much for baby as it is for the parents. A long, sturdy block of cloth in a splendid Ankaran print, this wrap will last through generations of babies in the family, making it a true heirloom.
5
Best History Book
‘African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History’ by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Hillary D. Wilson
The histories of pre-colonial Africa are highlighted throughout 10 icons of the continent in this informative read. Immensely powerful and utterly necessary, African Icons tells the tale of mighty and courageous Africans in a way that children and adults alike will find enthralling.
You've rarely seen a doll as beautifully crafted and lovingly made as this one. This handmade African heritage doll is something your baby or child will cherish for the rest of their lives, since they'll be able to take it from their nursery to their dorm room.
Ifeoma Onyefulu takes the traditional alphabet book and employs it to teach babies about Africa with gorgeous pictures and simple, kid-friendly prose. Your little one will be reciting their ABCs in no time!
Bogolon trousers are the best sorts of pants for kids. They allow completely free movement, as well as room for layering on cold days. Available in sizes 0-3 months through 5 years, these pants will quickly become the favored bottoms in your baby's wardrobe.
9
Best Book for Preschoolers
‘Idia of the Benin Kingdom’ by Ekiuwa Aire, illustrated by Alina Shabelnyk
Idia was a queen like no other. The Benin Kingdom of the 15th century found great success under her rule, and she played a huge role in her son's rise to power.
Aire makes the whole story light up, telling it with nearly lyrical prose. Plus, the illustrations are positively illuminating.
The Benin Kingdom is located where modern-day Nigeria is today, and Yoruba is one of the major languages of the region. These fun flash cards teach your littles the basics of the Yoruba language through charmingly illustrated cards.
11
Best Family Book
‘I Lost My Tooth In Africa’ by Penda Diakité, illustrated by Baba Wagué Diakité
The first thing you need to know and love about this book is that famed author and illustrator, Baba Wagué Diakité, wrote it with his 12-year-old daughter Penda.
The story is about a girl who just wants to lose her tooth while traveling with her family to Mali, West Africa. She just can't quite get it to budge, and obviously, hijinks ensue.
12
Best Musical Toy
West African Ghanaian Caxixi Brazilian Shaker Maraca
Kids love making music, and these West African seed shakers are a percussion-loving kid's dream. Available in a multitude of bold, bright patterns, your kids will be able to shake them to their heart's content ... although we have to warn you that getting these away from your babies at bedtime might prove to be a challenge.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
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