What zawadi are
Zawadi is Swahili for gifts. The idea is a gift that is affordable and educational or artistic rather than showy, often given by parents to children. Sources differ on the night: many families give them on January 1, the last day, and some on December 31 around the karamu feast.
Ideas that fit the spirit
- Clothes for a growing child in organic cotton
- A handwoven pillow, made on a loom by hand, for the family home
- Small, useful gifts under $25 for cousins and friends
Pair any of them with a book or a note about one of the seven principles and why it made you think of them.
When to order
US orders can take up to 30 days in total, so ordering by late November covers December 26, and by early December covers January 1. For reference, our US brands' Christmas cut-offs run December 7 to 16, 2026, and those are estimates, not guarantees. International orders take 45 days or longer, so order as early as you can.
Shop: Organic kids' clothing · Throw pillows · Gifts under $25
