Gifts That Give Back: Our Holiday Gift Guide
Somewhere in Kenya, a woman is about to get a rainwater tank. She'll never have to walk hours for water again. And the gift you're about to buy for your sister-in-law helps make it happen.
That's the idea behind every gift in our shop. It's handmade by an artisan in Africa, it's probably one of a kind, and it funds microloans for women in rural Kenya.
The short version: Zawadisha is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that sells handmade gifts from artisans across Africa. Every purchase funds our microlending program for women in Kenya, which has reached more than 2,500 women. For delivery by Christmas within the US, order by December 17. US shipping is a flat $8, and free on orders over $75.
For the host who has great taste
- Karafuu Upcycled Glass Jar: made from rescued wine bottles in Zanzibar. Fill it with cookies or coffee and you're done.
- Kikuba Upcycled Vase: a little vase with a big story, also from Zanzibar.
- Upepo Tea Light Holder and Taa Tea Light Candle Holders: candlelight for the darkest days of the year.
For the one who loves to cook
- Olive Wood Serving Tong Set: hand-carved in Nairobi, and every one follows the grain of its own piece of wood.
- Olive Wood Sugar & Honey Spoons and Mini Olive Wood Spice Spoons: perfect stocking stuffers.
For her (or you, we won't tell)
- A Bird Named Frank earrings: brass and silver, handmade in a Cape Town studio. Try the Hello Halo or Rising Sun.
- Era Paper Pulp Earrings: light as air, made from recycled paper pulp by a women's collective in Eswatini.
- Natural Lamu Solid Perfume: handmade on Lamu Island, small enough for any stocking.
For the person who has everything
- A one-of-a-kind sisal basket: handwoven by a woman in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, with her name handwritten on a scrap of cardboard attached to it. Nobody else will have this exact basket. Read the story behind our baskets.
- African Artisan Mystery Box: at least $150 of handmade goods from across Africa, hand-picked by our founder, for $75.
For the last-minute shopper
Missed the shipping deadline? A Zawadisha digital gift card arrives by email instantly and never expires.
What does a gift from Zawadisha pay for?
Every purchase funds no-interest loans for women in rural Kenya. Women use them for rainwater tanks, solar lamps, clean cookstoves, mattresses and iron roofs, and pay them back over time. Then the money is lent to the next woman. Read why we started.
Shop gifts under $50 · Shop all gifts
Frequently asked questions
What are gifts that give back?
Gifts that give back are gifts where your purchase also supports a cause. At Zawadisha, every handmade gift funds our microlending program for women in rural Kenya, and the artisans who make the goods are paid directly.
When should I order to get my gifts by Christmas?
Within the US, order by December 17. Need it faster? Expedited shipping is available: email jen@zawadisha.org for the price and timeline. Digital gift cards arrive instantly by email.
Are Zawadisha's gifts handmade?
Yes. Everything we sell is handmade by artisans, cooperatives and small businesses across Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eswatini and South Africa. Many pieces are one of a kind.
Do you have gifts under $50?
Yes. Our Gifts Under $50 collection includes earrings, upcycled glass, olive wood spoons, small sisal baskets and natural soaps and perfumes.