Eid Gift Guide 2021

As sad as it is to think of Ramadan leaving us already, it helps us to appreciate its stay more. Knowing that we have just a few more weeks left instills in us a sense of urgency to do more good deeds as much as possible, as often as possible before its end. One of the good deeds is to spend on the less fortunate and to spend on those you love. It’s even better if such gifts are purchased thoughtfully from small artisan shops or businesses that serve the community in some way.

We are not big gift-givers in our family when it comes to Eid. Eid was a missed opportunity growing up where we dressed up with our best clothes and called it a day. Now as an adult in my own home, I wish to spread happiness in many different ways. Me and my husband do not generally give gifts to each other as we prefer experiences. We have deviated from this, however, when there was an eager item in the wish list at just the right price (see: sale).

In this Eid Gift Guide, I will share with you some ideas for physical gifts as well as ideas for the minimalists amongst your loved ones. I will do my best to highlight shops that serve some sort of a purpose – whether it’s Muslim owned, women owned, ethically run and the like – and when I have exhausted the search, then I will link other resources.

For the Nature Lovers

This is for those who’d rather be among the leaves inside and outside their home. They might enjoy gardening or pretending to live in a jungle. If that is you: I see you, I hear you, I am you, let’s be friends kthx.

National Park Annual Pass: Gift this person the ultimate gift of an annual pass so they can wander around the woods (or a desert plane) whenever their heart calls for it.
Gift them a planter: Just do it. If they don’t have a plant that fits the pot, they will do the work and find one. I loved these clay/stoneware planters on Etsy: this one, this one, this hanging set, and my favorite concrete planter.
Get them a garden bed: If they are anything like me, they wish to snip the herbs directly from their garden to add to daily dinners. Should they be fortunate enough to have an outdoor space, these birdies raised garden beds are sturdy, beautiful, and made to last even in the harshest of climates. (P.S. “Mist Green” color is an aesthetic on its own. Hasthag Instagram aesthetic).
Gift them a gift card from your local nursery: They can choose their plants, their pots, and make their green dreams come true. I would not recommend big box stores because I have gotten plants with critters and it was a nightmare. Small nurseries take better care of their plants and supporting the is much more rewarding insha’Allah.

For the Food Lovers

Some people prefer to be loved through their stomach and there is nothing wrong with that. There are some big ticket items here as well that I have collected over time which have personally been life changing for me. I was not gifted them… but I would have liked to 🙂

Get them ceremonial matcha: Are you surprised to see matcha or are you surprised to see matcha? You know that it is my love so if your loved one is a matcha connoisseur (or wants to be one), gift them the best.
Get them an Instant Pot: I know! I know you’ve heard this but just ask those who own it what a magical thing it is. Especially for those with an illness, it is a life saver. But also for those who are busy, those with families, those who are students, those who don’t particularly enjoy cooking, those who like to try new things etc etc.
Gift them their own Ice Cream maker: There is nothing like homemade ice cream and it is incredibly easy. For those with dietary restrictions, it is very hard to find a suitable substitute. This is a game changer. There are plenty of brands out there but this is the one I own and it works perfectly alhumdulillah.

For the Book Lovers

You don’t know a book lover? You need to. They are the best kinds of people – they are great listeners and don’t hover for too long because they have a book to get to. See? The best kind of people.

Kube Publishing: If they are into spiritually uplifting books, then there has to be one of their wish list items at Kube Publishing. They produce excellent content from well respect teachers in our communities. In my wish list: this one, this and this. (For those of us outside of the UK: you can find their Islamic books here and on amazon.).
Gift Cards: A gift card to get all the books? Yes please! For Islamic books, I recommend this one as they have a large selection and a gift card option. For all other books, local book sellers are are the best. After that, Barnes and Noble is my second home.
Get them an E-reader: Okay, I must admit that this is not for me. My sister does own one, however, and she loves it. So there are such people out there however strange I consider them to be. (I’m kidding, of course. Kudos to them for being able to enjoy books in an environmentally friendly way!). Nook and Kindle (1, 2) are two well known options.

For the Minimalist

Minimalists are the easiest to gift and the hardest to gift at the same time. Some people are minimalist due to environmental and sustainability concerns, others are due to wanting to own less, and others are just trying to live the simplest life possible. I call myself a wanna-be minimalist because I have failed. Hard. But I keep trying.

Donate to a cause they will love on their behalf: If you are stumped by wanting to gift someone who does not want physical gifts, then donate to a charity for them and let them know in the most creative way. Send a heartfelt email, read to them a poem you made, you know… the small, simple, special ways. I’ve recently been introduced to the Feeling Blessed app for donating and I don’t know why I didn’t know about it sooner.
Take them out: The experience lovers LOVE exactly this. Take them to a new place, a local park, a new restaurant, your favorite desert spot, that one place with the best view. Plan a trip together and make an event out of it.
Cook together: Invite them to your home for dinner and make an event to bake a desert together. Or just for desert. You do you! Something about baking brownies and drooling from the scent of it baking is just memorable. They are special so give them the special experience of loving companionship over comforting food.
Give them cash: Honestly, nothing beats having cashing on hand, am I right? This is a specially useful option if you are far from each other but want to let them know that you desire to treat them in the way that fits their chosen lifestyle. A visa gift card can always be refilled. Give. Repeat.

For the Stationary Lovers

I mean… you must have seen what I do. My instagram is full of journaling, books, and stationary-things so here are some items that I think will make a splendid gift for those who love stationary like I do.

Archer and Olive Notebooks: A good journal makes all the difference. I have been using these notebooks for a while now and whenever I compare them to the other ones that I have tried, they always win. Also, they come in a keepsake box which is perfect for gifting.
Enamel Pins: I am new to the enamel pin world and at the risk of pinning every piece of clothing that I own, this is such a cute gift. There are multiple creators making muslim-centric pins: I love and own this set, who doesn’t want a prayer rug pin, this enamel magnet set is swoon worthy.
To write with: A good pen in the hand is something special! Take it from someone who has been using regular off-the-shelf pens for years and have recently converted to the world of special writing utensils. What a difference. Some options are Tombow brush pens (set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Micron pens (set 1, 2), Gelly Rolls in white, spoil them with this fountain pen.

For the Skin Care Lovers

Being on social media, I learned something that is everlasting: Make-up is a thing. It is booming into a bigger and bigger industry so it is very important for us to guide those who wish to partake in this towards safer options which do little or no harm to the body while maintaining the integrity of their faith.

Give them halal makeup: Claudia, the creator behind Caludia Nour cosmetics, does an excellent job describing what makes make up halal and why it should be our topmost concern in one of a few holistic blog posts. I have not found a better person to support for my minimal make up needs. And you know, if you use the code “SunnahLiving”, then you will receive a discount as well. Can I get a hi-five?
Indulge them organic, fair-trade skin care: I have not shied away from my skin care experience as a person who was brand-heavy, then got skin issues due to some changes and that none of the so-called great brands helped, and only after I turned to the most natural form of skin care that I got my normal skin back. This brand has been my friend for many years for anything from body care, hair care, to skin care. Gift them a serum and they won’t stop thanking you.

Here ends the Eid Gift Guide for 2021. I hope you find something useful here that brings joy to those around you. If you click and purchase from some of those links, I may get a small commission as they might be affiliate links. Your support is always, always appreciated.

Happy Gifting!

-S