10 Thoughtful Souvenirs To Carry From Kenya
Writer: martinemily033@gmail.com
There is no perfect gift. However, you can crack with a thoughtful one. One that screams ‘Kenya’, whenever the one gifted sees it. Check the following thoughts on souvenirs and gifts that will go a long way…
- Maasai Beadwork
Maasai beadwork is more than just beautiful jewellery; it carries with it the rich history and traditions of one of Kenya’s most iconic tribes. Each colour has a special meaning—red for bravery, blue for the sky, and green for the land.
Gifting a piece of Maasai beadwork is like sharing a piece of Kenya’s heart, a symbol of strength and unity that your loved ones can wear close to them.
There are other tribes that do beadwork and each tribe has a unique story behind their craft. My favorite beads are from Turkana Community – colorful and loaded with hidden secrets.
- Kenyan Coffee
Kenyan coffee is not just a drink; it’s a sip of Kenya’s fertile highlands, where each bean is carefully cultivated by farmers who take pride in their land.
Sharing a bag of this aromatic coffee is like sending a warm, rich sunrise from the slopes of Mount Kenya to your loved one’s morning routine, connecting them to the vibrant rhythms of Kenyan life.
The world rates Kenyan Coffee among the top five most tasty, aromatic and keenly natured. Gifting someone a packet of Kenyan Coffee is equivalent to filling a house with the essence of Kenya.
- Kikoyi
A Kikoyi is a piece of Kenya’s coastal breeze captured in cotton. The vibrant colors of a Kikoyi reflect the warmth and joy of Kenyan culture, making it a versatile gift that can be worn or used in countless ways.
When you gift a Kikoyi, you’re offering a slice of Kenyan sunshine, a comforting reminder of the beauty and simplicity of island life.
This is a perfect gift for girls and women, and men who love beauty and wont mind hanging one on the wall or covering a seat with it.
- Soapstone Carvings (Kisii Stone)
Each soapstone carving is more than just a piece of art; it’s a labour of love shaped by the skilled hands of Kisii artisans. These carvings are smooth to the touch, yet they carry the strength of the hills from which they were hewn.
Giving a soapstone carving is like offering a piece of Kenya’s soul, a timeless keepsake that embodies the country’s deep connection to the earth.
It is a symbol that will stand on the mantel of a beloved’s sitting room, reminding them of the strong affection you have for them.
- Wood Carving
Kenyan wood carvings are not just sculptures; they are storytellers. Each carving, whether it’s a majestic elephant or a wise elder, speaks of Kenya’s deep respect for nature and tradition.
The warm, polished wood carries the essence of the forests, making it a gift that resonates with the wisdom of ages and the beauty of the wild. My favorite is a curving of the African Mother, with a baby on her back, carrying a pot on her head.
This is a constant reminder of the journey that Africa women have had to make to reach where they are.
- Kenyan Baskets (Kiondo)
The Kiondo is more than a basket; it’s a symbol of Kenyan craftsmanship and resilience. Woven by hand, often by women who pass down this skill through generations, each basket tells a story of community and strength.
When you gift a Kiondo, you’re giving something that is both practical and deeply rooted in Kenyan heritage—a reminder of the hands that created it with love and care.
You will never forget the wonderous women of Mount Kenya when you carry home a Kiondo.
- African Fabrics and Textiles
By now you know Africans with their love for pomp and color. African fabrics like Kitenge and Kanga are more than textiles; they are canvases that paint the vibrancy of African life.
Each pattern and color tell a story, often featuring proverbs or messages of wisdom and encouragement.
Gifting these fabrics is like sharing a piece of Kenya’s spirit—a burst of color and culture that can be woven into everyday life, bringing joy and meaning to those who receive it.
- Tea from Kenya
Kenyan tea is a moment of calm, a connection to the misty highlands where the tea leaves are carefully picked by hand.
This tea embodies the warmth and hospitality that Kenya is known for. Sharing it with friends and family is like offering them a cozy, comforting embrace—a taste of Kenya’s nurturing earth, perfect for sharing stories and creating memories.
Watch out for an article on tea tales soon on this site, and you can always Come to Kenya to experience the love that tea brings on the Kenyan Tables every morning. Tea is a symbol of family love.
- Kazuri Beads
Kazuri beads are not just jewellery; they are symbols of hope and empowerment. Each bead is hand-rolled by women who have found dignity and independence through their craft.
When you gift Kazuri beads, you’re sharing more than just beauty; you’re passing on a story of resilience and transformation, a reminder that beauty and strength can arise from even the smallest things.
You may just enjoy sitting with women, listening to the beading tales and; earning to make your own. Kazuri Beads are perfect for friendships and promises. And finally, …
- Traditional Kenyan Art and Paintings
Each painting captures the colours, emotions, and stories of Kenya—whether it’s the bold Tingatinga style or serene landscapes.
Gifting a piece of Kenyan art is like sharing a window into the heart of Africa, where every brushstroke whispers tales of heritage, wildlife, and the warmth of the Kenyan people. Kenyan artists are unique, and speak with a difference in their work.
These souvenirs are not just objects; they are tokens of Kenya’s rich culture and warm spirit, imbued with stories, emotions, and the love of the people who created them. Carry home a slice of Kenya, wrapped as a symbol. That sums up a nice adventure.
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