The Ultimate African Gift Guide: 2025 Edition

It’s that time of year when finding the perfect gift for our loved ones is top of mind. If you need fresh ideas for finding the perfect item — especially with an African twist — OkayAfrica has the list for you. We have curated items that consider the artsy, stylish, nerdy, or sporty person in your life, while reflecting on some of the cultural milestones of the year.

Here are a few recommended Africa-inspired gifts of the year and for the season.

Abir Ibrahim’s Love Letters to Sudan

For the lover of art, history, and home, this visually-rich photo book by Sudanese-American Abir Ibrahim is both a coffee table stunner and a cultural reminder. Covering all 18 states of Sudan, Love Letters to Sudan captures pyramids, prayer circles, desert treks, and the vibrant underwater life of Port Sudan, while spotlighting untold stories of resilience, heritage, and community. As the country pursues optimism and endurance amid ongoing war, the book stands as a powerful archive of beauty and belonging. All proceeds go to Sobajo, a grassroots NGO preserving Sudanese folklore and supporting displaced women. 

Authentic Kente Cloth

We’re all familiar with Kente cloth. The fabrics' bold colors and intricate patterns have long made it a staple across Ghana, the continent, and the diaspora. But this holiday season, gifting Kente carries new weight. In December 2024, UNESCO recognized its craftsmanship as intangible cultural heritage. Then, in late 2025, Ghana secured Geographical Indication (GI) status to legally protect its authenticity. Now, only cloth woven in Ghana using traditional methods can bear the name. With this consideration, gifting authentic Kente in 2025 is even more meaningful today.

Tickets to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Perfect for the history buff, a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum is a chance to see one of Africa’s most celebrated civilizations through a modern Egyptian lens. Located near the pyramids of Giza, this newly opened space is the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization and houses thousands of artifacts, including the full collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. Beyond the immense spectacle, it invites reflection on identity and who gets to tell the story of Egypt.

Shakara Bag by Kisara

Handcrafted in Lagos and already a favorite among the city’s IT girls, Kisara’s Shakara bag is having a major moment. The slow fashion brand has collaborated with top names like Orange Culture, Emmy Kasbit, Mai Atafo, and Maison Nwosu — and the buzz shows no signs of slowing down. Available in sizes from mini to jumbo, there’s a Shakara for every kind of occasion.

Fela Kuti "Best of the Black President" 4xLP Vinyl Set

Earlier this year, OkayAfrica produced Fela Kuti Week, a special editorial series honoring what would have been Fela Kuti’s 87th birthday. As part of that celebration, the OkayPlayer shop proudly debuted a collector's edition of the “Best of the Black President” 4xLP vinyl set. This limited-edition release features vibrant red, green, blue, and yellow vinyl housed in a hardbound book-style jacket with printed inner sleeves and updated cover art. As a special touch, it also includes a custom Ludo game set. Only 3,000 copies are available worldwide, so grab yours while you can!

Enda Sportswear

The fitness fanatic in your life would be glad to receive a shoe created in one of Africa’s most storied running nations. Designed and made in Kenya, Enda Sportswear is the first African performance running shoe brand, built with the same spirit that has made Kenya a global force in distance running. Now under new ownership, the brand opened its first store in Nairobi in late 2024. With Kenyan runners continuing to command global attention and local running clubs transforming Nairobi’s streets, this is a good-looking pair that carries purpose with every step.

Boyedoe by David Kusi Boye-Doe

In 2025, David Kusi Boye-Doe made history as the first Ghanaian designer named a semi-finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize. His brand, Boyedoe, may be young — it was founded in 2020 — but it’s already earning global recognition for its striking silhouettes and sustainable craftsmanship.

Books by African Writers

 A good book is always a thoughtful gift… and this year, African writers delivered! Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie made a long-awaited return with Dream Count – her first novel in over a decade–while fresh voices like Stephanie Wambugu and Siphokazi Jonas made powerful debuts. OkayAfrica covered these highlights and more, including a deeper look at why the African literary landscape has felt quieter and more fragmented in recent years. All the more reason to read, gift, and support African writers now.

Nike x Air Afrique Air Max RK61

If you’re shopping for the fashionista in your life, this is the shoe to gift (if you can still find it!). The Air Max RK61 merges Nike’s signature design with the cultural memory of Air Afrique, the historic pan-African airline that debuted in the 1960s. Made in collaboration with Paris-based collective Air Afrique, the name of the shoe–Air Max RK61– is a nod to the airline’s original flight code and founding year.

Eric Adjepong’s Ghana to the World

This debut cookbook by Chef Eric Adjepong is both personal and powerful for the food lover on your list. A first-generation Ghanaian American and Top Chef finalist, Adjepong brings West African cuisine to center stage with recipes that reflect his life between Ghana, New York, and Michelin-starred kitchens. From classic jollof to inventive twists on traditional dishes, Ghana to the World is guided by the principle of Sankofa. 

African National Team Football Kits

A national team kit is the perfect gift for the football lover in your life. With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off this December and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, there's no better time to rep your roots or favorite team. Whether or not your country makes it to the global stage, a national jersey is always a stylish way to wear your pride. You can pair them with the new F50 Salah boots, inspired by Mohamed Salah’s heritage and ancient Egyptian history.

Mudcloth‑Inspired Scarf

It might be summer in Africa (Detty December anyone?) ... but for diasporans stuck in winter weather, this mudcloth‑inspired scarf is perfect for someone who loves to stay warm and look cute through the cold months.