When I lived in the US, I wrote a (now retired) blog called Feed Me Mama- and my favorite post every year was my Gift Guide!

As I’ve brainstormed over the past several months about what I want Rwanda Influence to look like, SO much of what I want to share comes down to products, places, and people that I love and want to support. What better way than to do a Rwanda gift guide?

So today, I’m sharing some of my favorite places and gifts for this season. It’s designed for you to take around town TOMORROW (today even!) and finish up all of your shopping! I hope it sparks your imagination and help you find something lovely for everyone on your list!

FOR MOM

Gift certificate to Sunset Spa
Jewelry from a local artisan (DuHope, Abraham Konga, More Than Sparrows)
Leather Backpack or Clip on Coin Purse from Lisa B. Marler
Lotion bars, soaps, and candles from Beeutiful Creations
Wine Glasses from The Womens Bakery
Essential Oils and Oil Clutch (both sold at The Shop)
Pottery vases or serving ware from Kigali Pottery Collection

FOR DAD

Traditional Rwandan crafts- think cow horns, knives, spears
1000 Hills Whisky or Coffee Liqueur
Question Coffee and an AeroPress (sold at Q)
Tie / bow tie from Rwanda Clothing or House of Tayo
Leather wallet from BetsieJane (sold at The Shop)

FOR YOUR KIDS

Personalized book from Imagine We
Clothing from Umutima
Toys from ToddleCare – we love the wooden camera and dishes
Membership to KoKo Club
Certificate for Horseback Riding, Zip Line, or Archery at Fazenda Sengha
DIY Candle Kit from Beeutiful Creations
Gift Certificate to Azizi Life Studio

FOR THE TEACHER

Spa day! Really, just add this to every list. We all need a spa day!
Coffee mug from Kigali Pottery Collection (add coffee or tea!)
Chocolate from Chocolat Caractere
Voucher for brunch at the Marriott/Serena/Radisson
Locally available books (child and adult) from Imagine We
Muffin Mix from The Womens Bakery

FOR THE HUMANITARIAN

Passport cover from Dokmai
Art prints from Christella Bijou (available at Go Kigali)
Tassel Earrings from Inzuki
Wrap skirt from BetsieJane (sold at The Shop)
Tote Bag from The Women’s Bakery
Their favorite spirit from 1000 Hills Distillery
Beeutiful Creations Honey and a Kigali Pottery Mug

FOR THE BUSINESSPERSON

Beautiful, transitional work-to-play clothes from Sonia Mugabo (women)
Custom briefcase from Dokmai
Tailored suit from House of Tayo (men)
Waka Waka portable solar charger
Letter Opener from Abraham Konga Collections
Gift Certificate to Turambe Shoppe

FOR THE DECORATOR

Home accessories from Rwanda Clothing Company– think lamps, side tables, mirrors
Congolese tapestry pillows, macrame plant hangers, everything from No41 (available at KFAAM)
Baskets from Talking Through Art
Potted Plant from Dancing Pots Nurseries
Christmas wreath from Umutako Iwacu
Imigongo Table Runner from More Than Sparrows

FOR THE STUDENT

Custom sandals from Uzuri K&Y
Laptop or iPad case from Umucyo Sewing Cooperative
Gift certificate to Question Coffee
Earrings or cuffs from DuHope
Bottle opener from Abraham Konga Collections
Chocolate bars from Chocolat Caractere

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Crushed velvet clutch from Lisa B Marler
Wide Leg Pants from Haute Baso
Kimono or cocktail dress from Sonia Mugabo
Statement jewelry from Abraham Konga Collections
Mani-Pedi from Sunset Spa

FOR THE ENTERTAINER / HOSTESS

Candlesticks and pillar candles from Azizi Life/ Beeutiful Creations
Pottery dishes and vases from Kigali Pottery Collections
Salt & Pepper Cellars from No41 (Available at KFAAM)
Wooden Serving Spoons from Abraham Konga Collections
Kitenge Tea Towels from More Than Sparrows