Welcome to the 2020 Made in Rwanda Gift Guide! Every year, I curate a list of the best gifts around Kigali to support Rwandan businesses. These are products I personally use and vouch for, and I’m excited to share them with you.
This year, I am focusing on newer products and experiences that have popped up in the last year or so. Many things from the 2018 and 2019 Gift Guides are still available and are great choices, so be sure to peruse those guides as well!
Need a few one-stop shops to browse? Check out my guide to the best in KGL here.
Best of #MadeinRwanda Gifts for 2020
Kandaka Naturals Soaps
Hands down the best soaps being produced in Rwanda right now. Family faves include the lemongrass and the coffee. They have a fun sampler box available, too! Available in many popular boutiques, or directly from Kandaka Naturals.
ViaVia Custom Mugs
Super new (like this week) ViaVia is selling gorgeous pottery mugs. My favorite are the handle-less mugs. They have a white glaze, which is super unique around the city. Available at ViaVia!
ChopLife Paint Night Box
More of a “gift experience”, I’m a huge fan of the Su Casa box. It’s a paint night in a box, with everything you need (including snacks, and they are delicious!) for a great night. Just add a beverage 😉 Available via Instagram, @choplifenco.
Moshions Mask
The IT mask of the 250, and for good reason. They are super stylish, come in a variety of colors, and are the most comfortable mask I’ve tried. Worth the price! Available at the Moshions showroom. (Grab a latte from Kivu Noir, too!)
Potted Plants from Kurema Gardens
Who wouldn’t want a colorful beauty from Kurema Gardens? A variety of potted plants, tons of different designs, and you’re supporting local artists and art initiatives. Win win win! Contact them via Instagram to set up a time to visit.
Chocolats Caractere Gift Set
I’m of course a huge fan of CC, but their mini chocolate bar gift set might become my new go-to gift. It’s inexpensive, already wrapped, and guaranteed to have something in it for everyone. Available in their boutique in Ubumwe House (with Akeza Shop and Studio : Rwanda).
Large Standing Mirror from Go Bananas
These huge mirrors are show-stoppers. I don’t know how else to explain it. They are gorgeous and much more affordable than I imagined they would be! An amazing gift. GB also has a lot of unique home decor items, so give their Instagram a browse! Love the new goatskin chairs. Available to order.
Round Woven Purse from Haute Baso
Haute Baso is always ahead of the trends, and their round woven purses are the perfect example! We love the natural tan color and the wine one for fall/winter. Available at their boutique, which is FULL of amazing gifts!
Tugirimana Woodworks Cutting Boards or Faceted Candle Holders
I just hauled a suitcase full of Tugirimana cutting boards to the US to give as gifts to everyone I knew, and they were a hit! There are rustic, live-edge designs, and more polished ones as well. We also love the faceted candle holders (they are on my personal Christmas list!). Available at Akeza Shop Boutique.
N’Intoki Linen Scarf
Lisa (the designer behind N’Intoki) has a great eye for style, and I love the new linen scarves with embroidered designs she’s carrying. They are a great transitional item for a breezy day, but not too hot either. Available at Studio : Rwanda Boutique, another great place for gifts!
Rwanda Coordinates Tote or Weekender from Haute Baso
These bags are SO fun. Available in a variety of earthy colors, and made from a sturdy canvas, they are perfect for a quick trip to the lake or for weekend errands. Another on my personal Christmas list 🙂 Again, HB boutique is full of great things, so definitely check it out.
Gauzy Floral Kimono from Sonia Mugabo
Okay, this isn’t exactly new this year, but Sonia remodeled her boutique and always has new items. Her floral kimonos and dresses are super popular. Practically guaranteed to make every lady in your life smile 🙂 Check it out!
Laini Life Woven Wall Hanging
Laini Life is producing some of the most creative, unique decor items in Kigali. Our personal favorites are the woven wall hangings, but her cheeky pillows and fun planters are great, too!
Wine & Graze Box (Take it to Ahera Forest Farm!)
The charcuterie board delivery company of your dreams finally exists in Kigali. Plan a special night, order a box, and take it out to Ahera Forest Farm for an unforgettable sunset over the city skyline (I might be a little biased). Check out their Instagram for instructions on how to order, or go direct from VubaVuba!
Keza and the Green City Book
I am SO impressed with this book. It is super well made, and tackles big issues in Kigali (and beyond!) at a level that children can understand and relate to, Highly recommend! Available at major Kigali booksellers, and The Hope Shop!
Beaded Rwanda or Africa Vase from Kigali Deaf Art
Have you SEEN these? They are so beautiful. A really special, unique piece of Rwanda-made art, and to the benefit of a very underserved population. Many different styles and designs available (at The Hope Shop).
My Kigali Kitchen Download
Shameless plug, but I think the MKK cookbook is a great gift! This digital cookbook is full of recipes all adapted for cooking with readily available ingredients. Local print shops could print and bind a hard copy for you. Use code RWANDAFUL to save $2!
High-Quality Art Reproductions from Komezart
This amazing new platform allows you to purchase high-quality reproductions of Rwandan art, and support local artists. There are tons of pieces to choose from and a variety of sizes and price points available. Looking forward to gifting myself some for Christmas 🙂
Membership to Fazenda Sengha or Umusambi Crane Village
I’m all about experience gifts! These are great for families. Everyone loves Fazenda Sengha (sort of adventure park meets beautiful outdoor hangout space), and Umusambi (a crested crane sanctuary) is wonderful, especially for exposing kids to a bit of nature and conservation. Both offer family passes.
DuHope Fall Collection Earrings
I always include DuHope, but this fall collection is something special. The colors are perfect, the designs are super unique, and I want all of it. And so does everyone else. Great gifts! Available at The Hope Shop.
Reclaimed Glassware from Bee Light
Wander into Akeza Shop and check out their current selection of reclaimed glassware from Bee Light. It feels like going into an antique store or a high-end boutique! They are creating some unique and beautiful pieces, all at reasonable price points.
Baby sleep sacks from Yambi Baby
Also available at Haute Baso, these sleep sacks are cozy and practical. A great gift for a new baby, or an expecting family!
Inka and Inyambo Statues from Mwinda Rwanda
These statues are absolutely stunning. Made with gold wire wrapped into Rwanda-inspired shapes, they are a piece of art that will definitely spark conversation in your home! Available at Haute Baso or directly from Mwinda. they make lots of beautiful products!
Toddle Care Stuffed Animals or Jenga Set
We love all things Toddle Care, and their relaunch this year is beautiful and on-trend. Our family favorites include the Jenga Set (which doubles as blocks to play with) and the crocheted animals (have you SEEN the unicorn?!). Available directly for order from Toddle Care.
Azizi Life Measuring Spoons or Salad Spoons
Originally for a collaboration with a high-end designer in the US, these carved wooden kitchen accessories look like they belong in an Anthropologie catalog. I bought a ton for gifts. Available from the Azizi Life Boutique (in Heaven resto) or at the Azizi Life Studio. Speaking of which, craft sets or classes also make great gifts!
Outdoor Furniture Set from NAFASI
This Adirondack-style set is practical for Rwanda (easy to clean) and super stylish. Just top with a fun pillow and you have an instant porch makeover! Order early, because my bet is they will be popular. Available from the NAFASI showroom (which is full of great gifts!)
The Rwanda Influence 