Are you looking for traditional Ethiopian gifts for someone who loves traveling to Ethiopia? Or perhaps you need a Christmas gift for an Ethiopian friend. Whatever the case, we’ve got you covered; say hello to a world of unique and memorable gifts from Ethiopia!
From handcrafted textiles to artisanal jewelry, we’ve scoured the country to bring you the best Ethiopian souvenirs and gifts. So sit back, relax, and get ready for a journey to the land of rich culture and even richer gifts. Trust us, your friends and family will be saying, ‘Where did you find that?!’ after receiving one of these amazing Ethiopian treasures.
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three Ethiopian gift ideas by budget.
- Large budgets: Tibeb designed dinner plates (#7)
- Mid budgets: Amharic name necklace (#13)
- Small budgets: Berbere spice mix (#23)
Table of Contents
Save these Ethiopian-themed gifts
Don’t forget to save these gifts from Ethiopia to Pinterest, so you’ll know where to look next time you need gifts for someone who loves Ethiopia.
Ethiopian gifts for large budgets
#1 A trip to Ethiopia
Let’s start this list with the number one gift for people who love Ethiopia.
A trip to Ethiopia!
If the recipient doesn’t have a trip planned yet, head over to Skyscanner and book a flight and hotel.
If the recipient has a ticket already, check out Viator for cool tours. For example, a tour to Danakil Depression. The beautiful and otherworldly landscape you can see in the photo.
Or buy a Viator gift card, so the recipient can pick whichever tour they want. The Global Experiences Card is a gift card that’s powered by Viator and can be used for any Viator tour.
#2 Ethiopian-themed hoodie
This hoodie is the perfect Ethiopian gift for someone who is always cold. The hoodie will keep them warm in Ethiopian style!
For more hoodies, check out all 233 Ethiopian designs on Zazzle.
#3 Ethiopian cross wall clock
This wall clock is one of the best Ethiopian-inspired gifs for the home.
The Ethiopian cross is a symbol of the Ethiopian Orthodox church. Christianity is one of the main religions in Ethiopia and has been around since at least the first century.
The Ethiopian cross is unique in its style. It’s often made from latticework, making it a beautiful piece of art. Even for non-religious people, this complex network of lattices makes the Ethiopian cross a beautiful home decor item.
For more unique clock designs, check out these 25 travel-themed wall clocks too!
#4 Ethiopia-themed phone case
Are you looking for Ethiopian gifts for someone whose hand is glued to their phone?
Then a phone case with an Ethiopian theme is the perfect gift!
I love the sunglasses design, but there are nearly 200 different Ethiopian-themed phone cases on Zazzle.
The only downside of this gift is that Zazzle only provides phone cases for iPhones and Samsungs.
#5 Ethiopian musical instrument
If you are looking for Ethiopian gift ideas for people who love music, then I’ve got two awesome options for you.
The first one is a kirare (or krar); a traditional stringed musical instrument from Ethiopia and Eritrea. It’s handmade from Ethiopian goatskin and wood. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a course for the krar on Udemy, but you can find tutorials on YouTube to learn how to play the krar.
The Masinko is another traditional Ethiopian string instrument, It’s similar to the lute and has a small round body with one or two strings and is played with a plectrum for a plucked sound.
Even if you’re looking for gifts for someone who is not into music, these handmade musical instruments still make a beautiful home decor item.
#6 Map of Addis Abeba
Are you looking for Ethiopian gifts for someone’s home? Then this map of the capital city is perfect.
It’s a beautiful and detailed paper-cut map from Addis Abeba. It’s available in black and white, and the background paper can be adjusted for different background colors.
#7 Ethiopian Tibeb design dinner plates
If you are looking for Ethiopian gifts for someone’s home, this set of bowls is perfect.
It’s a total of 20 pieces that are all painted in the typical Ethiopian Tibeb design,
#8 Amharic “welcome” doormat
Are you looking for a uniqe and heartfeklt gift for an Ethiopian friend who moved abroad and who misses home?
Then add a touch of Ethiopia to theirdoorstep with a doormat that says ‘welcome’ in Amharic.
Ethiopian gifts for mid-budgets
#9 Ethiopian language course
There are 5 different official languages in Ethiopia, and about 92 individual languages. But Amharic is the language that is spoken by most people. So if you are looking for Ethiopian gifts for people who love interacting with locals, an Amharic course is the best gift.
On Amazon, you can buy a self-study book for beginners. And on Udemy you can buy an online course, for people who prefer learning from videos.
#10 Blue Nile Falls wall art
Are you looking for fun gifts from Ethiopia for someone’s home? Then check out these vibrant and eye-catching posters on Etsy!
Not only do they add a touch of culture to the recipient’s space, but they also serve as a daily reminder of the beauty and richness of Ethiopian heritage.
They may not be able to take a physical trip to Ethiopia right now, but with one of these posters, they can have a mini-vacation every time they walk into the room.
And since Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, it’s only fitting to buy a poster that shows this.
#11 Ethiopian-themed travel mug
The Ethiopian-themed travel mugs on Zazzle are perfect Ethiopian gifts for people who love coffee (or tea).
I quite liked the one with the flag because you can also personalize the mug with the recipient’s name for example.
But there are 83 different options on Zazzle to choose from.
#12 Ethiopian travel guide
The Bradt guides are one of the best travel guides for the African continent. (In my humble opinion).
So if you are looking for Ethiopian gifts for someone who will travel to Ethiopia soon, this is the perfect gift.
#13 Amharic name necklace
Are you looking for cute Ethiopian gifts for her?
Whether it’s for your girlfriend, mom, daughter or sistes, this necklace with her name in Amharic is the perfect personalized gift.
If you need a cheaper alternative, check out the necklace at #21.
#14 Ethiopian-themed water bottle
Are you for a gift for an Ethiopian friend who cares about the environment?
Then stainless steel water bottles in Ethiopia-theme are the gift you need.
By using stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic ones, the recipient can greatly reduce his or her plastic waste. So how cool would it be if they can save the planet with a cool Ethiopian-themed water bottle?
Check out Zazzle for the 34 different options. Or go for the one that says “I love Addis Abeba”, for someone who loves Ethiopia’s capital city.
#15 Ethiopian cookbooks
Ethiopia: recipes and traditions from the horn of Africa
If you are looking for Ethiopia gifts for foodies, an Ethiopian cookbook is a perfect gift. Besides traditional recipes, this book also includes the stories behind the recipes. Such as information about Ethiopian culture, traditions, and history.
The ultimate Ethiopian cookbook: 111 dishes from Ethiopia to cook right now
This is a great Ethiopian gift idea for people who simply want to try different Ethiopian dishes. With 111 different ones to try, this book will keep them occupied for a while.
Adventures in vegan Ethiopian cooking
If you are looking for Ethiopia gifts for vegans, this is the perfect gift!
#16 Ethiopian-themed gifts: socks
Socks are great practical Ethiopian gifts for travelers. At least, if you buy Ethiopian-themed socks.
I quite liked the ones with hearts in the color of the Ethiopian flag. But check out Zazzle if you would rather find different ones.
#17 Geometric map of Ethiopia
As I said, I really love maps.
So this geometric wooden map is definitely one of my favorite gift for Ethiopians or for people who just really love the country.
For more cool map ideas, check out these world map wall art items.
#18 Interesting books about Ethiopia
A history of Ethiopia
If you are looking for Ethiopian gifts for someone who loves history, this is the perfect gift. Or check out these 25 cool gifts for history buffs.
Ethiopia: a photographic tribute to East Africa’s diverse cultures and traditions
This is a beautiful book for people who love Ethiopia and photography. It’s also a great coffee table book!
Haile Selassie: The life and legacy of the Ethiopian emperor revered as the Messiah by Rastafarians
This is a great book for people who would love to learn more about Rastafari and one of Ethiopia’s most famous emperors: Haile Selassie I.
#19 Ethiopia-themed coasters
What’s better than a cold drink on a hot day?
A cold drink on a hot day with a side of Ethiopian love and peace, of course!
These wooden coasters, with fikir and selam (which means love and peace) written in Amharic, not only protect their furniture but also spread a message of love and peace with every sip. They’re the perfect Ethiopian Christmas gift, or for weddings or housewarmings, or any occasion really.
#20 Ethiopian coffee
Coffee lovers, listen up!
Ethiopian coffee is by far the best Ethiopian gift idea for a coffee lover.
With their bold and unique flavor, these coffee beans not only provide a tasty pick-me-up but also transport you to the birthplace of coffee with every sip. It’s a great gift for the coffee aficionado in your life. (Or for yourself if you’re looking to add some Ethiopian magic to your mornings, I won’t judge).
So why settle for mediocre coffee when you can give the gift of Ethiopian-grown caffeine happiness?
Ethiopian gifts for small budgets
#21 More Ethiopian gifts for her: necklace
If you are looking for cute Ethiopian gifts for her, jewelry is always a good idea. And this necklace in the shape of Ethiopia is a great example of that.
#22 Ethiopian-themed travel journal
This Ethiopian-themed travel journal is perfect for someone who has a trip planned to Ethiopia.
They can write about all their adventures in this journal that’s specifically made for Ethiopia.
For more general travel journals, check out these 25 awesome journals.
#23 Ethiopian spices
If you are looking for small Ethiopian gift ideas to go along with a cookbook, this is the perfect gift.
Berbere spices are a unique blend of spices (paprika, cayenne, fenugreek, cinnamon, clove, ginger, Turmeric, korerima, and more) that it’s used to make Ethiopian stews. It’s one of the most popular things to buy in Ethiopia as a souvenir.
It’s a gift that not only adds flavor to their dishes but also transports their taste buds to the heart of Ethiopia.
#24 Map of Ethiopia
This colorful map of Ethiopia is another awesome gift for someone’s home.
The map comes unframed and is available in four different sizes (5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 13×19).
#25 Ethiopian-themed gifts: luggage tag
If you are looking for more practical Ethiopian souvenirs for travelers, then the luggage tags on Zazzle are perfect.
You can find 37 different Ethiopian themes on Zazzle. Or simply go for the one that I liked the most; the luggage tag with the flag Ethiopia in vintage style.
Save these Ethiopian souvenirs & gifts
Did you save these Ethiopian traditional gifts yet?
Final note on these gifts from Ethiopia
Alright, I hope that this post helped you to find the best gifts for Ethiopian friends or for people who love Ethiopia. If you do need some help, let me share my favorite gifts again.
- Large budgets: Tibeb designed dinner plates (#7)
- Mid budgets: Amharic name necklace (#13)
- Small budgets: Berbere spice mix (#23)
