Are you looking for the best Kenyan gifts that encapsulate the vibrant spirit and awe-inspiring beauty of Kenya? Look no further! In this ultimate guide, we’ve curated a handpicked collection of 25 cool souvenirs and gifts from Kenya that will leave your loved ones “jambo-ing” with excitement. Whether they have a deep connection to this East African gem or simply enjoy its rich culture, these gift ideas are bound to bring a touch of Kenya’s magic into their lives.
So, whether you’re shopping for a Kenya-loving friend, a homesick Kenyan abroad, or even treating yourself to a piece of Kenya, join us on this delightful journey as we unveil 25 handpicked Kenya souvenirs and gifts that will leave you saying, “Hakuna Matata!” (Don’t worry, we’ll explain what that means too!) Let’s dive in and discover the hidden treasures that Kenya has to offer!
Disclaimer: Purchasing these gifts may result in uncontrollable cravings for nyama choma (grilled meat) and an insatiable desire to embark on an African safari. Proceed with caution, or better yet, embrace the adventure!
Are you short on time? Check out the editor’s top three Kenya souvenirs and gifts by budget.
- Large budget: Handmade safari snack bowls (#2)
- Mid budget: Kenyan coffee (#9)
- Small budget: Kenya necklace (#20)
Table of Contents
Save these Kenya souvenirs
Don’t forget to save these Kenyan souvenirs and gifts for the next time you need to find gifts for someone obsessed with Kenya!
Kenyan gifts for large budgets
#1 A trip to Kenya
From the vast savannas of the Maasai Mara to the bustling streets of Nairobi, Kenya is a country that ignites wanderlust in the hearts of many. Its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm hospitality have captivated people from all corners of the globe.
So clearly, a trip to Kenya is the best gift on this list. If you have a large budget for this gift, head over to TripAdvisor or Skyscanner and book a flight to Nairobi and make the recipient’s dream come true!
But no worries if you can’t afford a vacation to Kenya, with the other 24 carefully selected Kenyan gifts you can transport the essence of Kenya directly into the hands of your beloved Kenya enthusiasts (for an affordable price)
#2 Safari snack bowls
Are you looking for gifts from Kenya for someone who loves safaris?
Then these safari animal bowls that are handcrafted by Kenyan artisans are what you need!
#3 Masai beaded crafts
The Maasai are probably one of the most famous ethnic groups in Kenya. They live in the south of Kenya and north of Tanzania. There are quite a few things they are famous for, such as their spears and shields, colorful garb (check out the next item), and ornaments, such as beaded jewelry.
The Maasai beads are also typical handmade gifts from Kenya, such as the beaded bowl or the beaded earrings, which are great for women.
If you are looking for more Kenyan gifts for her, check out #20.
#4 Maasai blanket
The Masai blanket is actually called a shuka cloth and it’s traditionally worn by Maasai people. Now, I don’t think many people in the west will also wear a shuka, but I am sure they will use it as a warm and beautiful blanket. Making shukas great gifts from Kenya for people’s homes.
If you are interested in the story behind the shuka check out this article by G Adventures.
#5 Handcrafted basket
This beaded basket is not only a great Kenya souvenir because it’s cute, but also because it’s a gift that gives back. Novica works closely together with local communities and artisans in Kenya ensuring that they receive a fair wage and that the communities are taken care of. Making this one of my favorite gifts of all.
#6 Swahili language course
If you are looking for Kenyan gifts for someone who is truly obsessed with Kenyan culture and traditions, a Swahili language course is the gift you need! By speaking the local language, travelers can interact with locals on a way deeper level. You can find excellent books on Amazon, or go for online courses on Udemy.
Swahili is one of the two official languages of Kenya ( English is the other one, but Swahili is spoken by more people).
Besides the two official languages, there are 66 more different languages spoken in Kenya. So if the recipient already speaks English and Swahili, perhaps a language course of one of the other languages is a cool gift idea.
#7 Kenya-themed water bottles
If you are looking for Kenya gifts for sustainable travelers, check out all 160 Kenya-themed stainless steel water bottles on Zazzle. Or go for this cute I ‘Heartbeat’ Kenya bottle.
#8 Handmade beaded-mugs
Handcrafted products are the most popular gifts and souvenirs from Kenya, and now, you don’t even have to travel to Kenya to find cute handicrafts. I mean, just check out these adorable beaded mugs that will transport the recipient back into Kenya with every sip.
Kenyan gifts for mid-budgets
#9 Kenyan coffee
If you are looking for gifts from Kenya for a coffee lover, fresh coffee beans from Kenya are a no-brainer!
Even though Kenya only makes up less than 1% of the world’s global coffee production, Kenyan coffee is often ranked among the best coffee in the world.
Kenyan coffee is characterized by its berry undertones, high acidity, intense flavor, and rich aroma with notes of cocoa.
#10 Kenya-themed passport cover
Kenya is one of the best safari destinations in the world, so for people who love Kenya for its wildlife, the passport cover with elephants is a cool gift. And if you are looking for Kenyan gifts for someone who prefers other animals or someone who loves Kenya for other reasons, check out the 72 different Kenyan passport covers on Zazzle.
#11 Kenyan cookbooks
A Spicy Touch: Family Favourites from Noorbanu Nimji’s Kitchen
Africa meets India. The author combines recipes from her home country Kenya with her North Indian Ismaili Muslim ancestry.
Explore the Kenyan kitchen
A collection of some of the best authentic Kenyan recipes for the home cook.
Tempting Kenya recipes: Your #1 cookbook of East African dish ideas
You will find 30 traditional Kenyan recipes to try at home. From the classic ugali breakfast to delicious Kenyan desserts.
#12 Kenya-themed travel mug
With over 400 different designs on Zazzle, you will surely find a cool Kenya-themed coffee mug for someone who loves to get takeaway coffee.
My favorite was the one with the sunrise at the Masai Mara in Kenya.
#13 Handmade baskets
These handwoven baskets are great gifts from Kenya for someone’s home.
#14 Fun books about Kenya
Culture Smart Kenya: The essential guide to customs and culture
This is one of the best Kenyan gifts for someone who loves learning about local cultures and traditions or for someone who is about to move to Kenya.
One of them by Eti Daryan
One of them is a great book for someone who wants to learn more about the Maasai people. The author of the book describes her experience as she was invited to stay and live with the Maasai people.
Imperial reckoning: the untold story of Britain’s gulag in Kenya
If you are looking for Kenya gifts for someone who is interested in history, this book about Britain’s role in the history of Kenya is a great gift.
No picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi
Are you looking for Kenyan gifts for mountaineers and history buffs? This book is based on the true story of three prisoners of war in Kenya who escaped from their camp and climbed Mount Kenya. And then returned.
#15 Hakuna matata shirt
Thanks to Disney everyone knows what “Hakuna Matata” means, but did you also know that it’s a Swahili phrase? And that’s been a popular phrase in Kenya long before Disney made The Lion King?
So if you are looking for cool Kenyan gifts for someone who lives by the motto of Hakuna Matata and who loves Kenya, this shirt is a great idea.
#16 Kenya travel guides
Lonely Planet: Kenya
The Lonely Planet Kenya is one of the best Kenyan gifts for budget travelers.
Bradt Guide: Kenya
The Bradt travel guides are my favorite travel guides for the African continent. They are super detailed and keep up with the fast changing-environment in Africa.
#17 Kenya-themed gifts: socks
If you are looking for cute Kenyan souvenirs for travelers, these socks with hearts in the color of the flag of Kenya are a cool idea.
#18 Kenya soccer jersey
Are you looking for fun gifts and souvenirs from Kenya for soccer fans?
Whether they’re a player or just a big lover of the sport, with a Kenya soccer jersey they can show their support for the country and the sport.
Kenyan gifts for small budgets
#19 Kenyan-themed luggage tag
If you are looking for small and practical Kenya gifts for travelers, a luggage tag in Kenyan-theme is an excellent gift.
Did you like the Maasai beads gifts (#3)?
Then you should get this luggage tag with the design of the beads. For more inspiration check out Zazzle where you will find no less than 238 different Kenya-themed luggage tags.
#20 Kenyan gifts for her: necklace
This necklace in the shape of a map of Kenya is one of the best small gifts for Kenyan women. It’s a cute piece of jewelry, easy to take for a traveler, and of course, it’s a reminder of her favorite country.
#21 Map of Kenya
If you are looking for more Kenya-themed gifts for someone’s home, this colorful map of Kenya is the perfect gift.
Travelers love maps, especially if it’s a map of their favorite country!
For more map-inspired wall art, check out these 25 world maps.
#22 Kenya-themed tote bag
If you are looking for sustainable and practical Kenyan gifts for travelers, tote bags are always a good idea. They can be used for all sorts of purposes. And most importantly, unlike plastic bags, they are made from a sustainable material and can be reused many times.
I quite liked the tote bag with the Elephant and Masai Mara.
However, you can also check out the 480 different Kenya-themed tote bag designs on Zazzle.
#23 Kenya coloring book
I have become such a big fan of coloring books for adults, especially coloring books specifically for a country, such as this one for Kenya. Personally, I think this coloring book is one of the best Kenya-themed gifts for someone who loves Kenya.
#24 Kenyan snacks
If you need Kenyan souvenirs and gifts for foodies, these typical Kenyan snacks are by far the best option. Chevda is like a spicy savory chips mix, made from sweet Kenyan potatoes, and sometimes also rice, and lentils. It’s a great snack for anyone who misses Kenyan food or anyone who loves a spicy flavor.
#25 Kenya travel journal
Are you looking for Kenyan gifts for someone who is traveling to Kenya?
Then this travel journal that is specifically designed for people who are traveling to Kenya is perfect. They can keep track of all their experiences and they will have a beautiful book when they return home.
For travel journals that are not specific to Kenya, check out these 25 journals.
Save these Kenya souvenirs
Save these Kenya souvenirs and gifts to Pinterest, so you don’t have to waste any time next time you need cool gift ideas!
Final notes on gifts from Kenya
Alright, I hope that you found the perfect gift on this list. And if you need a bit more help, check out the editor’s top three Kenya gifts and souvenirs!
- Large budget: Handmade safari snack bowls (#2)
- Mid budget: Kenyan coffee (#9)
- Small budget: Kenya necklace (#20)
