As Ramadan climbs its way back toward being a winter holiday (finally!), long iftars around the table with family and friends are becoming more of a reality. Whether or not you’re able to spend this blessed month with the people you love, why not change up your Eidi routine and consider these Eid gift ideas to close out the month (instead of the usual cold hard cash)?
Giving gifts during this holy month can be tricky; for many practicing Muslims, Ramadan is about reflecting, resetting, and reconnecting with one’s faith—eschewing the trappings of the material world. Simultaneously, each day of fasting can close with a raucous iftar filled with food and fun (where a platter of dried fruit and nuts or a box of chocolate-covered dates will go a long way!). While some may find these two realities to be at odds, during Ramadan, we Muslims are drawn closer to the relationships that give our lives meaning, whether that be with people, Allah, or both.
Eid al-Fitr, which starts at sunset on the final day of Ramadan, holds these same ideals, and it is common for community members and family to have an Eid celebration the following morning. Depending on the calendar and school of thought one follows, this year, this will fall anywhere from May 1 to May 3.
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After the Eid prayer finishes and folks gather to pass on blessings and eat (mamoul cookies are this writer’s favorite Eid treats), older members of a family or community give gifts, called Eidi—usually in the form of cash notes—to younger members. In some parts of the world, Eid al-Fitr is nicknamed the “Sugar Feast,” and kids are often gifted candy instead of the typical $5 to $20 bills.
If giving cash Eidi feels a bit impersonal, we’ve rounded up some great Eid gift ideas that are more thoughtful than crumpled dollar notes (or at least some cute envelopes to slip them into!). Maybe it’s your younger brother’s first Eid away from home, and you want to get him something special. Maybe you’re trying to give your first-generation kids—spellbound by the glitter and glamour of Christmas—a little holiday fun. Or maybe you’ve been invited to an Eid party for the first time and you’re unsure what to bring the host. Regardless, this month will pass quickly, so be sure to order early to avoid shipping delays. And in the meantime, Ramadan Mubarak!
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Source: SELF
