What to give for Eid? 12 lasting gifts for young and old

Every year it’s the same: we think about it three days before, we rush between two cake-making competitions, and we end up with tickets in envelopes. It’s not a bad thing; Eid is part of the tradition. But Eid is also the opportunity to offer things that last, that carry the meaning of the celebration, and that we can find year after year.

Here are twelve ideas sorted by person, from children to grandparents, not forgetting the guests who receive you that day.

What does tradition say about Eid gifts?

Offering gifts is not a requirement on the day of Eid, but it is one of the most natural ways to share the joy. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged giving gifts in general:

They drifted apart and fell in love

«Give yourself gifts, you will like yourself more.»

Hadith reported by al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad (594)

Eid is also the day when we visit our families. It is the heart of the silat ar-rahim (Kinship), the maintenance of kinship ties: «Whoever loves that his livelihood be expanded and his life prolonged should maintain his kinship ties» (reported by al-Bukhari, 5986, and Muslim, 2557). A gift brought during these visits is a concrete way to honor them.

For children

1. The eidiya, but with a real staging

The’eidiya (Eid al-Adha) remains the favorite gift of children. Slip it into an envelope with their name on it, with a little note: an invocation, a compliment about their Ramadan, something they are proud that they learned this year. They will keep the envelope longer than the money.

2. A wooden word for their room

A «Bismillah» above the desk, a «Salam» on the door, a «Alhamdulillah» near the bed. Chosen together, the word becomes theirs. This is often how everyday Arabic is instilled in children who grow up here (we explain each word in the our guide to Muslim words).

3. A book of stories about the prophets

Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the Whale, Yusuf and his brothers: the stories of the prophets are the best tales in the world. A beautiful illustrated book, to be read together on Eid night, leaves more traces than a new toy.

4. Their first tasbih

A small wooden prayer bead, 33 grains in size, to learn to recite the dhikr after prayer: SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu akbar. Children love to have their own, just like adults do.

For teenagers and young adults

5. A painting that resembles them

At the time of exams, the first job or the first difficulties, the Sabr chart, «patience», is right on the mark. A gift that says «hold on» without preaching moralism. The deep meaning of the word is explained in our article about the sabr.

6. A Quran rest for their corner

For a teenager who is starting to read the Quran alone, or a student in their first studio, a Quran rest stand gives the Book a worthy place in the room.

For parents and grandparents

7. Calligraphy for the salon

Our parents often have walls filled with memories. A simple calligraphy of the shahada, in wood, can replace an old frame and give a fresh look to the living room without betraying its soul. We explain it to you How to choose and hang a calligraphy.

8. A photo stand and a home fragrance

For the mom who always perfumes the house before the guests arrive, a diffuser and a perfume (musk, amber, oud) are a must-have. The photo frame accompanies the evenings when the whole family stays up late.

9. A package for the countryside

For the family that stayed in the country, a gift that travels well and doesn’t break: a wooden word in its box, a tasbih, a light calligraphy. Consider ordering a week in advance of Eid so you have time to bring it or send it.

For your hosts

10. The Eid Mubarak set for the table

Invited on Eid Day? Instead of flowers that will wilt the next day, bring wooden «Eid Mubarak» letters. They decorate the table on the same day, and guests will take them out at every celebration.

11. A plate of homemade cakes, and a word

The oldest gift: a plate of gazelle horns, ghriba or makrout, made the day before. Add a small card: «Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum», may Allah accept it for us and you.

For neighbors and colleagues

12. Sweets and a «Salam»

Eid is also a time to spread our culture to those around us. A plate of cakes for the neighbors, a box at the office, accompanied by a word that explains the celebration. The wooden word «Salam,» which means «peace,» is a gift that everyone understands and appreciates, Muslim or not.

What budget to plan?

There is no fixed amount. A small wooden note and an envelope for a child, calligraphy for a couple, perfume for a mother: the price matters less than the attention. The Prophet ﷺ said: «The best among you is the best towards his family» (reported by at-Tirmidhi, 3895). This is even truer on Eid day.

For other occasions (marriage, birth, return from Omra), our selection of Muslim gifts that make sense Go further.