Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Give a gift to your child that includes a book symbolic of the holiday. If your child is a toddler, give her a picture book exploring African history and animals. For an older youth, select a book that can create a sense of pride in her abilities, such as how to build things or work in a particular field.
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Step 2
Educate your child through gift giving. Help him learn about the African flag (or Bendera). Each color in Kwanzaa has a different meaning. You want to deliver these different messages to your child. Tie in each gift with a message and educate him about what they mean.
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Step 3
Deliver the meaning of black in the flag. In the colors of Kwanzaa, black stands for "people." By wrapping a gift in something black you can help your child understand the meaning of the celebration. Use a black pail filled with toys or books. Write the word "people" on it the front in another color that stands out.
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Step 4
Symbolize the color red in one of the gifts, which represents the struggle of the people. Pick out a gift that is red such as a ball, cap or traditional African shirt. When your child plays with or wears the item, she will be reminded of her people.
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Step 5
Send a message of hope for the future to your child by honoring the color green. This symbolic color gets at the deepest meaning of the holiday and can be found in many gifts. For a small child, give a toy frog, or another green play item. Green bracelets, necklaces and African hats are good choices for older children.
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Step 6
Pick a specifically African book as a Kwanzaa gift for your child. Find appropriate texts and gifts for your little ones at Justforkidsbooks.com (see Resources below). Try and select history books and poetic reads with pictures of exotic African towns.
