One of the highlights of visiting Kenya for a safari holiday is that you get an opportunity to buy uniquely handcrafted Masai gifts such as beaded necklaces, earrings, bracelets, shukas, belts, and belts. The Kamba community produces expert and elegantly handcrafted wood and soapstone carvings which can be used as house or office décor and furnishings. Stone and wood carvings can be made to resemble animals figures or even popular African people, such as Mandela. From the Kikuyu and Kamba communities, you can grab a beautiful bag which can be used as a fashion accessory, laptop bag, travel bag, or even a grocery shopping bag.
Kenya's teas and coffees are also incredible souvenirs you can give as gifts.
If you are looking for a gift to bring back from Kenya, the following tips can be useful.
1. Masai Market in Nairobi
If you happen to be in Nairobi city on a Saturday, then head over to Agan Khan Walk, High Court Parking in Nairobi City Center, opposite Re-insurance Plaza. The beauty of Masai Market in Nairobi is that you can buy the best souvenirs from Kenya at a very good price. The opportunity to grab something very unique and expertly crafted is very high here. Another advantage is that there is so much variety that you can spend the whole day just browsing and enjoying beautiful and very unique merchandise. So make a point of going to the Maasai Market in Nairobi if you are looking for things to buy in Nairobi, Kenya.
2. Bring your Kenyan Tour Guide, Friend, or Concierge
If you are a non-resident, resist the urge to go shopping in Masai Market in Nairobi by yourself. The purpose of bringing along your Kenyan friend is to help you navigate the market and negotiate prices. The reason is that as soon as the sellers see a foreigner in their stall, the price shoots up significantly. If your plan is to buy a number of items, this can cost you a lot. Also, dress modestly, a tshirt and jeans will do. The more expensive you look, the less chance of you getting a good discount or even good prices.
3. Fashion and Style Accessories
You will most likely get confused by all the Masai gifts and merchandise available in the market, therefore plan your purchases in terms of what fashion and style accessories you think you will need as gifts, or for yourself.
Under this category, you can decide to buy earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, sandals, shukas, and even clothing items such as dresses, pants, and shirts. There are men and women designs so you just need to choose what you need.
4. Décor and Furnishings.
Wood and stone carvings, paintings, portraits, and house décor items such as costars, fruit baskets, lamp shades and lamp stands, arm chair accessories, coffee and dining table accessories, are all available. They can be found in different colors, sizes, and quality. These unique Kenya crafts for sale are some of the best gifts to buy as you might not find them anywhere else.
5. Budget, Quantity, and Quality.
To make the most of your purchases, only buy a few quality items from either fashion and style accessories or décor and furnishings. Many of the things to buy in Kenya are affordable but you might need to spend a little more on expertly designed handicrafts such as wood or stone carvings, Masai jewelry, leather sandals and belts, bags, and shukas. Avoid at all cost very cheap Masai beadwork for sale items as they will not last long. Also watch out for Masai blankets for sale and other clothing items that are priced too low. The colors will almost run off during the first wash.
6. Kenya Crafts for Sale in your hotel or accommodation curio shop
Your place of accommodation will most likely have a curio shop where you can buy Masai jewelry or Kenyan handicrafts. Such shops tend to be too pricey and the selection is usually very limited and might include poorly made T-shirts and caps, which aren't the real deal. If you must buy from accommodation curious, exercise good judgment and aim for the best and high quality handicrafts because the price is already high anyway.
7. Buy Kenya Souvenirs Online
If you don’t trust the quality of items you are being presented with at a curio shop or anywhere else, you can shop at Masai market online stores. They also sell Kenyan souvenirs such as Masai necklace, and other merchandise such as bags, belts, sandals, stone carvings, and wood furnishings online and prices are similar to what you might have gotten from the Masai Market in Nairobi.
8. Kenyan Tea and Coffee Gifts
You can buy these as souvenirs from any supermarket in Kenya. They are also available and can be delivered to you while you are still in the country.
There are so many tea and coffee products in Kenyan stores. Avoid very cheap ones, and go for those which look well branded and packaged. Compare the prices as well and those that seem on the higher end will be a good bet.
If you decide to shop for coffee or tea online, products from these two companies can be a good choice for you.
Tea: http://shop.kerichogold.com
Coffee: http://www.javacoffee.com
For gift ideas from Kenya, check out our Safari Online Handicraft Store.
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