Around the world, it is always a holiday season, as people celebrate their native new year, religious festivals, and national holidays year-round. But no matter what you choose to celebrate and how you traditionally celebrate it, you can’t ignore the value of gifts for the loved ones in your lives. That’s why we curated a list of gifts based on suggestions from our global network of contributors.
Browse our selections using a combination of categories below.
Can’t find something for your holiday? Tell us a popular gift to give your loved one during a prominent holiday where you live, and we’ll include it as we update our gift guide.
Ala neckpieces
Nigeria
Made of beads, stone, bone, and shells, these hand-made neckpieces are a major part of the traditional outfit for many Nigerian ethnic groups — but they’re wearable with more modern looks, too.
Cast-iron tawa
India
The first day of Diwali is seen as an auspicious day to buy new utensils. This large, flat pan is perfect for making dosa, one of the staples of Indian food.
Maragolden beer
Argentina
A must-have for worshipers of a different sort: This beer is emblazoned with a picture of Diego Maradona, the late Argentine football star often considered one of the greatest players of all time.
US$2.69 ON B.O.B. DISTRIBUCIONES
Banana-fiber Nativity scene
Uganda
A traditional Christmas item with a Ugandan twist. Bananas are incredibly important in the country, and banana fiber makes durable ornaments that can be reused for years.
Colombian Chiva
Colombia
A miniature replica of the colorful traveling buses common in Colombia, carrying people and food across the country. This isn’t just for children: They sometimes include a small bottle of alcohol.
Nastar
Indonesia
These golden pineapple cookies are versatile. They work for almost any occasion, but are also a universal gift in Indonesia — no mean feat in a country featuring a variety of ethnicities and religions.
Trout
Nepal
Considered a delicacy, they cost twice as much as regular fish in Kathmandu. Nepali New Year, as well as most festivals in the country, is a time to feast, and giving the gift of this fish is sure to delight the person on the other end.
Enamel mug
China
A nostalgic yet practical gift, these mugs were once everywhere in China, used by soldiers and factory workers alike. Avoid the tacky designs and go for something simple.
Gauchito Gil merch
Argentina
Argentina’s most important folk saint is celebrated on January 8. He protects those who worship him — and if you buy this Gauchito Antonio Gil pack, which includes a cellphone case, he’ll protect your phone, too.
Hala tile stickers
Pakistan
Pakistan’s famous Hala tiles are hand-painted with intricate designs on ceramic. These stickers may not have the same craftsmanship, but they’re an affordable way to add color to a room.
Pork chops
Cuba
A popular song calls the pig Cuba’s “national mammal.” It’s no surprise then that it’s traditional to have pork for dinner on New Year’s Eve.
Sri Lankan love cake
Sri Lanka
This delicately-spiced cake is made from cashews, semolina, and candied winter melon. Often wrapped in gold-colored paper, it’s reserved for special occasions.
Chocotone cake
Brazil
A Brazilian take on the classic Italian panettone, this one is filled with chocolate. It’s a safe gift: widely available, widely accepted, and associated with Christmas.
Moutai
China
Moutai is a revered (and state-owned) brand of baijiu, a Chinese alcoholic drink usually made from sorghum. Dubbed the “national liquor,” it’s often used at state banquets or gifted by diplomats.
Akilah turmeric soap
Nigeria
Ose-dudu is a type of black soap from Nigeria, said to work well with oily skin. This cleansing soap is made from turmeric and papaya extract.
Caballitos de talavera
Mexico
Maratón Guadalupe-Reyes unofficially refers both to the string of holidays between December 12 to January 6, and a challenge to drink throughout the festive period. It’s a good excuse to buy tequila shot glasses.
US$28.01 ON TALAVERA DE LAY REYNA
Banana-fiber chess-and-checkers board
Uganda
Using banana fiber means that these games are durable; more importantly, it gives this handmade set a unique look that’s authentically Ugandan.
Kid’s stool
Mexico
This colorful, detailed stool is an ideal gift for Children’s Day in Mexico. Held on April 30, it’s traditional for adults to give a gift to kids.
Ponqué Ramo Felicidades cake
Colombia
The Ramo bakery is such an institution in Colombia that the brand’s song is often heard at birthdays. This traditional fruit cake works for birthdays or Christmas, especially with a bottle of red wine.
Sarama (sarong)
Sri Lanka
The New Year is a time for shopping in Sri Lanka, so you can’t go wrong with a sarama. Also called a sarong, this traditional attire is worn by men of all cultures and social backgrounds in Sri Lanka.
Everki Journey Notebook trolley briefcase
Zimbabwe
A practical gift, but one with a very specific meaning in Zimbabwe: A bag is said to be a special gift from a father to his daughter on the last Christmas before she turns 25.
Pajamas
Brazil
Many of us have probably experienced the gift of pajamas from your grandparents, and Brazil is no exception. These fit in the sweet spot for price: not too expensive, but not a cheap gift either.
Yarn-dyed rug
Pakistan
Yarn products are often found in many homes in Pakistan, because they’re more affordable than in the West. They can often be found in a wide array of vibrant colors.
Sari
India
Often gifted during Eid, among other festive occasions, this shop’s take on a classic Indian dress is both easier to put on than a traditional sari, and even comes with a pocket.
Blue blazer
Zimbabwe
A popular gift in Zimbabwe’s social scene, not just for the style but the color. Blue is popular in the country, but red is not: It’s associated with lightning.
Note: Prices as of December 15. Links are provided solely for your convenience; Rest of World receives no affiliate income from any product sales.
