One year ago, we put together a gift guide in support of the people of Palestine. With no end to the suffering in sight, we’re facing another Christmas shadowed by the stark reality of an unbearable humanitarian crisis that leaves us feeling utterly helpless.
So it’s time to elevate our shopping experience once more and embrace the spirit of giving by ditching the meaningless gifts and purchasing items with a purpose. Because there’s nothing like giving a gift that doesn’t only bring joy but also makes a positive impact on the world.
Here are a few gift ideas that empower artisans, support relief efforts, and celebrate Palestinian culture, helping spread love and hope this Christmas.
48 Stories of Exile from Palestine, AED 179
Featuring personal narratives told by the descendants of Palestinians who experienced Al Nakba in 1948, through to displacement in the modern day, ’48 Stories of Exile from Palestine’ is a powerful book of stories from fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, doctors, musicians and teachers – real people whose lives have been disrupted and sometimes destroyed. The book is a call to action, urging you to reflect, research and revisit your understanding of Palestine and its history. Published by educator and author Deema Al Alami, who has worked tirelessly to collect donations for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, this book stands as proof of the power of voices and a tribute to resilience.
Nol Collective
From gorgeous handwoven clothing to printed t-shirts and handmade jewellery to artwork and bags, the Nol (meaning ‘loom’ in Arabic) Collective is a platform that partners directly with Palestinian women’s cooperatives, family-run sewing workshops and artisans. From the villages in the hills of Jerusalem to Gaza, Ramallah and Bethlehem, the traditional and ancestral techniques of this creative network carry a love for storytelling and for the land. We love everything on this beautiful site – whether you’re buying for friends, family or for yourself – the products can be shipped all over the world in time for Christmas.
KUVRD
Perfect for tweens, teens or frankly anyone with style, KUVRD create meaningful Arab heritage streetwear rooted in tradition and culture. Combining fashion with purpose, the designs not only pay tribute to the people who make them but also support communities through sustainable employment and community-based projects. Shop everything from keffiyeh bucket hats, scrunchies and belts to t-shirts and homeware – all items are made in a family-owned keffiyeh factory currently operating in Amman, Jordan after being expelled from Palestine in the 1960’s. Shipping is available worldwide.
No Common Scents
For beautiful smelling candles with a commitment to quality and sustainability (we’re talking creamy vegan coconut soy wax and phthalate and paraben-free fragrances plus jars you can upcycle), treat someone special (that includes you btw) to a candle by No Common Scents.
From a divine Christmas collection that’s guaranteed to bring some serious holiday magic to any home to fragrances including ‘gardens of the world’ and ‘tea at the palace’ – we love them all.
And the best part? No Common Scents is committed to supporting Hakini, a mental health organisation, who are providing psychological first aid to those on the ground in Gaza and throughout Palestine. 20 per cent of the retail price, (not the profits – the sale price) – is donated with every purchase of the ‘Soteria’ fragrance range – with its soft blend of peach, citrus blossom, basil, clove, nutmeg and cypress oil.
Inaash
An organisation dedicated to improving the lives of women in the Palestinian refugee camps of Lebanon by maximizing employment opportunities for artisans producing high quality, hand-made traditional embroidery and providing a sense of community and purpose, Inaash offers a diverse selection encompasses abayas, coats, jackets, shawls and dresses, as well as cushions, tableware and household accessories. The unique Inaash trays made from durable plexiglass featuring decorative inserts, hand-embroidered on canvas, etamin, or linen or hand-embroidered cushions in a stunning range of colours and patterns would make an ideal gift for any interior’s lover – and will help support almost 400 embroiderers across five camps too.
Olive Levantea
‘Just a Palestinian girl integrating fashion with a cause’, the Olive Levantea brand was created as a tribute to a much-loved grandpa, a well-known orthopaedic surgeon in Palestine and ‘an angel on earth’. Treat your girls to an Olive Levantea x Maria Guardiola Miss Pro Palestine Vanity Bag – available with ‘miss pro Palestine’ embroidery in green, pink or black – perfect for everyday girlie essentials. 50 per cent of all profits are donated to Palestine – with proceeds sent to the founder’s family in the West Bank and distributed to those in need.
Zeit Bladi
For chefs and foodies, choose a very special Zeit Bladi gift set that includes a 350ml bottle of Palestinian Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the October 2024 harvest complete with a silver dispenser and a passage of the significance of the olive harvest for the farmer – all packed up in a black gift box with gold leaf lettering. Sourcing raw and unfiltered, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil from small, family-run farms within the West Bank, the 2024 harvest is a true testament to the dedication of Palestinian farmers – whose livelihood you can help support with your purchase.
Nabtih
Gift the unique and authentic flavours of Palestine with the Nabtih gourmet hamper, a gorgeous collection of traditional culinary treasures central to Palestinian cuisine. Including extra virgin olive oil, sumac, za’atar and maramieh – all beautifully packaged up – Nabtih supports fair trade practices that preserve the rights of farmers, conserves the environment and helps develop healthy lives and communities.
Riwaya
Graphic tees are here to stay – especially those with a message of unity. Gifting a t-shirt from the Riwaya Falastin collection isn’t just giving a piece of clothing, it’s offering a statement and a stylish way to express solidarity with the Palestinian people – perfect for men or women – the designs are super cool and made from organic cotton in the UAE.
HYPEPEACE
Rugby shirts are this season’s fashion must – and we’ve found the ultimate design to elevate any wardrobe. Not only are the ‘resist, liberate, return’ rugby shirts created with upcycled material – but they’re also embroidered with the symbol of Palestinian resistance, with 100 per cent of profits going towards funding the art and print studio at the Aida Youth Center located in Bethlehem – serving the youth and community of Aide refugee camp. Motivated by political and humanitarian causes, HYPEPEACE garments are designed to express solidarity and voice resistance, and revenues are used to support NGO’s and set up valuable community projects.
Preloved for Purpose
Created to provide support to those in need in Palestine and Lebanon, the Preloved for Purpose Facebook page is an online marketplace in the UAE that allows members to contribute items in return for proof of a donation to several registered charities (none are directly affiliated with the page). From brand new makeup sets to furniture, clothes, jewellery and more – this is a great way to reuse and recycle while also donating much-needed funds.
