Each year, I always make it a point to give gifts to all my family, friends, and neighbors to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan. After all, it is the best of months! It is the period of mercy and where rewards are multiplied– that needs to be celebrated! I love to make the gifts myself as it adds a personal touch and customize them to my liking. In this post, I have rounded up my top 9 DIY Homemade Ramadan gift ideas to get you inspired to welcome the month of Ramadan through gifting!
Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no cost to you – I earn a small commission that goes towards the upkeep of my blog.
Why should you celebrate the start of the blessed month?
We usually leave the celebrating and gifting to the 1st of Shawwal, the day of Eid al-Fitr. However, Qur’an and Hadith all mention that Ramadan is the best of months. It is the month in which the divine and complete book, the Qur’an was revealed.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’ān was revealed as guidance for mankind…
QURAN – 2:185
According to the Holy Prophet, ‘This is the month in which you have been invited to the banquet of Allah.’1 The term ‘invited’ has been used, showing us that it is no ordinary month but one that Allah has selected for His servants to come towards and act upon. We have been invited to this auspicious banquet to enjoy the fruits of to our heart’s content.
As the whole month is blessed, we look forward to it the entire year and so, it makes sense to celebrate its arrival. Just like we celebrate annual events in our lives, such as birthdays and anniversaries, the start of the month of Ramadan needs to be honored.
The importance of feeding a fasting person
It is the month where all Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset and are aware of their faith and actions. There are countless rewards for fasting, but also for those who feed a fasting person.
Imam As-Sadiq (as) has said: “Whoever provides breakfast for a fasting person will have the same reward (of fasting).”2
It is even narrated from Imam Kadhem (as) that “The reward of feeding a fasting person is more than fasting itself.”3
We can see that the status of one who feeds a fasting person is equal to or higher than fasting itself. So even if we are unable to fast during the blessed month, we can still gain from its countless rewards. This could be by providing Iftar or Suhoor or by sending homemade, edible gifts. Keep reading to find out my top 10 DIY Homemade Ramadan Gift ideas to get you inspired!
DIY homemade Ramadan gifts for neighbors
And (be good) to the neighbor who is your relative and to the neighbor who is not a relative
QURAN – 4:36
Islam has a lot of respect for the rights and duties of the neighbors.
The Holy Prophet (SA) has said: “Gabriel always used to advise me to be generous with the neighbors, till I thought that Allah was going to include the neighbors among the heirs of Muslim”.4 The rights of the neighbors in Islam are not just for Muslim neighbors but for all.
By giving a small token to our neighbors shows our Akhlaq (manners) and the principles taught to us by our beautiful faith. Especially for those living in the West, it helps to raise awareness about the fasting month. Perhaps they do not already know about the month of Ramadan but through your gift, they would be informed more about what the month entails. Make sure to add a note that explains what the month of Ramadan is about. A printable tag has been included below.
What kind of DIY homemade Ramadan gifts should I make?
I always like to gift something that has meaning. For example, I usually make gifts using foods that are mentioned in the Qur’an and state this in my tag. My absolute favorite ingredient to use are dates. Dates are so significant in the month of Ramadan and I am always trying to find unique ways of using them. I feel we get given/gifted so many boxes of dates that alone, they lose their charm. I have included some great DIY ideas of exciting things to create with dates as part of my 9 Homemade Ramadan Gifts ideas.
9 Easy DIY Homemade Ramadan Gift Ideas
1. Middle Eastern Love Pudding – Mahalabia
We know that the Prophet used to break his fast with dates and milk. It is narrated that Imam Ali (as) would prefer to break the fast with milk and that the Prophet used to break his fast with milk and dates. Milk has also been mentioned in the Qur’an so I love to incorporate this into my edible gifts.
This rose milk pudding is super easy to make and a big batch can be made which will give you plenty of cups to gift. You can flavor them as you please and top them with lots of nuts to make it a delightful and cooling Iftar dessert or Suhoor snack!
What you will need:
Clear Dessert Cups with lids!
2. Stuffed dates
As mentioned previously, I love to find different ways to use dates to make them fun and exciting. It is part of sunnah to break the fast with dates however, many aren’t so keen on them. To make them more appealing, we love this mascarpone and pomegranate stuffed dates recipe.
They are super quick and easy to create and also look scrumptious! All you need is some good quality Medjool dates and stuff them with whatever you please. Then cutely package them, add a tag and you’re good to go!
3. Iftar in a Box
This is an incredible DIY homemade Ramadan gift idea that you can do to welcome the month of Ramadan. Especially now during the pandemic, where we may not be able to see friends and family. How about preparing an ‘Iftar in a Box?’
We love these Iftar boxes created by Lubna at Waafia. You can also download all the stationery here! It also includes a special note for neighbors.
What you will need:
4. Chocolate Covered Dates
Another option is to coat your dates in chocolate, as who can resist chocolate gifts?
If you want to go the extra mile and don’t have the time or patience, then how about gifting your loved ones with these handmade decadent dates.
Lindates are a Muslim-owned business based in Canada but ship worldwide and use organic Californian dates. They have a variety of sizes and their prices are very reasonable.
I recently tried their new Ramadan collection and was seriously impressed! Everything about it was luxury, from the stunning packaging to the unique flavor combinations. From fig and walnut stuffed dates to hazelnut praline infused with Arabic coffee, all enrobed in rich chocolate, it is guaranteed to impress your friends and family!
5. Under $10 Ramadan Gift Boxes
If you aren’t a fan of cooking, this idea may be up your street! Put together a custom Ramadan Gift Boxes using items from your local dollar store or Amazon! You will need:
- A cute gift box
- A small frame which you can place a du’a or Ramadan-related image that you find on Pinterest
- A ‘self-care’ item such as a candle or soap
- Some candies or chocolates
- A ‘Ramadan Kareem’ tag which you can print or handwrite
Gold Gift Boxes (around 2$ each)
Scented Soy Wax Candles (around $2 each)
All this together should cost less than 10$ yet make a unique and special gift for the receiver.
6. Date and Almond Candies
Another unique way to use dates is to make them into individually wrapped candies. It will have even the kids enthusiastic to try these. You will only need 4 ingredients and use parchment paper to wrap the candies. A truly unique way of gifting dates. Recipe from Kitchen at Hoskins.
7. Sweet or Savoury Cones
A quick and easy DIY Ramadan Gift Idea. All you need is a roll of transparent plastic wrapping paper from your local dollar store, some ribbon, and tags. Make the plastic paper into cones and fill with dried fruit and nuts, sweets, or even Bombay mix!
What you will need:
8. Ramadan Cookies
This is a great gift idea to create with the kids. How about baking some Ramadan Cookies? For instance, we always welcome good news with sweets. Cookies would be a perfect treat to welcome the blessed month.
If you do not consider yourself much of a baker, then check out SorayasDelight who is based in Markham, ON for some gorgeous, custom-made cookies.
What you will need:
9. Greeting Cards
The simplest way to wish someone Ramadan Mubarak is through a greeting card. Have fun creating these by hand or you can grab some free printables from here.
If you want something fancier, check out these stunning gold-foil Ramadan cards by the talented sisters at crownyouroccasions. They would look magnificent in any home.
I hope these Easy DIY Homemade Ramadan Gift Ideas have inspired you to get gifting to welcome the blessed month!
If you have used any of these ideas, we would love to see your creations! Share them with us over on our Instagram @balancedbayt.
