The guide to better gifts for your Ramadan visits

We’ve all seen Ramadan tables groaning under the weight of yet another box of basbousa brought by a guest. Most hosts end up with mountains of leftover desserts that they can’t possibly finish, and it all goes to waste. So why not bring something your host will actually appreciate this Ramadan? Here are some thoughtful alternatives they can enjoy long after iftar is over.

FOR THE STYLE-CONSCIOUS

Do you know someone whose home looks like an Instagram feed come to life? Instead of something that will disappear by suhoor, get them something they can display for the next year while telling everyone, “Oh, this? My friend has such good taste.”

#1- MARAMZY: This Egyptian home decor brand brings artistry into everyday living with handcrafted home decor that represents Egyptian tradition, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. From frames to sculptures to wall art, the only obstacle you’ll face picking a gift is staying on task.

THE PRICE TAG: A simple marble candleholder is priced at EGP 250, you can find a handpainted fengan clay set for EGP 315, or you can deck out their home with the Mastaba corner table for EGP 8.5k.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can place your order through their website.

#2- URBAN RUGS: Indulge in the Ramadan spirit through Islamic-inspired products that blend spirituality and tradition with modern design, from padded prayer mats to home decor items and personal accessories. For a personal touch, consider their dedicated Ramadan gift boxes, which come in 14 different styles. Each box contains a prayer mat, a copy of the Holy Quran, prayer beads, and a variety of other items depending on the theme of the box.

THE PRICE TAG: Their gift boxes range from EGP 795 to EGP 1.8k. You can also find single items like a cashmere portable prayer mat for EGP 320, a tote bag for EGP 240, and prayer wear priced at EGP1k.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can find these gifts on their website.

#3- STAMPED BY KANGAROO: This design studio creates artful homeware where the brand draws inspiration from Cairo’s street kitsch, using bold patterns, colors, and textures, perfect for the offbeat friend with distinct taste. They also have a commitment to authenticity and sustainability where they use repurposed overlooked materials.

THE PRICE TAG: Their products range from EGP 350 for a fresh take on zeenit Ramadan, and can go up to EGP 4.5K for a ruched tablecloth.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can shop their products on their website.

FOR THE ENTERTAINER

These gifts are for the friends who love to host long Ramadan gatherings from iftar to suhoor. Their fridge is already stuffed with half-eaten desserts, and the last thing they need is another tray of sweets.

#1- GAME GURU: Get everyone from grandpa to the youngest cousin involved with classic games like tawla, Jenga, and Connect Four, and dominoes. It’s definitely better than watching everyone stare at their phones all night. If you’re feeling especially festive, check out Game Guru ’s acrylic Ramadan edition sets.

THE PRICE TAG: These numbers may run higher than your average koshk-bought playing cards. An aesthetically pleasing tawla board will set you back EGP 4.1k, and your grandpa’s new favorite chess box will cost you EGP 9k.

WHERE TO GET IT: You can stock up from their website.

#2- GATHERING: Why spend hours in the kitchen when a phone call can get you an Instagram-worthy tray of sandwiches, cheese assortments, or finger foods? You can customize mini sandwiches not just by their fillings — of which there are 12 options — but also by the kind of bread you want used. Gathering offers croissants, pretzel buns, focaccia bread, pètit pain, logan bread, brown bread, and baladi bread. Not finger-foody enough for you? Try their canapés.

THE PRICE TAG: The most basic option for a box of mini sandwiches will run you back EGP 280, and their most lavish offering is a cheese platter that feeds six people, priced at EGP 2.4k.

WHERE TO GET IT: Their menu can be found on Instagram, and you can place your order by calling the number on their social media, or message them on WhatsApp.

FOR THE SOPHISTICATED PALATE

Some hosts appreciate the finer things in life — they notice quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation. These premium date selections elevate a Ramadan staple into something truly special, and yes, we know they’re still sweet (it is Ramadan after all), but at least they don’t have to share (or shove them into the fridge to die a slow death before eventually getting tossed out).

#1- BENNU DATES: From jumbo to mini Medjools, to caramel-sweet Barhi, Bennu offers a variety of premium-quality dates. Their Belgian chocolate-covered assortment has five flavors of Medjool — milk chocolate with Nutella filling, dark chocolate filled with crunchy almond and a sprinkling of sea salt, milk chocolate with konafa pistachio, milk chocolate with an aromatic coffee center, and dark chocolate with coconut creme and a light coating of macerated coconut.

THE PRICE TAG: A Grab n Go box of three Medjool dates is priced at EGP 25, but the assorted Belgian chocolate-covered box will set you back EGP 800.

WHERE TO GET IT:You can place an order through their website.

#2- JANA DATES: Medjool, Sukkari, Sagai, Deglit Noor, Ajwat El Madina, Mabroum, Khedri… Jana Dates knows how to cater to every preference. Don’t know your host’s favorite kind? You can’t go wrong with anything stuffed with nuts and covered in chocolate. Not their style? You can pick them up a jar of artisan honey.

THE PRICE TAG: A 190g box of Medjool dates with nuts totals EGP 250, but a generous 3kg of Ajwat El Medina is priced at EGP 2.2k. Regular clover honey will cost you EGP 145 for a 450g jar, but 500g of nature flower honey — made from wildflower nectar — will set you back EGP 545.

WHERE TO GET IT:You can find all their products on their website, but a selection is available on Instashop or Breadfast.