9 Made-in-Kenya Gifts for the Travelers in Your Life

Well, here we are. ‘Tis the season or whatever.

Whether you’re in the Christmas spirit or you’re here for the food or you’re just waiting on NYE, chances are there’s someone in your life who loves to travel and would appreciate any number of these gifts. Raise your hands if that someone is you ;)

Same.

Alright! Here are some useful and cool gifts to grab for any travel-lover this festive season – motivation to make those 2020 trip ideas happen!

1. Neck Pillow by Peperuka

I’ve been loving on Peperuka and their Kenyanisms on stickers, t-shirts, mugs and more for a couple of years. For the lucky population of folks who can fall asleep almost anywhere (can’t relate) grab this neck pillow for those car, bus, train and plane journeys.

Damage: 1300 KES. Buy one at their website below or at their store: Riara Office Centre, B1 Riara Road, Nairobi.

Website | Facebook | IG: @peperukaworld

2. Earphones by Pace

Did you know there was a made-in-Kenya headphone brand? You’re welcome, hunny. Bluetooth speakers, wireless and corded earphones and headphones, the works.

I got my Mzooka’s back in August of this year and they literally go everywhere with me - runs, walks, flights, bed, all of it. Love them and they’re a great price and quality.

Damage: 700 KES for the Mzooka’s, other products go up to 6000 KES. Order on their website below!

Website | Facebook | IG: @keeppaceafrica

3. Citypack by Suave

I’ve been eyeing this Nairobi brand for a good year now and really enjoy the aesthetic and philosophy behind it. Suave’s vibe is inspired by gikomba market, using upcycled materials like denim, leather and corduroy to craft unique pieces like this Citypack - perfect for a day trip, carry-on luggage and can fit the average laptop. Digital nomads stand up!

Damage: 5000 KES. Buy or browse their other products on their website and keep an eye on social for any markets they’ll be selling at.

Website | Facebook | IG: @suave_ke

4. Running Shoes by Enda

I always have a pair of running shoes with me on the road because they’re great as walking shoes, traveling shoes (unless you’re flying) and of course for my active days.

Enda is the only made-in-Kenya running shoe brand and have a couple of styles available as well as gift vouchers. Sign up for their email list via the website below and get 10% off your order!

Damage: 10,000 KES per pair. Order on the website or see social media below for pop-up markets they might be selling at.

Website | Facebook | IG: @endasportswear

5. Passport Holder by Wazawazi

Our new Kenyan passports are a lighter colour now and without the dark blue cover I just might grab a cover for the first time ever! Wazawazi make beautiful products using top-quality Kenyan leather, a by-product of the beef industry. Chic and sustainable. I stan.

uli_passport_holder_black_open_1d70b312-7d96-45c1-b143-0aa06643a837_900x.jpg

Damage: 2500 KES for the passport holder. See below for other products and prices or visit their store at Valley Arcade, Lavington, Nairobi.

Website | Facebook | IG: @wazawazikenya

6. Books

You can help someone take a trip with their mind and their imagination - or gift them something to pass the time on long, boring travel days.

Keeping with the theme here, support a Kenyan writer! Personally I have my eye on The Dragonfly Sea by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor (Twitter: @AdhiamboKE), a coming-of-age story set mainly on an island off the coast of Lamu.

Damage 800-2500 KES, depends on the book of course.

Rafu Books (online store) | Prestige Bookshop ( online + Lavington Mall) | Bookstop (Yaya Centre)

and all over the streets of Nairobi city centre ;)

7. Planners and diaries by Vitabu Vyetu

This foundation works to improve the levels of literacy and education/exposure, particularly in children aged 3-13 in urban slum areas.

One way to support the cause is to purchase one of their planners or notebooks - help someone plan out their upcoming travel or write down their memories from different places!

Damage: 1000 KES for the year planners. See below for other products like notebook, bookmarks and pre-loved books.

See below to order and learn more about the amazing initiatives Vitabu Vyetu have going on.

Website | Goby Shop | Twitter: @VitabuVyetu

8. Menstrual Cup by Grace Cup

Let’s talk inconveniences while traveling, menstruators - if it isn’t the cramps or finding your trusted brand then it’s figuring out how and where to dispose of sanitary products, especially out in nature. I had that dilemma spending two weeks in a rural setting at Mfangano Island.

Go waste-free with a menstrual cup and save SO much in the process - they’re made out of surgical silicone so you buy one and re-use it for 10 years.

The Grace Cup is the first brand in Kenya to stock menstrual cups - although they’re not manufactured in Kenya, you’ll still be supporting a Kenyan woman’s business ;)

Damage: from 2000 KES. That’s it. For 10 years. Contact The Grace Cup to buy one:

Website | Facebook

9. A trip. Duh. Talk to TurnUp.Travel

Sometimes you just need someone else to do the planning or put you on to a cool place to visit or interesting way to experience somewhere you think you know. Enter TurnUp.Travel. You probably know these guys are friends of FrameAmbition since that time I went to Lake Elementaita with them.

They consistently bring curated Nairobi Instagram tours, festival experiences, dream hotel deals, you name it. Keep an eye on their website and social media below for upcoming trips and last-minute deals to bless someone with.