Zawadi, the gifts given at Kwanzaa, are meant to be handmade or meaningful rather than bought in a hurry. Handmade is all we do: every piece here is cut, stained, engraved or assembled by us in Encinitas, California.
Many of these are made around one person, from a photo or with a name, which gives you something to say when you hand it over.
01
Layers of wood
Made in layers, by hand.
Six to eleven layers of basswood, laser cut, stained or painted one at a time and stacked, so each piece has real depth and throws its own shadows.
Breaking wave
Sea turtle
02
Made from your photo
For family: made from your own photo.
Send us a picture, a name or a date and we make the piece around it. A photo is engraved into natural slate, where the stone turns pale wherever the laser touches it; a pet is redrawn and built up in layers of wood. Nothing here exists until you order it, so no two are the same.
Their dog or cat in layered wood
Personalized cribbage board
03
Stone for the table
With a name, a principle or your own design.
Natural slate, laser engraved. Every tile is a little different in color and edge, which is the point. Coasters with your own words or drawing, and sets we designed ourselves.
Design idea: a diamond pattern, corn, fruit and a woven band. The picture is a mock-up to show the idea. We engrave your own design, or draw one with you, on real slate.
Slate coasters, your design from $25
San Diego elevation lines on slate
04
Things that grow
For a child to look after.
3D printed planters for a shelf or a patio, and living plants to go in them.
Octopus planters $18.99
Candy cane bambooOrdering for a date
Personalized pieces are made after you order, so give us extra time before a holiday. If you need something by a date, email [email protected] and we will tell you honestly whether we can do it.
Questions people ask
What makes a good Kwanzaa gift?
Zawadi are traditionally handmade or chosen to mean something. A piece made from a family photo, or slate engraved with a name or a word that matters to them, does both.
Can a gift be personalized?
Yes. Slate is engraved from your photo or your own design, pet portraits are made from a photo of the dog or cat, and the cribbage board and water bottle are engraved with a name.
Who makes these?
We do. Encinitas 3D is a small business in Encinitas, California. Everything is designed, cut, engraved, printed and assembled here.
More guides: All gift guides The Holiday Gift Guide Christmas Gifts Hanukkah Gifts Diwali Gifts Lunar New Year Gifts Eid Gifts Halloween Thanksgiving and Host Gifts Easter and Spring Gifts Graduation Gifts Wedding and Anniversary Gifts Housewarming Gifts Birthday Gifts Valentine’s Day Gifts Mother’s Day Gifts Father’s Day Gifts For sports fans For a dad who loves sports For a husband who loves sports For a wife who loves sports For a college sports fan For coworkers and clients Father’s Day for sports fans