Gift Ideas for Arabic Language Lovers: Find Unique Presents (2024)

Surprising people who love Arabic with gifts can be tricky. To help, I gathered a list of gift suggestions for those celebrating Christmas or seeking gift ideas for Arabic enthusiasts.

The list of gift tips will also include a few current books that deal with the Islamic and Arab world in general.

The gift tips include everything for children, for those interested in politics and things you can always give.

Magnetic Arabic Letters Kit

Small children can learn the alphabet easily with these letters. They are also good for adult beginners to practice their writing and listening skills by writing down words spoken by others.

The box contains 265 letters, 38 double-sided flash cards, a double-sided magnetic board, and pens and erasers.

Price: $39.99

You can order it on amazon.com.

Note that it may not be available on Amazon Germany or other Amazon stores, but you should also be able to find it elsewhere or simply choose a different brand.

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Lego-style Hajj Kit

That’s perhaps not only a present for young kids but also for grown-up nerds.

The toy-set includes 8 parts: the Kaaba (الكعبة), Safa & Marwa (الصفا والمروة), Mount Arafat (جبل عرفات), Mina (منى), Muzdalifah (مزدلفة), Jamarat (الجمرات), and Hady (الهدي).

Price: $39,99

Muslims and Non-Muslims can learn about the Hajj rituals, as it also provides additional information.

You can order it on amazon.

Note that it may not be available on Amazon Germany or other Amazon stores; however, you may also get it elsewhere.

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Carpet style bookmarks

If someone likes reading books, you can give them a nice little treat with this gift.

Price: $19.95 (for 12 pieces)

You can order it on amazon.com

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Palestine Cola

This cola brand called Palestine Cola can now be seen in many Arab kiosks in Berlin in Germany.

So, what’s the story of Palestine Cola?

• Palestine Cola was founded by three brothers of Palestinian descent: Hussein, Mohammed, and Ahmad Hassoun. The Hassoun family hails from Safad (صفد), a Palestinian town they were ousted from during the British mandate in 1948.
• Based in Malmö, Sweden, they launched the company in March 2024 with the aim of creating a profitable business that could support charitable causes in Palestine, particularly aiding children in Gaza.
• Amid boycott movements against companies supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, the Hassoun brothers recognized a need for alternatives to international brands.

Price: $1 to $2 (per can)

You can buy it in many shops worldwide. Here are a few examples I found online.

• Get it in Germany: sunna-shop.de
• Get it in the UK: yaffa.co.uk
• Get it in the USA (after January 27, 2025): palestinedrinkshop.com

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Nerd blanket: Arabic verb “to sleep”

You should be able to conjugate Arabic verbs easily. Try covering yourself with a blanket that has a conjugated verb on it, and maybe it will sink into your mind. If not, at least you’ll have a unique piece!

Price: $49 to $59

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Books about Arabic and the Middle East

Books are a great choice, especially for older people. Here are some recommendations for those who love Arabic, Arab history or Arab culture.

The Emergence of Arabic Poetry

A new literary history of Arabic poetry from 500 to 750 CE that includes hundreds of lines of poetry never before translated into English.

Price: $65

You can order it on amazon.com

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My Egypt: Cooking from My Roots

Michael Mina, born in Cairo, Egypt in 1969, is a renowned American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. He immigrated to the United States at a young age and grew up in Ellensburg, Washington.

Price: $40

You can order it on amazon.com

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Alexandria: The City that Changed the World

This suggestion is personal for me because I lived in Alexandria for several years and made wonderful memories there with friends. The book is a lively and detailed history of this first modern city, from ancient times to today.

With a mix of careful research and stories, “Alexandria” explores the history of a city that has influenced our modern world. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria became a melting pot of cultures between the East and West for many years and was known as a global center of knowledge. It played a big role in human progress but also faced natural disasters, plagues, wars, and violence.

Price: $40

You can order it on amazon.com

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Stealing from the Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe

Many Europeans, whether they are aware of it or not, neglect their cultural ties to the Muslim world.

Yet, this influence is evident in well-known buildings in Europe, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. This book highlights the Arab and Islamic roots of European architecture.

Price: $23

You can order it on amazon.com

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Matthew Aldrich, who runs the self-publishing house Lingualism, is usually a good choice for books on Arabic dialects. This year he has a few new ones out.

Level Up! Egyptian Arabic Stories

This book has stories in Egyptian Arabic for adults. Each story features four levels to help you progress from simple to more complex versions.

Price: $19.99

You can order it on amazon.com

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Lebanese Arabic Dardashi

Lebanese Arabic Dardashi is a helpful resource for learners who want to enhance their spoken Lebanese Arabic. It features 25 podcast-style chats, covering topics like food, music, first jobs, and hobbies.

Price: $19.99

You can order it on amazon.com

Arabic for Nerds

In case you don’t find anything, you might also consider giving one of my books as a gift.

You can order it on amazon.com

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What you can always gift

The following items can always be given as gifts to make someone happy.

Glass: The Arabic verb “to drink”

This glass is great for drinking fresh water (or any drink) to recharge. It holds 16 oz (0.473 liter) and is a sturdy, high-quality addition to your glassware.

Written text: Arabic verb to drink – conjugation in past and present tense. All pronouns. With colored vowels (diacritical marks), transliteration and English translation.

Price: $16 (plus shipping)

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Prophet Muhammad’s most favorite dates

Ajwa dates (عجوة) were Prophet Muhammad’s favorite dates.

Dark in color and soft in texture, these dates are prized for their flavor and health benefits. A hadith states that eating seven ‘Ajwa dates in the morning protects against poison and magic for the day (مَنْ تَصَبَّحَ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ سَبْعَ تَمَرَاتٍ عَجْوَةً لَمْ يَضُرُّهُ فِي ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمِ سُمٌّ وَلاَ سِحْرٌ).

It is of course a matter of taste. I like other dates more, but Ajwa dates are indeed really something special as you cannot get them so easily.

Price: $19.49 (400 g/14.1 ounces)

You can order it on amazon.com

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Olive oil from Les Moulins Mahjoub

When I lived in Tunisia, I visited the owner of an olive farm and oil press (Les Moulins Mahjoub). He shared with me what makes the perfect olive oil, and since then, I have been a big fan of his products.

Unfortunately, the European Union makes it hard for him to export it there, but you can buy it in the USA and the UK.

Price: $19.49 (400 g/14.1 ounces)

• Get it in the UK: artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk
• Get it in the USA and worldwide: amazon.com

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Drißner, G. (2024, December 8). Gift Ideas for Arabic Language Lovers: Find Unique Presents (2024). Arabic for Nerds. https://arabic-for-nerds.com/learners-corner/christmas-gifts-ideas-arabic-2024/

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Published: December 8, 2024

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Publication ISSN: 3055-1730