Let’s face it – showing up empty-handed to a Hari Raya celebration is not very festive. You want to be thoughtful when showing up at your relatives’ or friends’ homes. While bringing gifts during festive visits isn’t mandatory, it’s certainly a nice gesture that shows respect and appreciation for your hosts. So, doesn’t matter if you’re visiting your parents, relatives, or friends, here’s a curated list of gift ideas (and where to get them) that’ll make you look like you’ve got your life together (even if you don’t).
For the elders in the family
Your parents, aunties, and uncles deserve more than just a generic gift basket. Consider bringing premium dates for the OG generation that raised you – but make it fancy. We’re talking about those high-end Ajwa or Medjool dates from speciality brands or stores like Natural Delights or Bateel. Their gift boxes come in gorgeous packaging that screams, “I put thought into this.”
Another solid option? A luxe prayer set featuring a plush prayer mat, telekung, or kopiah made from breathable materials. Check out Siti Khadijah for their premium prayer sets or Zara Awliya for contemporary designs. For the men, Zaahara carries some seriously sleek prayer outfits and accessories.
Want to go the extra mile? Premium coffee or tea sets are the way to go. Local roasters like Ghostbird Coffee offer gift sets with locally sourced beans, while TWG Tea has gorgeous tea collections that come in Instagram-worthy packaging.
Modern gifts for the Millennials and Gen Z
For your cousins or friends who are all about that aesthetic life, consider trendy home decor pieces that match their personalities. Jauhari offers beautiful Islamic art prints, while Doenvang specialises in modern interpretative Islamic art. For prayer bead displays and other contemporary Islamic decor, check out Islamic Design House.
Tech accessories are another great option; though pricy, you should reserve these splurgy ideas for closer family members. Get portable chargers from Anker or Native Union because their designs pass the aesthetic check. For wireless earbuds that make a statement, Nothing Ear or Samsung’s Galaxy Buds in their pastel colourways are solid choices. Smart home enthusiasts will appreciate Google Nest‘s minimalist designs or Xiaomi’s affordable smart home ecosystem.
For the foodie friends
Let’s talk about food gifts that aren’t rendang or ketupat (because they’ll already have tons). Gourmet hampers are always a hit – check out The Kettle Gourmet for their international snack collections or Eska Creative for customisable luxury hampers. For artisanal chocolates, Chocolate Concierge and Cocoraw offer beautiful gift sets that’ll make your host’s day.
If you’re visiting friends who are into cooking, get them some bits and bobs from Qra Foods. For the ultimate flex, Maldon Salt, which you can get from most grocery stores or online retailers like Essentials, would be a nice addition to a curated gift basket. For the health-conscious squad, put together a basket of premium nuts and dried fruits from Delivic Premium.
The safe bets
When in doubt, there are some gifts that just hit differently during Raya. High-quality scarves from Duck or MimpiKita are always appreciated. For luxe fabrics and pashminas, check out Bokitta – their collections are perfect for both young and mature recipients.
For the kids, duit raya is the way to go – but make it memorable with creative packets. Local artists on Etsy often create beautiful, unique designs, or check out The Alphabet Press for their modern take on traditional money packets. Trust, you’ll be their favourite aunt/uncle with these.
If you’re visiting someone’s home for the first time, go for a nice serving dish from IKEA‘s VARDAGEN collection or Royal Selangor if you’re feeling fancy. Fill it with premium chocolates from Godiva or those fancy dates we mentioned earlier. It’s formal enough to show respect but not too personal.
The no-go zone
Quick PSA on what not to bring: Skip the generic cookie tins (unless they’re really special), basic dried fruit boxes, or anything that looks like it was grabbed last minute from the convenience store. Also, while scented items can be nice, remember that not everyone appreciates strong fragrances, so maybe skip the heavily scented candles or diffusers – unless you know they’re into that.
It’s the thought that counts – but putting in that extra effort to choose a meaningful gift? That’s the energy we’re bringing to Raya 2025. Consider their tastes and preferences, and remember to order well in advance. Nothing kills the Eid festivities more than delayed deliveries or sold-out items during the festive season.
