For Parents
Eid-e-Ghadeer and Eid-e-Zahra Gift Ideas for Children
Gifts on Eid-e-Ghadeer and Eid-e-Zahra do not have to be big. In our tradition the best gifts carry a meaning: love for the Ahlul Bayt, generosity, and gratitude. Here are ideas by age, along with a gentle word about each occasion.
Eid-e-Ghadeer: a day of gratitude
On 18 Dhul Hijjah we remember Ghadir Khumm. After the revelation of Quran 5:67, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) declared Imam Ali’s (A.S) leadership and the famous words, “Whoever I am his master, Ali is his master.” The recommended acts for this day include thanks to Allah, salawat, charity, clean clothes, and feeding and visiting believers. A night-of-Ghadir supplication and a two-rakat thanksgiving prayer are reported by Sayyid Ibn Tawus in Iqbal al-A’mal.
So a gift on Ghadeer can simply be an act of kindness done together: a meal for a neighbour, a gift for a friend, a donation in your child’s name.
Eid-e-Zahra: a note on respect
Eid-e-Zahra is observed by many families around 9 Rabi al-Awwal, after the long mourning of Muharram and Safar. Scholars hold different views on how, or whether, the day should be celebrated. We do not take a position, and we encourage you to follow your own marja and your family’s tradition. Where a family marks the day, it is often with love for the Ahlul Bayt, sweets and simple gifts, a story of Lady Fatima (S.A), and charity for others.
Gift ideas by age
Ages 3 to 5
- A rhyming picture book about the Ahlul Bayt.
- A colouring book of the Eid.
- A small tin of sweets to share with a friend.
Ages 6 to 9
- A story book about Lady Fatima (S.A) or Imam Ali (A.S).
- A dua journal with a pen.
- A “kindness jar” where they place a note each time they do something kind.
Ages 10 to 14
- A book on an Imam from our 12 Lights series.
- A notebook for reflections.
- A gift they choose to give to someone else, with you.
Teens and adults
- A dua book, such as an English-and-Arabic edition of Sahifa-e-Sajjadiya or Dua-e-Kumayl.
- A comfort book for reflection.
Free and meaningful
- A handwritten salawat card. “Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ali Muhammad,” in your child’s handwriting, for a grandparent.
- A story night. One story, one sweet, one hug.
- Charity in a child’s name. Let them choose where it goes.
- A free colouring book. We have Eid-e-Ghadeer and Eid-e-Zahra colouring books for you to print.
Lady Fatima (A.S)Islamic Book for Kids: Love of Prophet Muhammad (S) and Lady Fatima (A.S) · the story of the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) daughter, for ages 5 and up · Ages 5–18
The Gate of KnowledgeImam Ali (A.S), the First Imam · the life of Imam Ali (A.S), for ages 7 and up · Ages 7+
See the full guide to our children’s books by age to find the right gift.
Common questions
What is Eid-e-Ghadeer?
It marks 18 Dhul Hijjah, when the Prophet (P.B.U.H) declared at Ghadir Khumm, after the revelation of Quran 5:67, “Whoever I am his master (mawla), Ali is his master.” Many Shia families mark it with gratitude, charity and gatherings.
What is Eid-e-Zahra?
It is observed by many Shia on or around 9 Rabi al-Awwal, named after Lady Fatima al-Zahra. Scholars have different views on how the day should be observed, so please follow the guidance of your own marja or community.
What gift suits a 4-year-old?
A rhyming picture book about the Ahlul Bayt, a colouring book, and a small treat to share.
What gift suits an older child or teen?
A book from the Heroes of Karbala or 12 Lights series, a journal for reflections, or a book of duas.
Are there free gift ideas?
Yes. A handwritten note, a dua card, a shared meal and an act of charity cost little. Our free Eid colouring books are made for these two days.
