Bahá’í gift ideas: thoughtful gifts for Bahá’í friends and family

Bahá’ís tend to value gifts that carry meaning over gifts that cost a lot. A thoughtful piece of jewelry, a book of prayers or a keepsake from the Bahá’í holy places will usually mean more than anything flashy. Whether you are a Bahá’í shopping for family and friends or someone looking for the right present for a Bahá’í colleague, here are ideas that work – and a few things to steer clear of.

Jewelry with the ringstone symbol or the star

1. A ringstone symbol ring

The classic Bahá’í gift. The ringstone symbol was designed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to be worn on a ring, and many Bahá’ís wear one every day. Signet rings come in silver, gold and rose-gold tones; buying in person lets you check the size. A ring is a lovely gift for someone who has just become a Bahá’í, for a wedding or for a milestone birthday. See our ringstone signet rings.

2. A ringstone cord bracelet

Light, colourful and affordable enough to buy several, cord bracelets with a ringstone bar or charm suit teenagers, children and anyone who prefers something casual. They are also the easiest gift to bring home in numbers. See the bracelets.

3. A ringstone cuff, chain or cable bracelet

A good choice for someone who likes a sturdier, everyday style: the ringstone cuff, a chain bar bracelet or a steel cable bracelet.

Keepsakes from Haifa and the holy places

4. A model of the Shrine of the Báb

For Bahá’ís, the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel is one of the two holiest places on earth, and many hope to visit it one day. A detailed miniature of the Shrine is a moving gift for someone who has made pilgrimage – or who dreams of it.

5. A picture of the terraces

A framed photograph of the gardens, or a colourful Shrine of the Báb plate, brings the view of Mount Carmel into a home or a Bahá’í centre.

6. Something from Akko and Bahjí

The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí, near Akko, is the holiest place for Bahá’ís. Photographs and keepsakes of Bahjí, the Mansion and the old city of Akko make a meaningful pair with gifts from Haifa.

Books and calligraphy

7. A book of Bahá’í writings

The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh – short, poetic verses – is a much-loved gift, as is a beautifully bound prayer book. For someone who wants to go deeper, Some Answered Questions by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or The Kitáb-i-Aqdas are classics. Bahá’í publishing trusts and distribution services in many countries sell editions in local languages, and the writings can be read free in the Bahá’í Reference Library at bahai.org.

8. Framed Greatest Name calligraphy

The calligraphy of “Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá” hangs in many Bahá’í homes. Because it is treated with particular reverence, a framed piece for the wall is the respectful way to give it. Our guide to Bahá’í symbols explains why.

For the home and for hospitality

9. Tea glasses and a teapot

Hospitality is at the heart of Bahá’í community life – devotional gatherings, firesides and Feasts – and tea is served at many of them. A set of tea glasses or a good teapot is a practical gift that will be used again and again.

10. A Bahá’í calendar

A wall or desk calendar showing the Bahá’í months, Feasts and holy days alongside the Gregorian dates is useful all year. See our guide to the Bahá’í holy days.

11. Flowers or a plant for Naw-Rúz

Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year on 20 or 21 March, celebrates the spring equinox and the end of the Fast. Flowers, sweets or a plant are a cheerful way to join in.

For children and youth

12. Colourful bracelets for a children’s class

Teachers of Bahá’í children’s classes and junior youth groups often look for small gifts for everyone. Ringstone cord bracelets in different colours are ideal – one each, and no one is left out.

13. A children’s prayer book or memorisation cards

Short prayers and quotations for children, illustrated or printed on cards, encourage memorisation – a much-loved part of Bahá’í children’s education.

Gifts of time and service

14. A gift of service

Service to others is central to Bahá’í life. Offering your time – helping at a community event, cooking for a family with a new baby – can be the most appreciated gift of all. Note that the Bahá’í funds accept contributions only from Bahá’ís, so if you are not a Bahá’í and want to give in someone’s name, choose a charity they care about.

15. A handwritten card with a quotation

A short passage from the Bahá’í writings, chosen with the person in mind and written out by hand, costs almost nothing and is often kept for years.

What to avoid

• Alcohol. Bahá’ís do not drink alcohol, so skip the wine – even the excellent wines of Israel.
• Gambling. Lottery tickets and betting-themed gifts are best avoided; Bahá’í law prohibits gambling.
• Sacred text on throwaway items. Keep the Greatest Name for framed calligraphy rather than mugs, clothing or wrapping paper.
• Party politics. Bahá’ís stay out of partisan politics, so political slogans make awkward gifts.

When to give a Bahá’í gift

The main gift-giving season is Ayyám-i-Há, the days of hospitality and giving before the Fast at the end of February. Other natural moments include Naw-Rúz, the joyful holy days of Ridván and the Twin Holy Birthdays, weddings, the birth of a child, someone becoming a Bahá’í, and a friend’s return from pilgrimage. The solemn commemorations – the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the Martyrdom of the Báb and the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá – are not occasions for presents.