Click on the headings for more information.
1. African Board Games
© Anouk Zijlma
Traditional African board games are great fun for the whole family and often beautifully made. Many of Africa's traditional board games are strategy games, the forerunners to checkers, mancala and tic-tac-toe. If you can't find a board game for sale (click on the link to see my top ten choices), the beauty of these games is that they can be created using pen and paper, or stones and dirt. Find out more about traditional board games including bao, fanorona, morabaraba, mancala, senet and more.
2. Manure, Camels, Goats, and Mosquito Nets
Camel gift, Oxfam
Be the talk of your town and buy your loved one a camel. They're diverse, useful animals and their dung makes excellent fuel and fertilizer. This is probably more than you can say for your dog or cat. As an efficient, economical form of transport, a camel will beat a Prius hooves down. A camel will also keep your lawn nice and trim. Oxfam is selling camels for $125, you have to agree, this is a top notch bargain.
3. Books About Africa
McSweeney Book publishers
Reading about a country before you travel there really enhances your experience. Reading about a country you've just visited is equally satisfying since you can picture the scenes perfectly. I've put together a list of personal Top 10 books set in Africa and you can't really go wrong with any of them although some are not too cheery.
4. Movies About Africa
© Warner Brothers
I ran a poll about movies in Africa and The African Queen came out as the winner with the most votes. But there have been plenty of excellent movies set in Africa since then. I have a list of personal favorites which should please most Africa enthusiasts if they found a DVD tucked away in their Christmas stocking.
5. Travel Gift Vouchers
Everyone likes the flexibility of a gift voucher and what could be better than the gift of travel. There are several companies out there who offer travel vouchers. Most seem to be located in the UK which is actually a good place to book a trip to Africa from, since it's often cheaper, even if you have to add on a transatlantic flight:
6. Travel Gear
Getty Images/Jules Frazier
Travel gear is always fun to buy but those water filters, mosquito nets, first aid kits and Swiss army knives get expensive. There are several excellent outdoor retailers who carry a good range of products:
7. Travel Africa Magazine
Africa Travel Magazine
A subscription to the excellent Travel Africa Magazine will really impress anyone who is interested in African travel (or those who like beautiful photography). It's such a well-written and informative magazine, personally I can't wait for my issue every month. I even enjoy reading the ads.
8. African Clothing and Crafts
Leakey Collection
African carvings, furniture, masks, jewelry, mud cloth, Kente cloth and much more are available through a number of quality online stores. Recommended shops include:
For some wonderful Maasai beadwork made from zulu grass and wood check out the Leakey collection
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9. African Music and Art
South Africa Tourism
I'm a big fan of African contemporary art, but it's a little bulky to travel with and the airlines are getting more fussy about bringing huge carvings and paintings on board. Luckily the African Colours website offers art for sale direct from the artists, and they'll ship it to you for a reasonable price. Just browse for inspiration!
10. Phone Cards or Cellular Phone Plans
Getty Images/Jeremy Woodhouse
Buying a cell phone or calling plan that can be used in Africa will enable you to not only keep in touch but also share the adventure. Listen in on the rumble of the Victoria Falls or the latest band in Soweto with your loved one who is traveling in Africa. There are plenty of plans available, find out more ....
