Anafiya Gifts (pronounced Anna-Feeya) specialize in Islamic gifts for kids. We have an extensive range of educational Islamic toys, engaging books, and glamorous Eid decorations. We are constantly stocking new and exciting products for Muslim households. Shop with popular global Muslim brands, all in one place.
My story on starting Anafiya Gifts
Assalamu'alaikum and welcome!
"Exchange gifts, it will increase your love for one another.”
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
As mothers, we can especially relate to this hadith when treating our children. Seeing their faces light up when they open their gifts is priceless.
Before I reverted to Islam, I remember the excitement we had every Christmas. Having the family around and eagerly waiting for the time to open our presents. However, my experience with Eid contrasted. There didn't seem to be as much excitement for the occasion, apart from kids having the day off from school. I thought this was the norm.
However, after spending one summer celebrating Ramadan and Eid in Malaysia, I noticed that this was completely different to what I had experienced in my life as a Muslim in the UK. The whole country stops. Communities open their doors and invite strangers to celebrate with them. Eid was a very big deal.
In an attempt to bring some of the excitement to the UK, I began selling Eid decorations to my local community in Oxford. This was a hit with our earliest customers, as a way of brightening their Eid. We wanted children to embrace Eid as a festival for them, and be especially excited on the special day.
But people wanted more than Eid decorations. They also wanted gifts for their children. Gifts that embrace their Muslim identities and instill a love for Islam. Gifts that help them learn about their religion.
In my search for new products, I was surprised to see how many great items already existed. Fun Islamic toys, exciting kids books, beautiful handmade prayer mats. I was not aware of most of these, and this was true for many people who lived in areas not surrounded by Islamic bookshops.
This lack of exposure drove me to take my business online. To build awareness of these exciting Islamic kids products, and make it easily accessible to all.
I plan to work hard to make Anafiya Gifts successful in its aims, and insha'Allah provide a top service for buying Islamic products for Muslim households.
Naomi Macklin-Carr
Founder of Anafiya Gifts
Mother of Hasanah (Ana), Safiyyah (Fiya) and Hamza <3
Established April 2016, Oxford UK
