Key facts for Gambia
Christmas is a public holiday, but for the Muslim majority Tobaski and Koriteh are the main gifting occasions.
How companies in Gambia give year-end gifts
The Gambia is a small, predominantly Muslim country with a Christian minority and a strong tradition of religious tolerance; Christmas is a public holiday alongside Koriteh and Tobaski. English is the official and business language. Corporate gifting is modest and relationship-based. Tobaski is the most significant festival for most employees, and employers often provide support or gifts around it. At the year-end, international partners and tourism businesses send greetings and small gifts, typically with neutral designs. Gifts for Muslim recipients should be halal-friendly and free of alcohol. Personal delivery with a card is appreciated. Tea, branded keepsakes and plush toys for children are practical choices. Confirm delivery details in advance, since street addressing can be informal outside the main business districts. Arrival in early January with New Year wishes is also appropriate.
Gift occasions in Gambia
New Year
greetings and gifts, often combined with Christmas as one year-end occasion
Christmas
main year-end occasion for gifts to staff, clients and partners
Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr)
end of Ramadan; gifts and greetings
Tobaski (Eid al-Adha)
the biggest festival; employers often support staff
Good practice
- Lead with New Year or 'Season's Greetings' wording rather than Christmas imagery
- Choose halal-friendly food: no alcohol-filled chocolates or gelatin-based sweets
- Order early: international courier transit plus customs clearance can take one to two weeks or more
Avoid
- Don't include alcohol or pork-derived ingredients
- Don't rely on Santa or nativity imagery for Muslim recipients
Design and wording
Christmas is a public holiday and respected, but the majority is Muslim, so 'Season's Greetings' or New Year designs are the safer default.
Delivery to Gambia
Ships from Poland by international courier; import duties and local VAT or sales taxes are normally charged on arrival and can be quoted in advance, and customs clearance adds time. Courier coverage is concentrated in the Banjul and Serrekunda area. December is hot, so chocolate needs heat-protected packaging and fast transit, or non-chocolate items are the safer choice.
Planning dates for Gambia
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Gambia
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in Gambia?
Yes. 25 Dec is a public holiday, as are 1 Jan and the main Islamic holidays.
Can we send chocolate gifts to Gambia?
Usually yes, as a gift shipment by courier, but import duties and taxes may apply and customs can request product details. Heat is the main risk in December, so we recommend heat-protected packaging or tea and plush alternatives.
Is Christmas a good occasion for gifts in The Gambia?
For Christian and expatriate contacts, yes. For most local partners, New Year greetings or gifts around Tobaski are more relevant.