Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, with the first night at sunset on Sunday, February 7. The exact start depends on the moon, and some communities follow a sighting while others follow a calculated calendar. Eid al-Fitr, which ends the month, is expected around Tuesday, March 9.
During Ramadan, many Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, is a time for family, guests and hospitality. A good Ramadan gift belongs on that evening table. We plan delivery by Friday, February 5, before the first fast. Order by Wed, Jan 27 with Standard shipping or Tue, Feb 2 with Express.
Our iftar boxes, compared
Both boxes are alcohol-free with no gelatin, packed by hand in Lynn, Massachusetts, with a handwritten note.
| Box | Items | Price | Order by |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Iftar Hospitality Ramadan Box | 7 | $138 | Standard: Wed, Jan 27. Express: Tue, Feb 2. |
| The Crescent Ramadan Trunk | 10 | $245 | Standard: Wed, Jan 27. Express: Tue, Feb 2. |
| Raihan Saffron Gift Vial, 1 g | 1 | $20 | Standard: Wed, Jan 27. Express: Tue, Feb 2. |
The Iftar Hospitality Ramadan Box ($138) holds Medjool dates, an 8 oz Afghan dried fruit and nut tin, 1 g of Raihan Saffron with an Afghan saffron tea card, rose water, green cardamom, a brass lantern tealight holder and a "Ramadan Kareem" card, in a keepsake box.
The Crescent Ramadan Trunk ($245) is for the family that hosts every night: a large box of Medjool dates, pistachios, 2 g of Raihan Saffron, green tea with a pair of glass tea cups, a brass lantern, an oud-scented candle, rose water, recipe cards and a card, in a keepsake trunk.
The Raihan Saffron Gift Vial ($20) adds 1 g of saffron for the host who makes saffron tea or rice for guests.
What makes a good iftar gift
Dates first
Many Muslims break the fast with dates and water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, so dates sit at the center of the iftar table. Both boxes open with Medjool dates, and the trunk carries a larger box of them.
Something for the tea tray
After iftar comes tea and conversation, often late into the night. Saffron tea, green cardamom and rose water are flavors found on many Afghan and Middle Eastern tables in Ramadan. Our Iftar box includes a card for Afghan saffron tea, made with the saffron in the box.
Light for the evening
Lanterns are a familiar symbol of Ramadan in many countries, and they suit a month of evening gatherings. Both boxes include a brass lantern tealight holder that goes back on the table every year.
Our saffron
Ours is Grade A saffron threads from Herat, Afghanistan, from our sister brand Raihan Saffron. Our March 2026 lot was tested by the Saffron Quality Control Lab, Herat Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (Report 004389). Details are on Our Saffron.
Etiquette notes we followed
- Alcohol-free. Both boxes are alcohol-free.
- No gelatin. Gelatin is often made from pork, so we built both boxes without it.
- Halal. We describe a box as halal-friendly only when every label in it supports that. Each product page lists what is inside, and we are glad to share label details before you order.
- Greeting. Write "Ramadan Mubarak" (blessed Ramadan) or "Ramadan Kareem" (generous Ramadan) on the card. The Iftar box includes a "Ramadan Kareem" card.
- Timing. Food gifts are for the evening, not the fasting hours. Delivery before the month begins lets the family plan their first iftar with it.
Which box for whom
For a friend, a neighbor or a colleague who is fasting: The Iftar Hospitality Ramadan Box. It covers the essentials of an evening table for $138: dates, dried fruit and nuts, saffron for tea and a lantern.
For the family that hosts all month: The Crescent Ramadan Trunk. Ten items, 2 g of saffron, a pair of glass tea cups and a trunk that stays in the house long after Eid.
For the cook: add the Raihan Saffron Gift Vial to either box. Saffron tea and saffron rice both start with a pinch bloomed in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes.
If you are invited to iftar
- Arrive before sunset, since the fast breaks at a fixed time.
- Expect the meal to begin with dates and water, and some guests may step away to pray before the main meal.
- Bring something for the table or the tea tray, such as dates, sweets or saffron, rather than something that needs to be cooked.
Why we chose these items
We built these boxes around hospitality because that is what iftar is. Dates to break the fast, tea to share afterward and a lantern for the table: each item is something a host puts to use during the month. The saffron and the Afghan saffron tea card reflect the Afghan heritage of our founder, Emir.
Shop both boxes in our Ramadan gifts collection, which stays open through Eid al-Fitr. Every date this season is on our order-by dates page, and the Exclusive Gift House E-Gift Card arrives by email if you miss the Express date.
Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, with the first night at sunset on Sunday, February 7. The exact date depends on the moon.
Are your Ramadan boxes alcohol-free?
Yes. Both are alcohol-free with no gelatin. We call a box halal-friendly only when every label in it supports that.
What should I write on a Ramadan gift card?
"Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem." Both wish the recipient a blessed, generous month.
When should I order a Ramadan gift?
Order by Wed, Jan 27 with Standard shipping or Tue, Feb 2 with Express. We plan delivery by Friday, February 5.