What should I bring to an Eid dinner as a guest?

Good gifts that always work

• Sweets or pastries: baklava, Turkish delight, dates, chocolates or a cake from a halal bakery. Sweets are part of Eid almost everywhere.
• A dessert you made yourself, if you're sure every ingredient is halal (watch out for gelatin and alcohol-based flavourings).
• A fruit basket or a nice tray of fresh fruit.
• Flowers or a plant for the host.
• Something for the house: a candle, a tea set, a nice box of tea or coffee.

Gift-giving builds love between people, and the Prophet ﷺ encouraged it. Even a small present shows you value the invitation.

What to avoid

• Alcohol of any kind, including wine as a "host gift".
• Meat dishes unless you know the meat is halal. Many hosts prefer you don't bring savoury food at all, since they've planned the menu.
• Anything with pork-based gelatin, such as some gummy sweets and marshmallows.

Not sure what Eid food looks like? See What food do Muslims eat on Eid?

Don't forget the children

In many cultures, children get money or small gifts on Eid, called Eidi. If you know there will be kids, a few envelopes with a small note, a sweet bag or a little toy each goes a long way. See What is Eidi and do I have to give it?

Bring good manners too

Accepting an invitation is one of the rights Muslims have on each other (Sahih al-Bukhari 1240). Arrive roughly on time, greet everyone, and if someone greets you, reply warmly:

The Prophet ﷺ never criticized food: if he liked it he ate it, and if not he left it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5409). Praise the cooking, offer to help clear up, and thank your hosts before you leave.