Are you panicking over Diwali gifts? This gifting guide will rescue your reputation as a Late Leena
You’ll be tempted to order one of each for yourself
It happens to the best of us. Between scrambling to meet pre-holiday deadlines at work and desperately cleaning out the closets, the day dawns and you realise: you haven’t had time to get anyone Diwali gifts (do you like these gift ideas?). Your loved ones will load you up with mithai boxes, cash envelopes, new kurtas, even that pricey pair of headphones you’ve been wanting. And all you’ll have to give in return is a smile and a thank you.
Never fear, we’re here to rescue you from this awkward social situation — even if we can’t save you from your maasi’s snide remarks about your weight as she khilaos you one more motichoor laddoo. No matter your budget, we’ve rounded up a selection of gifts that will make it to your doorstep on the double.
Whether you want to treat the harangued young mom in your family who hardly finds time to shower; your least annoying Gen Z cousin; the tree-hugging hippie aunt; or the luxurious hedonist who would put Bacchus to shame, we’ve got you covered.
The luxe lover
Under ₹500
Kimirica The French Note lavender bathing bar – ₹495
Infused with the calming scent of real French lavender, this bathing bar is free of parabens (how bad are parabens really?) and is completely vegan. Shea butter and aloe vera ensure it won’t dry out the delicate skin of your five-star friend.
Under ₹1,000
Ras Luxury Oils Oh-So-Luxe lip and cheek tint in Mauve – ₹708
This lush lip oil glides on smoothly, enriched with glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba oil for an intensely hydrating texture. It offers a pop of mauve colour that will suit most skin tones and makes the everyday monochrome look easy. A swipe on lips, eyes, and cheeks is all it takes to create a natural, effortless glow, so snap it up while its on sale.
Under ₹2,000
Mason Home botanical gold cake knife and server – ₹1,550
Cake makes everything better. This is a universal truth, and one that must be shared with friends and family. This decorative set from Mason Home will take any cake-demanding occasion — think birthday, anniversary, Monday — to Pinterest levels of perfection.
Under ₹5,000
Forest Essentials Kumkumadi night cream – ₹2,425
This rich night cream is made with ingredients that Queen Cleopatra would probably have used on her skin — think saffron, olive oil, pure ghee, sweet almond oil. It’s super hydrating and evens out pigmentation. Plus, the beautiful packaging looks great on any vanity shelf.
Sky’s the limit
Philips hair straightener – ₹6,995
This high-end hair straightener protects hair from heat damage with ThermoShield technology. It also has argan oil infused into the ceramic plates for ultra-smooth and shiny hair. After you use it, the device switches off, so you won’t accidentally burn the house down.
The hassled mom
Under ₹500
Ferns n Petals 4” jade terrarium – ₹299
Finally, something she won’t have to fight to keep alive. This jade plant requires minimal water and indirect sunlight, and is small enough to place anywhere. It’s considered auspicious, a symbol of growth and good fortune that’s perfect for Diwali.
Under ₹1,000
Solobolo Madhubani DIY coaster painting – ₹699
Marked down from ₹1,199 to fit your budget, this kit features four wooden coasters, a stand, six acrylic paint colours, a mixing palette, and a small paintbrush. Keeping kids occupied with a fruitful activity and getting a new coaster set by the end of it? Win-win.
Under ₹2,000
Nykd by Nykaa X Masaba satin robe – ₹1,899
Getting dressed isn’t always on the cards for busy moms. This gorgeous French blue robe with lacy sleeves can be thrown over pyjamas or shorts when the doorbell rings. It comes in handy for that impromptu grocery run or last-minute Zoom meeting, and makes a lightweight, silky blanket at bedtime.
Under ₹5,000
A spa coupon will help this busy mom de-stress and make time for herself. You can select a package within your budget, and choose the services she would prefer. From massages to facials and detox scrubs, Hyatt’s Club Prana offers a wide selection.
Sky’s the limit
Dyson Airwrap Multistyler in Vinca Blue and Rose Gold – ₹45,900
On days that they don’t get to unwind in a spa, most moms are rushing through a task list that has 350 items and growing. A good hair day can take the edge off, and make them feel more human, less Energizer bunny. The Dyson Airwrap Multistyler brings that salon-like experience home, and offers them a chance to try out multiple styles without worrying about excess heat damage. Available at Croma stores.
The Gen Z cousin
Under ₹500
Poshing camo bucket hat – ₹499
According to Harper’s Bazaar, 2022 is the year bucket hats will truly shine. And if Gen Z has taken them back, could the 2000s camo trend be far behind? Cement your status as the cool millennial by gifting this on-trend unisex hat.
Under ₹1,000
Kama Ayurveda Suvarna face pack – ₹985
Enriched with acne-fighting turmeric and soothing sandalwood, this powder face pack is made with Fuller’s earth. For a Gen Z kid who’s dealing with skin problems and adult acne for the first time, it’s a mild yet effective introduction to healthy skincare.
Under ₹2,000
Headway Java mug – ₹1,279
Gen Z and hipster coffee shops go together like kaju katli and well… everything. Your young cousin probably has a signature concoction brewed by a tatted-up barista who also plays bass in a band. Let them get their vegan, sugar-free mocha frappe on with this hardy spill-proof mug that keeps its contents hot (or chilled) for over four hours. You can even get the Java customised with their name for extra street style cred.
Under ₹5,000
Home Centre stainless steel barware set (6 pcs) – ₹2,999
Help them graduate from cheap beer to fun cocktails with this gold-plated barware set from Home Centre. Your uncle will also be happy for the upgrade to his bar, and may even let your cousin swipe a few shots of the expensive Japanese whisky he’s been saving since 2012.
Sky’s the limit
Fujifilm Instax mini camera – ₹4,998 (on sale)
This cute instant camera is just the kind of retro novelty that Gen Z loves. Choose from a range of candy colours, and if you’re feeling extra-generous, throw in a roll of film so they can inaugurate the camera at the family Diwali party.
The naturalist
Under ₹500
TrustBasket bird feeder – ₹399
This hanging metal bird feeder is rust-resistant and durable, making it a good choice for all weather. It can be hung in a balcony, a garden, or even outside the window in case your giftee lives in a flat. Throw in some bird seed and watch them flock to it.
Under ₹1,000
3D moon lamp – ₹1,299
Get this eerie glowing orb while it’s priced down to ₹616. The LED light is touch-controlled and changes colour, for those whose mood is as transient as the moon itself. Use it as a crystal ball, or for a more mundane purpose: a relaxing reading light on your nightstand.
Under ₹2,000
Exotic Aromas essential oils set – ₹1,995
This essential oils set comes with mandarin orange, rose, lavender, lemongrass, and jasmine oils. Consider these all-natural additions to a diffuser, or dilute with a carrier oil for massages. Lavender and lemongrass can even be used as an alternative to pesticides and mosquito repellents.
Under ₹5,000
Kundi 3-tier plant stand – ₹3,999
Does your nature-loving relative have so many plants they don’t know what to do? This self-assembled tiered metal stand comes in black or white and slots conveniently into any corner. Just the thing for a home herb garden. Pick it up on sale for only ₹1,619.
Sky’s the limit
Coach Floral Blush EDP natural spray 90ml – ₹6,350
Inspired by leather tea roses, this fresh, fruity floral perfume smells of summer orchards and nature’s bounty. With notes of peach, grapefruit, and peony, it’s not cloyingly sweet, and it’s popular enough to be a safe pick.