Diwali gifting for every budget, whether you're Ambani or counting athannis

There’s an international conspiracy afoot. To wreak havoc on our bank accounts and livers, so we are forced to begin January 1 with renewed determination to get fit, work hard and cosplay as responsible adults. Why else would Diwali, shaadi season, Christmas and New Year all appear within two months of each other? Maybe you read our piece on improving your finances during lockdown and your Diwali gifting budget is as fattened as a syrup-soaked roshogulla.

Or, more likely, you blew a bundle on weekend hydration (read: sangria pitchers) the minute restrictions eased up because, YOLO.

Unlike a Miss India pageant, we’re not here to judge. Only help. By pointing you in the direction of Diwali gifting options for every budget. Smartly curated to appeal to different personality types, like your friend who’s trying to kickstart her career as a beauty influencer, or your mom who loves nothing more than giving her home a festive makeover.

You could also use this curation of Diwali gifting ideas to help people worried about what to get you this year. Chalk it down to public service.

Diwali gifting ideas for every budget, starting at Rs 500

For the person obsessed with home improvement

Under Rs 500: Wall decals from Kalakaari Haath, Rs 499

This Mumbai-based design studio is famous for its lush wallpapers that transport you from your 500 sqft apartment to the tropical jungles of Thailand or a spa resort in Morocco. But if real estate and your bank balance don’t see zero to zero, choose from one of their hand-painted wall decals instead. They’re easy to stick on and peel off, and can brighten up even a tiny corner of the house with an unexpected artistic detail.

Under Rs 1,000: Hanging planter from Chumbak, Rs 535 on sale       

Show us someone who didn’t turn into a plant parent during the lockdown. No, really, they don’t exist. This hanging planter with tribal etchings is space efficient, doubling up as wall art for your green-fingered friends.

Under Rs 2,000: Tweak Mojave Candle, Rs 1,250 

We don’t like to brag, but wow, our newest launch is a knockout. While the scents of jasmine, mandarin, sandalwood and vanilla fill your home with divine aromas, the soothing effects of amethyst (for those who believe in crystal therapy) will keep those taash parties free of temper tantrums.

Sky’s the limit: Beacon table lamp from Script, Rs 5,597 on sale   

We’re suckers for an unexpected design that doesn’t fit too neatly into ‘modern’ or ‘classic’ and this faucet-shaped lamp from Script hits that sweet spot. You can choose from a copper shade or a gold tone.

For the person who’s moonlighting as a skincare influencer

We have in our arsenal the perfect gift for your friend who switches up her skincare regimen every week and hasn’t met a limited edition beauty product she didn’t have to own. Additionally, if there’s a brother lurking here trying to find a last-minute gift for his sister this bhai-dooj, you’ve come to the right place.

Under Rs 500: Pure Vetiver Water by Kama Ayurveda, Rs 345 on Tata CliQ Luxury

True friends care about the PH balance of their friends’ skin. This vetiver water adds essential moisture while tightening and clarifying pores. It’s free of parabens and sulphates, and this 50 ml bottle can easily be slipped into a travelling beauty kit.

Under Rs 1,000: Biocellulose sheet masks by Simply Nam, Rs 849

The Simply Nam sheet mask box, containing three biocellulose sheets, is made of natural fibre components like coconut and is designed to supply nutrients to the skin’s deeper layers.

Under Rs 2,000: Bare Restore Gift Hamper by Restore, Rs 1,750

This basketful of plastic-free happiness includes a Restore handwash, Golden Hour liquid soap and 2 tooth powders, and even a planter with a succulent. We guarantee you’ll be on their mind when they’re grossly overwatering their succulent.

Sky’s the limit: Dyson Airwrap Festive Gift Edition, Rs 42,900

The Dyson Airwrap is unbeatable when it comes to technology and design. The tool uses air to style your hair unlike curlers that use heat, and who wouldn’t want to achieve salon-level curls without the heat damage that comes with it?

For the self-love guru who espouses a laidback life

Under Rs 500: Deep Moisturizing Foot Hydration Socks from Luxaderme, Rs 300 on sale on Tata CliQ Luxury 

This is for the person who believes that a weekend without some self-pampering doesn’t count as a weekend. The hydration socks nourish and hydrate your feet instantly with shea butter, aloe vera and thyme, like a no-fuss pedicure, while you’re binge-watching the latest K-drama show.

Under Rs 1,000: Levi’s X Deepika Padukone essential bralette, Rs 799

The pandemic has helped us break up with uncomfortable clothing. If the person this gift is intended for has run out of patience (and breath) to deal with pokey underwires, they will love the soft, stretchy bralette from the Levi’s X Deepika Padukone collection.

Under Rs 2,000: Tweak Chaddi Buddy pyjamas, Rs 1,800 on Mint & Cotton

For the one whose idea of self-love is burying under a cosy blanket, re-binging Harry Potter movies while sipping rosé. Tweak’s Chaddi Buddy matching PJ set is ideal for a day of lounging about at home. Who said comfort and style can’t go hand-in-hand?

Sky’s the limit: Forevermark Avaanti™ Circle Mini Earrings, Rs 98,999

Honour the trailblazers in your life with these effortlessly elegant earrings from the new Forevermark Avaanti collection. They are dainty enough to be worn every day yet timeless enough to turn heads. And, you should book first dibs on borrowing them.