10/18/2025 • By Deepak YADAV
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Table of Contents
2.The Green Route (Actually Good Ones)
3.Food, But Make It Interesting
4.Experiences (Sounds Fancy, Isn't)
5.Handmade Stuff From Actual Artists
6.Self-Care Without Being Preachy
7.Tech Stuff That's Actually Useful
6.Books (If You Know What They Like)
Look, we've all been there—rushing to buy the same old sweet boxes every Diwali. Last year, I stood in that long queue at the mithai shop, watching everyone buy identical silver boxes, and thought there's got to be something better. Turns out, there is.
My cousin got me a wallet with my initials last Diwali. Still using it. That's the thing about personalized stuff—people don't just shove it in a drawer somewhere. A simple photo frame with that picture from your last trip together, or even a mug with an inside joke printed on it works better than you'd think.
One friend ordered custom illustrations of people's pets. Sounds weird, but everyone went crazy over them. Cost her maybe 800 bucks each, looked like she'd spent way more.
My building society handed out seed cards last year. Planted mine, forgot about it, then suddenly had marigolds on my balcony. Pretty cool, honestly.
Small plants are tricky though—some people kill cacti, I swear. Stick to hardy ones. Snake plants survive anything. Money plants too. Just put them in decent pots, not those cheap plastic ones.
Terracotta diyas make sense if you're gifting family you'll see next year. They'll remember where they got them from. Plus, the earthen smell during Diwali just hits different.
Here's what worked for me—I bought good quality saffron from this Kashmiri guy's online store, mixed it with Darjeeling tea, some dry fruits, and decent chocolate (not Cadbury, something better). Put everything in a bamboo basket. Cost less than fancy mithai boxes, people actually finished everything.
My maasi makes amazing nimbu ka achaar. Last year she gave it in small glass jars with handwritten labels. Everyone asked for the recipe. You don't need to be a chef—even good homemade mathri or namak pare in nice packaging works.
Health-conscious relatives? Millet cookies, roasted makhana, or those fancy protein bars. They'll appreciate not getting diabetes-inducing sweets for once.
Spa vouchers are great if you know they'll actually use them. My friend's mom got one three years ago, still hasn't gone. Some people just don't do that stuff.
What works better—pottery class vouchers, cooking workshops, or even those paint-and-wine things. My sister loved the candle-making workshop I gifted. She now makes candles for everyone, so maybe I created a problem there.
For older folks, sometimes a nice restaurant voucher is perfect. They get to go out, eat well, no cleanup. Simple.
Bought a Madhubani painting from this small shop in Darbhanga through Instagram last year. The artist sent progress photos while making it. That connection made the gift special—I could tell my friend the story behind it.
Block-print bedsheets from Jaipur, Warli art from Maharashtra, or even simple terracotta jewelry—there's so much out there. Just skip Amazon and find actual artisans. Takes a bit more effort, worth it though.
Handwoven dupattas are expensive, but they last forever. My mom still wears one her friend gave her like fifteen years ago.
Essential oil sets are everywhere now. Get good ones, not those cheap synthetic things that give headaches. Lavender, eucalyptus, maybe peppermint. Throw in a decent diffuser.
Made a self-care box for my sister once—face masks, body butter, bath salts, some candles. She called it "bougie" but used everything. Sometimes people won't buy this stuff for themselves but love receiving it.
Yoga mats as gifts feel a bit presumptuous honestly, unless they've specifically mentioned wanting one. Meditation apps subscriptions though? Those work. Headspace or Calm, maybe for three months.
Wireless earbuds are solid. Everyone needs them. Portable chargers too—people's phones die constantly during festivals with all that photography.
Got my dad a digital photo frame, loaded it with family pictures. He keeps it on his desk, updates it sometimes. Way better than printed photos gathering dust.
Kindle is expensive but if someone reads a lot, it's genuinely useful. I was skeptical, but my friend swears by hers now. E-ink is easy on eyes, apparently.
Don't gift random bestsellers. I've received so many books I'll never read. If your aunt loves gardening, get her a good book on Indian native plants. If your brother's into photography, find something on that.
Coffee table books on Indian architecture or old Bollywood work for anyone who likes having nice-looking things around. They're conversation starters at least.
For kids, those illustrated mythology books are great. Better than screen time, teaches them stories too.
LED diyas are practical. No oil spills, no fire hazards, grandparents can handle them easily. Some look quite nice too, not all tacky.
Brass and copper utensils are having a moment again. Water bottles, tumblers, serving bowls. They're expensive but good quality ones last generations. My grandmother still uses copper stuff from her wedding.
Got my nephew a modern version of Ludo mixed with Snakes and Ladders last year. Entire family ended up playing it during Diwali. Good times.
This might sound preachy, but donating in someone's name actually feels good. Did it for my friend who has everything already—sponsored a kid's education for a month through an NGO. She got a certificate, but more importantly, it meant something.
Some organizations sell products made by women's self-help groups or underprivileged communities. Buy those. You're gifting something useful and helping someone earn too.
Don't overthink budgets. A ₹300 gift chosen thoughtfully beats a ₹3000 generic one every time. I've learned this the hard way after wasting money on expensive stuff people never used.
Presentation matters more than you think. Even cheap gifts look better with decent wrapping and a handwritten note. Those printed cards feel lazy, honestly.
Know your audience. My minimalist friend hates getting stuff. Experiences or consumables only for her. Meanwhile, my mom loves collecting decorative things. Same approach doesn't work for everyone.
This year, just skip the sweet shop queue. Think about what the person actually needs or would enjoy. Maybe it's that specialty tea they mentioned once, or a plant for their new home, or just a nice experience together.
Diwali's about light and connection, right? Gifts should add to that, not just be an obligation you tick off your list. Put in a bit of effort, make it personal, and you're good. That's literally it.
And if all else fails? Good quality dry fruits. Nobody's ever complained about receiving good quality dry fruits.
1. What are some unique Diwali gift ideas ?
Unique Diwali gifts for family include personalized photo frames, customized lamps, luxury sweets hampers, eco-friendly diyas, and home décor sets that reflect traditional charm with a modern touch.
2. What can I gift my friends on Diwali apart from sweets?
You can surprise your friends with handmade candles, personalized mugs, indoor plants, dry fruit jars, aroma diffusers, or tech gadgets instead of the usual sweets.
3. Are eco-friendly Diwali gifts a good option?
Yes! Eco-friendly Diwali gifts like bamboo plants, seed diyas, jute bags, and recycled paper hampers promote sustainability and are highly appreciated by environment-conscious loved one
4. What are some affordable Diwali gift options?
Affordable yet thoughtful gifts include scented candles, handmade soaps, small indoor plants, festive greeting cards, or decorative diyas—all under a budget.
5. How can I personalize Diwali gifts for family and friends?
You can add a personal touch by engraving names, including handwritten notes, customizing packaging, or selecting gifts based on their hobbies and preferences.
6. What are trending Diwali gifts in 2025?
In 2025, trending Diwali gifts include smart home gadgets, LED décor lights, artisanal sweets boxes, eco hampers, and personalized jewelry pieces.
7. When should I start shopping for Diwali gifts?
Ideally, start shopping two to three weeks before Diwali to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure timely delivery, especially for customized or online orders.
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Director : Deepak Yadav