Back121 gifting ideas for Diwali
A bunch of things old and new, handcrafted and tech-heavy, indulgent and guilt-free, over-the-top and minimalisticthere is something for everyone in this gifting issue
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I dread the festive season. Don’t get me wrong; I love the celebrations, what I fear most is the task of coming up with gift ideas year after year for the people I love.
I grew up in a family that did not believe in spending on gifts. So, on birthdays I would be happy with my bowl of payesh and truckloads of good wishes. New sets of clothes would mean that it was time for either Poila Boisakh or Durga Puja. So I never really had to wrack my brain to think of what I should buy.
Things have changed over the years. I still remember the joy I felt when I bought a Sony Walkman with my first salary—it’s still functional. Over the years, I have picked up the knack of choosing gifts. But it remains a work in progress.
I often wonder, though, whether gifting is just a marketing-driven phenomenon. Is it true that the thought is what really counts, or is there more than this to a present? What remains a fact, however, is that everyone loves gifts—however much they may deny it.
Above everything else, gifting is about a conversation, one without words, between two people. It is one of the best ways to express one’s feelings to another person. A thoughtful present reveals what one person thinks of the other and is indicative of what they love or enjoy, and how they approach their relationship.
Not everyone can pick the right gifts. If it remains a work in progress for you too, as it does for me, we have the perfect solution. Our gifting issue this year features a range of things: It is a blend of old and new, craft and technology, indulgence and healthy, over-the-top and minimalistic—there is something for everyone.
Whether you are someone who prefers a weekend getaway or a smoke-and-noise-filled weekend, we have the perfect tech-savvy travel essentials . For the foodie friend who also loves to cook, we have a list of guilt-free bites, a welcome option in times when everybody is turning health-conscious, as well as some cutting-edge kitchen gadgets . There is a Wes Anderson collection for the cinephile friend and a MIDI guitar trainer for music lovers . There are five table lamps that will add light and colour to any corner of your house and three recipes for classic cocktails to get the party started. We also have a curated list of some really cool and not-so-conventional fashion pieces and jewellery.
So make an informed choice this season. As for me, I am going to make myself a nice Old-Fashioned and enjoy the festive season. Happy gifting.
Also read:
House of Cards: the Diwali episode
Diwali gifts: For the coffee table
Diwali Gifts: Stationery for the holidays
Diwali Gifts: The velvet wish list
Diwali Gifts: Sustainable gifting
Pradip Kumar Saha, Issue editor
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