Diwali is one of my favorite festivals. There’s merriment all around – streets are beautifully lit up, houses are decorated with colorful rangolis, people put on their best finery and most importantly, tons of gifts are exchanged. If you’re stressing over gift hunting, you don’t need to anymore as we’ve collated a mix of gifting ideas that will surely make life easier for you. And no, this does not include regular mithais and sweets that are usually distributed during the festive season. So whether you’re too laid back to think of a gift or just busy at work, we have you covered!

If you’re on the hunt for something that’s wrapped with love, this is undoubtedly the place for you. Think fancy digital printed trays, unique tea light holders or the ever-so-pretty bird cages with ferry lights and flowers … Blssng has something for everyone. Brainchild of Dhanika Popley, this Bandra based studio houses exquisite home accouterments and is well known for their attractive gift hampers. Her new festive collection offers a variety of ethnic products so there’s ample to choose from and if not, she can always customize basis your requirement.

For more details, check out: https://www.facebook.com/myblssng

What’s Diwali without card parties…and card parties without alcohol! Whether you’re attending several ones or hosting them yourself, Beyond Ordinary has a fantastic range of quirky bar accessories that will leave your loved ones on a different high this season. ‘LED shot glasses, funky beer mugs, wine decanters, liquor pumps, drinking helmet and lots more – you name it, we have it,’ says owner Sanjeet Ray. Their products are quirky, unique and affordable – need we say more?

For more details, check out: https://www.facebook.com/beyondordinaryindia

When Rashi Sanghvi launched her premium tea label, Gardner Street; she decided to give people the greatest gift they had ever received – the gift of health! Their all-natural whole leaf teas are purchased from a variety of tea estates and blended with naturally occurring extracts and flavors that ensure every cup is brimming with taste and health. For the festive season, they have introduced five different types of hampers that are delicately packaged in leather and printed boxes and priced between INR 550 to 1500.

For more details, check out: https://gardnerstreet.in/gifting/

Cordon Bleu graduate Alyssa Chesson is the mastermind behind India’s first boutique ice-cream brand – Bono. From savoury staples to unique pairings, she has handcrafted some of the most decadent masterpieces that quite literally melt in your mouth. With never-seen- before combinations like milk chocolate bacon, blue cheese honey, dark chocolate Italian truffle oil and more, she’s slowly but surely changing the face of ice cream in the city. Since most people tend to binge on sweets during this time, she has introduced a sugar free, dairy free raspberry coconut flavor that apart from being vegan is fresh, fruity, decadent and yet not so fattening. So stay away from the stereotypes and gift your loved ones a tub full of guilt-free indulgence.

For more details, check out: http://www.facebook.com/bonoboutiqueicecream

Say good-bye to traditional sweets and say hello to these delectable diyas instead. Mother-daughter duo Asha & Anushi Sanghvi, started this brand about 4 years ago and have been taking the city by a storm with their unique chocolate creations ever since. This year, they have introduced an edible diya made using semi-sweet chocolate, decorated with glitter. Priced at INR 135, these festive specials can be consumed within 20 days and can be enjoyed when stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

For more details, check out: www.facebook.com/ChocOtaleChocolates

Spices are an important part of every meal so understanding its intricacies is of prime importance. Crista by Krishne Tanna, offers a variety of pure and fresh spices that have passed the FSSAI specifications and guarantee the best possible quality. This Diwali, if you’re planning to gift your loved one something useful, there’s nothing better than a box of superior quality spices. Their festive special boxes are available in two sizes and are priced at INR 1250++ and INR 1650++ for 100 and 150 gms each of cardamom, cloves, black pepper and cinnamon sticks.

For more details, check out: www.facebook.com/cristaspices

Have you ever eaten soil straight from a pot? Well, with Fat is Flavour you can devour edible soil made with chocolate and other lip-smacking flavors like toasted s’mores, chocolate fudge, sea salt, pecan pie and lots more. Treat your guests, this season, with their brand new rocher praline chocolate soil, packaged beautifully in vintage trunks, priced at INR 1750 for 2 pots and INR 2100 for 4 pots. ‘Swirls of double chocolate coat a gooey center filled with wafer crunchy praline and roasted hazelnut encased in a crisp flaky shell, hand rolled in a pool of Nutella and melted chocolate,’ says owner Pratik Kuckreja about his newest addition. Sigh! We’re already drooling.

For more details, check out: www.facebook.com/fatisflavour

If you’re having a hard time collating various gifts, head to the closest Nature’s Basket and pick one of their many readymade gift hampers. Choose from a variety of baskets like the coffee collector, wine, exotic dry fruit and chocolate among others. Their recently launched line of healthy treats called ‘Healthy Alternatives’ is the newest addition this season. The hamper includes baked makhanas, roasted nuts, black rice, roasted flax and chia seeds, fruit crisps, greek yogurt, natural & gluten free fusilli and lots more. What’s better? You can also customize the hamper basis your budget and requirement.

For more details, check out: www.facebook.com/NaturesBasket

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