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Add Meaning to a Mandate With These 20 Quirky Diwali Gifts

By Somdutta Mazumder

Updated - May 9, 202413 min read

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Let me dodge all the fancy words, and jump straight to the point. I'm done with receiving Son Papdi for Diwali every single year. Or that easy box of random chocolates. I mean, I don't even like chocolates, do you not know me at all gift-giver!? Dry fruits, chocolates and crockery sets have been circulated across Indian families so often and with such zest that the country morphs into a giant game of "passing the parcel" during the festive season each year.

 

But if you wish to tap out and bring a genuine smile as opposed to pseudo gratitude on the faces of those you celebrate the festival with, read on to discover 20 unconventional Diwali gift ideas to draw inspiration from! We have been sure to curate Diwali gift ideas for the diverse groups of stakeholders in your life. 

 

For those, close to your heart 

This is your clique. The people you go back home to. The people who make life worthwhile. Picking the perfect Diwali gift for the people in your innermost circle can be a daunting task especially when the expectations prescribe presenting them with something personal, meaningful and handpicked with careful thought. Check out these Diwali gift ideas to spark some joy and love in the lives of those you wholeheartedly adore.

 

1. Personalised Flip Sequence Pillow from Ferns N Petals

This gift embodies the crucial elements that sustain a close relationship. Comfort, fun and moments together.

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Image Courtesy: Ferns N Petals

 

A reversible or flip sequins pillow is one that changes patterns when you run your hand over it. What we are advising you to do is to pick a favourite picture of them instead of a pattern for an easy, thoughtful and practical gift. Your loved ones can snuggle into the pillow when they're feeling weary or sad followed by revealing the secret message to recall some cherished memories. 

 

Price: ₹499

 

2. AIA Fruit Infuser Bottle from Flipkart

Worrying about the health of your loved ones isn't the solution. So this Diwali, why not opt for an unconventional gift that not only brings joy but also physical fitness.

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Image Courtesy: Flipkart

 

A fruit infuser bottle, as the name suggests, steeps the minerals and nutrients from cut-up fruits into the drinking water in the bottle and thus makes for an immensely functional Diwali gift. 

 

Price: ₹220

 

3. Framed Art with Inspirational Quotes from Flipkart

Much to our dismay, it is physically impossible for us to constantly be around those we love in order to motivate them when they are feeling blue. However, what we can do is institute certain factors in their regular environment which will disburse inspiration when we can't.

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Image Courtesy: Flipkart

 

For instance, some decor items such as these framed inspirational quotes with vibrant artwork from Flipkart can be utilized as instant pick-me-ups. 

 

Price: ₹503

 

4. Personalized Munchies Hamper from Snackible

Best suited for your friends, siblings and cousins, a personalized hamper can be the perfect, personally curated Diwali present.

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Image Courtesy: Snackible

 

Ditch the random chocolate hampers available at your everyday sweet shop and instead put some thought into healthy snacks that will take care of their hearts. Thanks to Snackible, they did the work for us. 

 

Price: Starting @ ₹719

 

5. Coupon for a Digital Class on BookMyShow from magicpin!

Remember those Zumba classes your mother has been raving about for over two years now? Why not surprise her with a coupon or voucher for some free classes or workshops in the subject matter of their choice?

Whilst being one of the most useful gifts out there, it can also act as the perfect motivator for those you love, to finally learn what interests them. The derivations from such a gift would span a time period longer than just one festival which makes it especially rewarding! 

 

 

Also Read: Ladies, Here Are 5 Under-INR 500 Gifts Your Best Friend Will Love!

 

For those, you wish to impress

Some wise person once said, "fake it till you make it" and that is essentially what we are trying to do with this category of people in our lives. Ranging from our superiors and colleagues at work to that distant Aunty from London you've never seen in person, these are the people we want to please with impressive annual Diwali gifts. Read on to discover plenty of such seemingly luxurious items that will not burn a hole in your pocket. 

 

6. Gold Lotus Candle Stand from Westside Online

The allure of anything gold-plated is undeniable. These candleholders constructed with a stunning lotus-inspired framework make for gorgeous decor items, especially during the festival of lights.

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Image Courtesy: Westside

 

Best part? They are not half as expensive as they appear to be!

 

Price: ₹999

 

7. Chumbak Printed Breakfast Table from Myntra

So far, we have maintained a persistent emphasis on Diwali gifts that are both unconventional as well as pragmatic.

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Image Courtesy: Myntra

 

A foldable breakfast-in-bed table is an item that is extremely practical and brings in heaps of comfort and convenience into our everyday lives but one often not considered significant enough to invest in. Buy one with an appealing print like this one from Chumbak and gift it to your office friends as an attempt to showcase how just thoughtful you are. 

 

Price: ₹2,695

 

8. Chumbak Blue & Red Embroidered Throw from Myntra

Speaking of things that look and feel expensive but quite commonly are actually affordable, we cannot give the mention of sofa throws a miss. An embroidered throw blanket emanates expensive taste whilst being reasonably priced? Bonus? Unremitting cosiness!

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Image Courtesy: Myntra

 

Price: ₹2,796

 

9. Assorted Tea Collection from Tea Trunk

Nothing says refined preferences like good taste in quality tea. At least, that's what the Britishers led the world to believe.

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Image Courtesy: Tea Trunk

 

But after several years of rampant tea abuse, I have to say that I agree with them. When you're looking to impress somebody with a thoughtful Diwali gift, ditch the normative hampers resplendent of junk food and sickly sweet treats. Instead, pick a tea hamper with diverse teabags of eclectic flavours such as green, lavender, chamomile and your classic English tea. 

 

Price: ₹720

 

10. Golden Peacock Set of 6 Coasters from Myntra

Does this one even warrant a description? These stunning coasters are tremendously aesthetically appealing and bring a whole lot of class to the table, pun intended.

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Image Courtesy: Myntra

 

They blare out screams of being pricey, deluxe and bourgeois. However, little do the recipients know that despite looking like they cost you a fortune, they are available online at a reasonable price. 

 

Price: ₹769

 

For those, you barely know 

This group consists of all the people in your life you come across on a regular basis, but barely ever stop to chat with. It also entails those folks that you need to send a gift to due to social obligations. Now, we don't have nearly enough information about them to conjure a gift that would be mutually meaningful. However, that does not inevitably mean that you will need to resort to good old sweets and dry fruit boxes.  

 

11. eCraftIndia Scented Candles Set from Flipkart

There is a very thin line between being impersonal and being a total tool while deciding on Diwali gifts. Scented candles straddle this line perfectly.

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Image Courtesy: Flipkart

 

Throw in a comforting scent for good measure and you've got yourself a Diwali gift that can be broadly generalised to apply to the entirety of the human species. 

 

Price: ₹169

 

12. Makeup Essentials Travel Kit by Plum 

Yep, there we go playing around with the practical angle yet again. However, imagine receiving presents from people that can not be put to any good use. However insufficient your knowledge of another individual might be, certain facts are obvious and applicable to all.

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Image Courtesy: Plum

 

For instance, ladies in your life tend to travel at least at some point in their lives. Which further implies, that a travel kit full of useful cosmetics will largely be considered useful regardless of the bond you share with the other person making it the perfect unconventional Diwali gift for acquaintances. 

 

Price: ₹917

 

13. Miss & Chief Adult Colouring Book from Flipkart

Yet another fact that can be generalized to most people in present times is that we are all stressed albeit some more than others. Well, stress or no stress, a relaxing unwinding session will be appreciated by just about anybody.

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Image Courtesy: Flipkart

 

An adult colouring book is a perfect solution to this, providing the recipient with some much needed time with the self. 

 

Price: ₹159

 

14. Set of 5 Quirky Fridge Magnets by Chumbak from Myntra 

The best part about fridge magnets is the wide spectrum of emotionality they offer. They can range from extremely private jokes to general musings, thoughts and statements.

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Image Courtesy: Myntra

 

Dig deep in the chaotic heap of your memories, and try to pull out a random fact or two about the person you intend on presenting this gift to. Even something as generic as their favourite animal will do. 

 

Price: ₹477

 

15. Grey Hanging Sloth Ceramic Planter from Myntra

Another impersonal, generic Diwali gift idea that is also incredibly cute. Now that sounds like a fair deal, doesn't it?

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Image Courtesy: Myntra

 

There is an expansive variety of adorable and funny planters available in offline as well as online stores that can be extremely useful for growing succulents. If your acquaintance seems like they are fond of having some greenery around them, this planter from Myntra can make for the perfect unconventional Diwali gift. 

 

Price: ₹600

 

Also Read: 10 Perfect Gifts For The Workaholics You Adore

 

For those, behind the scenes 

These are the actual superheroes of our lives that save us from daily hassles and inconveniences. Unnoticed and largely under-appreciated, their help allows us to be organised and stay in order. From your maid who you'd be absolutely lost without to your driver who bestows you with the gift of mobility, the Diwali gifts for this category of people in your lives should be worth way more than just money. 

 

16. Lunch treat for your domestic help

Every day that you order your choice of food to be delivered to your house, your domestic help goes back and prepares food with the same 3 ingredients for an entire family of hungry stomachs.

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Image Courtesy: Bitten Oxford

 

This Diwali, why not brighten up their lives with a lunch treat at home. Thankfully now you can order their favourite dishes from magicpin and get exciting offers. 

 

 

17. Offer weekly classes for their children

This Diwali gift idea requires little to no cash spendings and yet manages to make a significant difference to a needy person's life.

Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times

 

All you need to do is offer to dedicate a few hours of your time to teach their children. You could cover any topic ranging from school subjects to essential life skills and the next thing you know, you've contributed substantially to shaping the future of a child with little means. The best part of this Diwali present is that it will be just as rewarding for you as it will be for the recipient.

 

 

18. Buy people in need groceries for two weeks

If you wish to extend your valuable aid in simplifying the life of someone who devotes hours slaying, choose to opt for this utilitarian Diwali gift.

Image Courtesy: Asian Foods UK

 

Buy them two weeks' worth of groceries and watch as some of the stress on their face dispenses almost instantaneously. 

 

 

19. Buy them a Water Purifier

Pretty self-explanatory, there doesn't exist a Diwali gift as constructive as facilitating someone's access to clean drinking water.

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Image Courtesy: Flipkart

 

A water purifier or filter will make truckloads of difference in your domestic help's life and health. Looking for a selfish angle to this relatively pricey Diwali gift? Cleaner water = better health = fewer leaves from work. Think smart. 

 

Price: ₹4,641

 

20. Just Ask!

When it comes to those with few resources at their dispense, the most impactful help can only be extended by asking them what they exactly require.

Image Courtesy: Indian Women Blog

 

So this Diwali, sit down and have a conversation with the people operating BTS of your life. Take some time out to understand their problems and on the basis of this, come up with a Diwali gift idea that will solve these problems to a certain extent. After all careful thought is what makes a Diwali gift truly meaningful. 

 


So here we are, at the end of this guide to unconventional Diwali gift ideas for the various kinds of people in your life. Take a pick, invest some thought, and you're sure to pleasantly surprise a lot of people on this auspicious occasion. 


FAQ's

Q. What are some traditional Diwali sweets?

A. Traditional Diwali sweets include Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Ladoo, and Kaju Katli. 

 

Q. What is the most boring Diwali gift?

A. Soan Papdi and chocolate packs are the most boring Diwali gifts. 

 

Q. What can be gifted in Diwali?

A. Best Diwali gift ideas include gift cards, skincare products, candle stands, planters and so on. 

 

Q. What gift should I give to my family this Diwali?

A. Scented candles, centrepieces and sofa throws are the best gifts to give to your family this Diwali.