Virtual love packages

E-commerce sites are coming out with personalised packaging, unique gifts and bundle discounts for Valentine's Day, which is coming up on Wednesday.  

It's convenient

Looks like the tradition of buying a gift, wrapping it up and writing sweet notes on it is on its way out. Karthik Iyer, a software professional, wants to surprise his girlfriend Niharika with a customised watch.

"E-commerce websites offering suggestions for the packaging and presentation of the gift is to my advantage. Although there is an additional charge for this, it is convenient and worth it,"  he says.

Lacking the personal touch

Anushraya K, an engineering student, wants to purchase aviators for her boyfriend
Kaustubh M.

"Online shopping has its own disadvantages. The product that we get online, with all its packaging, can never stand up to the traditional way of gifting. I  hope the online site sends me the gift much in advance so that I can wrap it in my own way," she says.

Options aplenty

Anita Jobin, a software engineer, says, "On a special occasion like Valentine's Day, it is nice to see an online platform suggesting varied gifting options and unique combinations for my loved one, especially since I tend to be a bit confused. The sites also introduce me to newer brands."

Customisation is the name of the game. Nusrat Sheikh, a freelance writer, says, "When I am choosing gifts, I would like plenty of options and I like to customise the gifts that I give."  

The bundle offers

Shubham Ray, a city-based graphic designer, understands that the dynamics of online gifting are different from  shopping at a retail store.

"Sometimes if you are purchasing from the same vendor, although you get bigger discounts, all your choices come in one package. Though I like 'gift guides' and suggestions on what to buy for my partner, I like to do it my own way,"  he says.

Special attention

Saurabh Sharma, director and co-founder of  'aliciasouza.com',  says, "Like most popular  e-commerce sites, our site offers unique gifts like coasters, mugs, magnets, glass candles, personalised stamps in distinct packaging according to  your choice. We can get it packed in a  themed gift wrapping paper and add a personal note or greeting card to the gift."

He adds,"Our website  focuses on gifting special moments  and is sporting a pink-themed  look for the special day."    

Giving a 'Hint'

Many e-commerce sites believe that a unique and cute gift make  a deeper impression than the package itself.

Somanna Muthanna, head of marketing, Chumbak, says, "We have the option of  gift wrapping also. Apart from that, we offer the customer an option to create a hamper for their loved one.  Apart from these options, we have  a 'Hint' option, where a woman can let her partner know that it's that time of the year to shop for her."