Saying it with love!

Gifting appreciation

In some communities, people meet their close relatives and exchange gifts as a token of love. A gift need not be an expensive one as it is only a symbol of togetherness and appreciation. 

But these days, the custom of exchanging gifts has been utilised in many ways — from strengthening business ties to reviving relationships. But the difficult thing is picking a suitable gift for your loved ones.

One of the most popular gifts people prefer during Deepavali are the dry fruits and the sweet gift baskets. These baskets come with an array of almonds, pistachios, cashew, chestnuts in sweet and namkeen flavours. One can choose the gift basket as per his or her budget. Gift basket is preferred if it is meant for the entire family.

If you are thinking of presenting ethnic clothes, just plan it in advance so that those receiving the gifts can wear them during Deepavali.

Otherwise, if you are planning to gift it on the festival day, then better avoid giving ethnic clothes. Give them what they can wear later on also. Gifting jewellery is also considered auspicious.

But buying jewellery for others is not an easy task. For that, you should have a clear idea on what your loved ones like and what they have in their jewellery box already. It is also better to know their style preferences like whether they like simple designs or exotic ones. You can make an intelligent choice by selecting modern earrings, studs, pendants as they can be used as matching accessories.

Apart from these, you can also go for time-pieces, gadgets, kitchenware, showpiece. In case, you are planning to gift something for children, you can gift them useful items like a bicycle or a computer.

“I always give my close relatives valuable things like clothes, jewellery and gadgets. For family friends, I purchase sweet boxes or dry fruits. For youngsters and newly-wedded couples, I present gift vouchers as they can buy anything of their choice.

I make it a point to send Deepavali greeting cards to important relatives and friends who are living far. By gifting and sending cards, we can show others how important they are in our lives. Deepavali is the best occasion to do it,” says Aruna Prasannakumar, an entrepreneur.