Gifts to pick for your loved ones this Christmas

Come Christmas and the markets flood with uncountable gifting options across India. Choosing gifts that are worth our money and yet are unique, however, is hard work. We bring you some distinctive gifting suggestions that you can indulge your loved ones – and yourself – with this holiday season

Homeware

Our homes became our sanctuary in 2020 and promise to continue being so in 2021. What then can be better than gifts that enhance your personal space?

Indian crafts make for great gifts and double to support and sustain craftspeople. Bidri, is a fine metal-on-metal inlay craft, from Bidar in Karnataka. Bidriware is used to craft jewellery and traditional objets d’ art. Now this traditional craft gets a twist with Delhi-based Lai Designs (www. lai-designs.com). They have released a new limited edition of décor objects with modern and geometrical lines. We love how the dark Bidri plates in unique shapes have been inlaid by elegant artwork illustrations of famous Indian artists like Jamini Roy or Kalighat folk art.

New-age ceramic tableware inspired by the flora and fauna of the mighty Himalayan mountains and jungles make for elegant gifts. Think the hills and orchards of Simla, the jungles of Jim Corbett and Uttarakhand with White Hill Studio’s (www. whitehillstudio.com) products. The tall pine trees, crisp pears and juicy plums and scarlet rhododendrons of the region are crafted on bowls and plates; mountain goats, rabbits, prowling leopards and birds on wires climb onto painted and colored tea mugs adding a touch of whimsy to your table.

Edible Gifts

Choosing an edible gift, we feel, is telling someone how much you love them. Now more than ever when native, clean, seasonal, and handmade options are available aplenty as are traditional and premium brands that promise the old-world charm of plum cakes and Christmas puddings.

Exclusive and customizable hampers with cakes, macaroons, plum cakes, fudges, chocolates and nuts can be ordered online or can be picked from Christmas shops at various hotels. Exclusively adorned with fondant and filled with mature macerated fruit, made with traditional, age-old recipes, and packed with care, these Christmas specials like fruitcakes, Yule cakes, stolen fruit bread and fudge can add cheer to any festivity (www. mytable.itcmaurya@itchotels.in).

How about a nibbles subscription that brings regional snacks from artisans across the country? Postcard (www. thepostcard.in) is a unique concept. A three or six month subscription gets you – or your loved one – a surprise pack of seasonal snacks including sweets and savories along with an artisanal gift every month from across India. It is a great way to ensure a steady supply of eatables to your friends, siblings, even parents and elders.

Personal Care

Nothing beats a gift that is a bespoke hamper of personal care. With the focus shifting on natural, ayurvedic, ethical products, personal care hampers are unique and indulgent gifts.

Mystique Earth (www. mystiqueearth.com) offers natural skin, body and hair care rooted in the wilderness of Madhya Pradesh in central India. A range of hair, skin and body range inspired by ancient Indian techniques and tribal wisdom including earthy fragrances, fruit, flower and herbal extracts, natural clays and oils in elegant gift boxes.

A collection that never drops off the popular charts is the Forest Essential’s (www. forestessentialsindia.com) skincare and wellness range. Inspired from age-old beauty and health rituals, their recently launched range of lip stains and kajals, apart from the perennial favorites like make for perfect gifts. Their special gifting selections like de-stress therapies, diffusers and skin and hair care come in equally enchanting gift boxes that are collectibles in their own way.

Stationery & Accessories

Journaling is the new meditation and travel is a forever love. A bespoke, leather bound journal, fountain pens, and handcrafted leather bags and cases are gifts that never go out of style.

A tribute to quintessential Indian sensibilities, blended perfectly with contemporary interpretations in design, material and craftsmanship, Nappa Dori (www. nappadori.com) offers contemporary designs made the old-fashioned way. The products are inspired by historic landmarks, culture, and landscape of India and evoke nostalgia, mysticism and romance. We recommend their satchels and sapper bags, brass and wood stationery and DIY candle kits.