Every Diwali, the same boxes of mithai and dry fruits go around the city. Most of them end up in a cupboard. This guide is for anyone who wants to give something that actually gets used, enjoyed and remembered, without spending hours deciding.
The easiest way to choose a gift is to start with the person, not the product. Below are five kinds of people on most Diwali lists, with hamper ideas that suit each one. Everything here works for Diwali visits, Bhai Dooj, and the get-together season that follows.
For the host, parents and in-laws
Elders usually have everything they need, so the best gifts are small daily pleasures. A good cup of coffee in the morning is one of them, and it suits both chai households and filter coffee households.
- One jar of Moccona instant coffee for a smooth, café-style cup in seconds
- One pack of Coorg Valley instant coffee for a stronger, South Indian-style cup
- A pair of ceramic mugs or steel tumblers from your own kitchen shelf
For colleagues and clients
A work gift should be easy to accept, easy to share and never awkward. Coffee works well here too, because it sits on a desk, gets used through the week and invites a conversation.
- Two or three jars of Moccona in different variants, so the receiver can pick a favourite
- A small handwritten note instead of a printed card
For friends and cousins
This is the group that will actually host the party, so give them something that makes the party better. A fruity, fizzy drink base is perfect, since it turns into a mocktail in two minutes.
- A few bottles of Mogu Mogu in different flavours, with the nata de coco bits that make each glass fun to drink
- A pack of tall glasses and a bag of ice for the actual evening
- Tip: top any flavour with chilled soda and a squeeze of lime for an easy spritz
For the home cook who loves experimenting
Some people never stop cooking, even in festival week. For them, a few good sauces can turn leftover paneer, vegetables or noodles into a new dish. A small set of sauces is a gift they will think of every time they cook.
- Blue Dragon Hot Chilli Sauce for glazes, dips and wraps
- Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Sauce for snacks and fried starters
- Blue Dragon Chilli and Ginger Sauce for stir fries and marinades
- A printed card with one easy recipe idea per sauce
For sisters, daughters and anyone who deserves a pause
Festival weeks are busy for almost everyone, and the people who run them rarely get a break. A small self-care gift says thank you and slow down at the same time.
- A body dessert from Organic Shop for a soft, scented shower or skin routine
- A hair treat from Natura Siberica or ICE Professional, depending on whether she wants nourishment or smoothness
How to put a hamper together in ten minutes
You do not need a fancy basket. Pick one theme, choose two or three items that belong together, and add one personal touch, such as a handwritten note or a small recipe card. A themed hamper of three items feels more thoughtful than a big box of unrelated things.
Planning a Diwali get-together? Try the Moccona Coffee Phirni Shots recipe. It can be made a day ahead and serves a crowd.
