Eid is almost upon us. Soon, gifts will be made, purchased, or recycled from last year’s collection. The confirmed gifters among us will go about spreading sweetness and light. But some of us will face the agony of deciding what gifts to get this time. All the while suspecting that we’ll cave and buy mithai boxes, though we promised ourselves we wouldn’t. Well, this time is going to be different. These gifting options will leave your folks wondering if you have finally turned over a new leaf!
Lamps
We’re kicking off the list with an obvious (and yet not-so-obvious) idea – a lamp. Not the diya kind, which is pretty useless for most of the year, be it ever so cute. Instead, get your loved ones a table lamp or a floor lamp, something that lights up their life everyday.
Essential oils and aroma diffusers
Essential oils have entered the gifting arena rather recently, but boy, are they popular! This is a gift you can’t go wrong with. Make sure you include a assortment of essential oils, to cater to different nasal sensibilities. Get an aroma diffuser to go with them – you can choose between traditional and electric models.
Laptop tables
Have friends wedded to their work? They’d appreciate a nifty laptop table that they can park their high-end, powerful laptop on. They’d also like a lightning-speed net connection..just saying. And they’d like to be left undisturbed to conquer the world, thank you very much.
Bookshelves
Have a friend who prefers books to people? Bibliophiles are in perpetual need of more bookshelves for their books. Nothing would delight them as a bookshelf would. It might even make them look up from their book and bestow an approving smile on you. Go on, you’ll cement a friendship for life.
Decor
People appreciate gifts that they can put to use immediately. Which is what makes a decor hamper such a great gifting idea. Think pretty cushions, table runners or quirky wall art. They’re practically readymade parcels of happiness. And since eid spells the advent of summer, carpets and curtains will make for a thoughtful gift, especially for the older people in your family.
Bean bags and lounge chairs
Have friends who are setting up a new place? A lounge chair, a beanbag, or its fancier cousin, the pouffe, would make for a charming housewarming gift. These are a favourite with the young, and the young at heart.
Gift cards
Your last refuge, and quite a respectable one at that. If you have a friend who turns up his/her discerning nose at most gifts, this is your safest bet. It is definitely a cut above stuffing a few thousands in an envelope. You can make this more meaningful by choosing the right gift cards.