PRESENT PERFECT
Our experts help you pick up smart and functional gifts
As the festival of lights draws near, the mood and atmosphere changes to one of unabated joy and enthusiasm. It is a wonderful occasion for strengthening relationships with friends and relatives by showing you care for them, in the form of gifts. Choosing the right present is never a simple task especially when there is easy access to shopping corners around the world. Nowadays most people already have the basics, so it becomes that much harder to choose a gift that is meaningful and unique. Though budgets and tastes vary from person to person, silver and silver-plated accessories tend to be a popular and traditional choice in terms of material. Options vary from divine figurines to lights, to larger objects and decorative artefacts. So, one can pick incense and tealight holders, candle stands and diyas, classic puja items like thaali sets and manjiras, photo frames and even collection of Ram Darbar, Shiv Pariwar and Saraswati. Lakshmi-Ganesh silver coins besides crockery items and small silver showpieces are also quite popular and fall into the tried and tested formula. This year though, divinity and lights seem bestsellers. The writer is Director, Ravissant, a luxury décor store which retails silverware and other home accessories
The best gifts are those that exude warmth yet are useful, versatile and creative. This season, homemakers are increasingly looking beyond the usual fare of a traditional box of mithai to more durable décor items such as candle stands, photo frames, lamps, vases, object d art platters and even art. As Diwali is a time for celebration and entertainment, giving away these small accent pieces come in handy as they can liven up living spaces instantly. Before selecting any particular item, budget is the first and foremost factor one should think about. One can be innovative in spite of a constraint in budget.et. I find that
accessories and knick-knacks priced around ` 2,000 and below make popular gifting ideas. Besides budget, it is always good to keep in mind the recyclability and multi-functional aspects of the objects while giving. Like, a candleholder or a vase which can be used for decoration after the festivities get over will be most cherished. The trick lies in the ability of being able to use products for other settings all year round. The writer is Projects & Merchandising , Oma, a home furnishings and accessories design label