Festive gifting etiquette: The rules no one tells you about

Peak hosting season is upon us, which means our calendars are about to fill up with house party invites, last-minute plans and the inevitable question: what on earth do I take as a gift? Gifting has its own set of unspoken rules, especially around the festive season, and getting it right can feel surprisingly complicated. Most of us have, at some point, panic-ordered something simply because we didn't want to turn up empty-handed, only for it to end up collecting dust on a shelf.

So, what actually makes a good gift? Is it about how much you spend, how useful it is, or how well you know the person you're buying it for? And does the idea of an 'appropriate' gift even exist?

“I am super old school and prefer anything and everything that is handmade. So, whether I'm on the receiving end or a gift giver, it's always been something that the other person may remember us for: snacks, homemade sweets, handcrafted decor designed and made by mom, handwritten notes by us, and just everything that is local for vocal,” shares Manasvi Bhatia, a creative entrepreneur.

It's all in the intent

In a world where customisation reigns supreme, thoughtfulness goes a long way, and personalisation can make all the difference. “While there's nothing intrinsically wrong with a mithai box or regular festive hampers, there's something truly special about receiving a gift that feels like it was picked specifically for you. A customised product, a quirky add-on, a handwritten note, or even a hamper curated around your personality. I'd prefer that over an overpriced hamper,” shares Navya Virmani, a communications professional, adding that the whole unboxing experience continues to be an underrated part of gifting.

Of course, a personalised gift doesn't necessarily have to be elaborate. Sometimes, it's about picking something the other person would genuinely enjoy using. For instance, if you have a friend who is particular about their haircare routine, picking something they can use for their hair makes for a thoughtful pick. If you don't know about their routine, you could always pick something that works for everyone, like a bonding serum to rescue their hair from bad hair days.

 

Similarly, a good body lotion is one of those everyday essentials that can feel like a little luxury when gifted. Think a rich, nourishing formula that keeps skin soft and moisturised, especially as the festive season brings with it endless dressing up, outings, and late nights.

But if you'd rather give them a more wholesome beauty gift, a thoughtfully curated hamper featuring a mix of products. It could be makeup, skincare, or haircare essentials. It's a little bit of everything, with enough room for a few surprises.

In a similar vein, Bhavna Sharma, a 23-year-old public relations executive, believes that the presentation of a gift deserves just as much consideration as what's inside it. “Most hampers come with so many layers of plastic, ribbon, and fillers today that the wrapping often outweighs the gift. It feels wasteful, especially in a season that's meant to feel joyful. Less packaging and more thought, please,” she says.

This Diwali, let things be

With discernment being at an all-time high, gifting has evolved from being centred largely around tangible products to becoming much more experience-led. Testifying to this shift is a recent survey, where over 51 per cent of consumers reported choosing to gift experiences rather than products. And this doesn't have to mean grand gestures. If you're heading to someone's home for Diwali, why not bring along a voucher for a dinner date, tickets to a concert they've been wanting to attend, or even a reservation for a hobby you both like, for insatnce a pottery or baking workshop you can enjoy together? 

Manasvi believes that some of the best festive experiences are the ones rooted in familiar traditions. “My family loves hosting people, feeding them home food; mom is always whipping up new recipes. So these are traditions I'd like to follow for life. I think a lot of us are finally waking up to the fact that the point of celebrating Diwali or any festival for that matter, boils down to how one truly feels versus how it looks on paper or how big a gathering it turns out to be.”

And, the gifting verdict says…

Ultimately, the little surprises, thoughtful packaging, and unexpected details can make gifting so much more exciting. Clearly, thoughtfulness goes a long way, as a volley of young folk believe a good gift is only as good as long as it makes you truly comfortable on receiving it. “I’m also not a fan of super expensive gifts. They come with an unsaid pressure to return the gesture with something equally grand, and that takes the warmth out of it. Gifting should feel easy, not like a transaction,” concludes Sharma.

As the digital era makes shopping easier than ever, here's a gentle reminder to pause and plan before you present. After all, the best gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive or elaborate ones. They're the ones that make someone feel like you were thinking of them.

Lead image: Pexels

Inside image: The brands 

Also read: Unique gifts for every personality: Meet them where they are

Also read: Festive shopping on your mind? Amazon Great Indian Festival 2026 brings Pooja essentials and Diwali gifting at up to 60 per cent off