Diwali gifting ideas!
Looking for something unique to gift your loved ones this Diwali? Then look no further. Here are some heartfelt ideas that will send a beautiful message to the special people in your life, all from businesses started by exceptional south Asian women.
Samara Bags Instagram
Created in collaboration with influencer Radhi Devlukia Shetty, this dainty necklace by vegan and cruelty-free brand Samara (founded by two south Asian women), features a beautiful apple-green Chrysoprase gemstone that is believed to manifest optimism, joy and happiness for the wearer - beautiful aspirations to gift anyone during this difficult time. It hangs from a delicate 14k gold-filled chain and comes shipped in one of the brand’s cruelty-free and vegan leather pouches - perfect for gifting. Each purchase also contributes to the brand’s ‘The Soular Backpack’ initiative which aims to provide light to children in East Africa to help them do their homework each night.
Rupi Kaur’s Instagram
Rupi Kaur’s home body book and collection
Exceptional south Asian poet Rupi Kaur is releasing a new book: the aptly titled home body! And as she can’t celebrate the release of a book in the way she may normally would - by meeting and engaging with people through a launch and a tour - she has decided instead to co-create a clothing collection to “share more warmth”, she says on Instagram. The collection of t-shirts, sweaters and cropped sweaters is made and manufactured sustainably, using authentic Egyptian cotton, by the ethical brand Kotn and features some of Rupi’s favourite poems and illustrations from the home body book. The empowering words and cozy knitwear makes for a perfect gift. As does the book! Pre-order it on Amazon and Waterstones now!
Anisha Parmer London Instagram
Looking for something more ethnic? Then look no further than British south Asian jewellery designer Anisha Parmer. The luxury handmade-in-the-UK brand boasts timeless collections like Jungle Rani and Cosmic Goddess that ooze power and elegance. Anisha also shares the thought-provoking and empowered ideas and inspiration behind each collection which make for a wonderfully storied gift. You’ll also find pieces perfect for gifting that are £30 or less and feature earrings and necklaces with dazzling south Asian motifs like parrots, mangos, lotus flowers, pani (water droplets), chard (the moon) and surya (the sun). And tomorrow, Anisha will be launching a special Diya collection to celebrate Diwali!
Teecaake’s Instagram
Who says Diwali gifting just has to be about clothes and jewellery? Teecaake, a wall art stationary brand created by British south Asian designer Tahira, has a wonderfully joyful Desi collection that features mugs, journals and phone cases printed with her colourful, story-telling art. Stand-out pieces include the Diaspora phone case and tote which showcase a brown girl win western clothing looking in a mirror and seeing herself in her ethnic clothing, the self care kit which houses self care instructions, a habit tracker, a journal, a notepad, a postcard, a letter from Teecaake and heart-shaped candles and the Desi Bookmarks, upon which are Tahira’s art and the words ‘You are adored’. Perfect, for the proud desi in your life.
Lu Li Craft’s Rangoli Glitter Sand Bags
Rangoli is an art form down on the floor or the ground using coloured sand, rice and flower petals. These eye-catching, colourful works can be intricate or minimalistic but are often geometric and can be done at any time of the year, not just during Diwali. The glitter sand bags from Lu Li Crafts are available in a multitude of colours, sure to inspire hours of creativity and fun. You can make a craft gift box by sending stencils (plenty are available online) too or instructions on how to make different designs and maybe some links to YouTube how-to videos or encourage your loved ones to have a laugh and see what silly and unique design ideas they can come up with! Happy Diwali!