Here’s a guide to luxury gifting for this festive season

(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home issue dated October 2024)
Luxury Indian gifting, especially during the festive season, is an expression of love, tradition, and thoughtfulness—something I’ve always found deeply meaningful. For me, a gift should feel like an experience, from the moment it’s received to the joy of unwrapping it. That’s why I turn to the idea of using the richness of India’s heritage and craftsmanship to create something that feels personal, luxurious, and unforgettable.
There’s something magical about gifts wrapped in handwoven textiles—imagine a soft velvet pouch embroidered with intricate zardozi or a silk box adorned with gold gota work. These little touches of artistry make the packaging itself feel like a keepsake. Inside, the gift could be a luxurious pashmina shawl perfect for the season. Alternatively, maybe a set of handcrafted silver dessert bowls that evoke a sense of timeless beauty, something that can be passed down through generations. Candles are another personal favourite of mine—a beautiful scent can change the entire mood of a space. I love the idea of gifting candles that smell of mogra, marigold, rose or sandalwood, encased in beautiful glass jars.
For me, luxury Indian gifting is not about extravagance, but about the thought and detail behind each piece. Whether it’s the softness of a pashmina or the fragrance of a candle, the gift should feel like a celebration of our beautiful heritage, wrapped in layers of stories, textures, and care. And that’s exactly what I want each gift from Rani Pink to feel like—an unforgettable, indulgent experience that’s steeped in love and tradition.
And then, there’s the joy of gifting something a little more playful, like artisanal mithais wrapped in silk pouches, or even quirky luxury items like hand-painted chooran jars—those little touches of nostalgia made modern. It’s these unique, unexpected elements that bring a sense of fun and whimsy.
I also feel that adding a personal touch, a handwritten note or using beautiful, unique stationery like a hand-painted postcard—makes all the difference. It’s these little details that make the gift feel truly special and thoughtful, turning it from just any product into a cherished memory. That’s the magic of gifting for me—where tradition meets a modern sense of individuality.
—Delhi-based Anika Dhawan is the founder of a wedding decor company Rani Pink and a gifting brand Rani Pink Gifts. @anikadhawan (Instagram)
ART SMART
The Joy Marble Totem by PB Home (objects /art arm for the Purple Backyard) uses stones from Makrana, traditional Rajasthani techniques and Morse code to create a work of art that will elevate the look on any space.
PRICE: Rs 3.60 lakh
AT www.purplebackyard.com
TICK TALK
The Fornasetti Face-print Wall Clock available at Essentia Home features the face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri.
PRICE: On request
AT: www.opulin.com
HOLDING COURT
Designed using high quality, gloss porcelain, decorated with handmade petals and ornamented in gold lustre, the Ram Darbar by Lladro represents Lord Ram and Sita’s triumphant return to their kingdom.
PRICE: Rs 13.45 lakh
AT: www.lladro.com/en_in
PLATEFUL OF INSPIRATION
Looking for cornerstones of a distinctive festive table setting, then try the LV By The Pool collection from Louis Vuitton. Evoking a tropical paradise awash with flowers, coral and starfish, these striking plates are crafted in fine white Limoges porcelain.
Price: On request
AT: in.louisvuitton.com
STRIPE TEASE
Bring in the drama of black and white with the Stripe vases from Mobje, available at Dialogues by Nirmals that use three types of stripes in different proportions to add depth. When left untouched, they look like a solid architectural structure, but when modified, they seem to take on life and display movement.
PRICE: On request
AT: www.dialoguesbynirmals.com
(Products compiled by Ridhi Kale)
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