New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) A box of mithai, a dry fruit hamper or perhaps something a little unusual? This Diwali, the gifting dilemma is real.
With shelves and online marketplaces brimming with choices ahead of Diwali on November 8, consumers are looking beyond traditional presents, picking everything from premium speakers and beauty hampers to air purifiers, designer lighting and even holidays abroad.
"I've been scrolling through shopping apps for days, but can't decide what to buy. A speaker seems interesting, a beauty hamper looks chic, and the galaxy of gadgets on offer is making the choice even harder. I just want something the person will actually use and enjoy," said Preeti Rastogi, a Delhi-based homemaker, still undecided about her festive purchases .
Among the gifts making the biggest noise this season are premium speakers and audio devices.
The Indian arm of renowned German audio technology company Sennheiser has recorded "double-digit growth" in overall sales during the festive period, with its audiophile category emerging as its fastest-growing segment this year.
"This festive season, it's been great to see people choosing audio for how it sounds, and not only for the deal. Consumers are taking the time to listen before they buy, and with lossless streaming now easily available, more of them are discovering what better sound can do for their music," said Saahil Kumar, Country Head – Sennheiser (Consumer), India.
Its M4, HDB 630 and newly launched MTW 5 have witnessed strong consumer interest on the occasion, he added.
Local Indian brands are also riding this trend, giving speakers a festive and devotional twist with themed offerings.
Just Corseca has introduced Ganesh, Mahadeva, Krishna and Radha Krishna-themed speakers, while new entrant luxury audio brand TWVLV has also launched its speaker range.
The gift of health is another trend gaining traction. With air quality becoming a growing concern, particularly for Delhiites navigating another pollution-heavy season, it is hardly surprising that air purifiers are finding their way into gifting lists.
Leading consumer electronics company Xiaomi India reported "over 300 per cent year-on-year growth" in its air purifier category this festive season, while its premium television portfolio recorded "600 per cent growth".
Kitchen upgrades are also featuring on festive shopping lists, with brands such as Hindware Limited witnessing increased demand for chimneys and hobs, particularly premium offerings featuring BLDC technology and enhanced cooking safety.
"Attractive festive discounts across our kitchen appliances portfolio are further encouraging purchase decisions. Overall, we expect significant sales growth compared to the previous festive season," said Nirupam Sahay, CEO, Hindware Limited.
Home aesthetics too are getting their festive moment.
Luxury architectural and decorative lighting design brand Mr. Light Illumination has recorded nearly "25 per cent increase" in sales during the festive season compared with regular months, as consumers increasingly view lighting as an integral part of home design.
Sculptural luminaires, statement chandeliers and layered lighting are gaining popularity, reflecting a growing preference for fixtures that add warmth, character and functionality to living spaces.
Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd. is also expecting festive sales to grow "20 per cent year-on-year", driven by demand for televisions and washing machines.
According to the brand, consumers are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency, durability and after-sales service, with Tier 2 and 3 cities emerging as important growth markets.
For those looking beyond physical presents, travel is emerging as an attractive gifting option, with international getaways gaining popularity.
As per travel platform Pickyourtrail, short-haul international destinations are leading Diwali holiday demand, with the Maldives, Bali and Thailand accounting for nearly 70 per cent of couple bookings.
Emerging destinations such as Sri Lanka and Mauritius have witnessed a "100 per cent jump" in interest.
Otherland hotel in Sri Lanka's picturesque city Galle is tapping this trend with curated experiences ranging from surfing with local practitioners to exploring regional food and traditions.
"Galle has so much going on beyond its beautiful coastline, and we’ve built experiences around the people who know it best. I think that makes a stay here a lovely gift for someone you care about.
"You’re giving them time away, somewhere beautiful to discover, and the chance to come back with stories of their own," said Rishi Sreedharan, co-founder of Otherland Galle.
Domestic nature getaways are also emerging as an alternative to conventional Diwali celebrations.
The Golden Tusk in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand, and Sariska Lodge, bordering Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve, are offering festive escapes featuring bonfires, nature walks and wildlife safaris.
That said, traditional mithai still continues to hold its place in festive hampers, even as consumers increasingly explore premium and customised assortments.
Haldiram's is witnessing strong festive demand for curated offerings such as 'Shahi Dhamaka', 'Kesariya Saugat' and 'Signature Nuts Platter', while Akhand Sweets has recorded an estimated "20 per cent growth" in festive sales, driven by premium hampers and personalised gifting.
"While traditional mithai boxes remain popular for their cultural significance and sentimental value, customers are increasingly opting for curated hampers that bring together premium Indian sweets, contemporary packaging and personalised elements," said Meerra Singh, partner at Akhand Sweets.
Online shopping is also reflecting the shift towards premium gifting, with beauty, jewellery and home emerging as key categories on Amazon.in.
Luxury hair care has grown nearly "80 per cent year-on-year", while gold coin pendants have recorded over threefold growth, silver idols and figurines 2.7 times and lab-grown diamond jewellery three times. Sweets and gift cards have grown "70 per cent" and "75 per cent", respectively.
Significantly, the trend extends beyond metros, with Tier 2 and 3 cities contributing over half of the growth in premium Android smartphones on Amazon.in.
"Tier 3 consumers have also purchased over 50 per cent more beauty products year-on-year," spokesperson of Amazon India told PTI.
And adding a spirited touch to festive hampers are premium alcoholic beverages.
Godawan has introduced a festive pack featuring its whisky and two handcrafted copper glasses, while its sister brand Black Dog has collaborated with fashion designer Manish Malhotra on a designer gifting collection.
Seven Islands Pure Malt Whisky, too, has launched a collector's edition celebrating Bombay's heritage through art, craft and cartography.
Radico Khaitan Ltd, one of India's largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), sees the festive quarter as a key growth driver for the spirits industry.
"The third quarter has consistently demonstrated strong momentum, with the business recording over 10 per cent growth compared to the preceding quarter over the past two to three years, reflecting growing consumer preference for premium spirits and elevated drinking experiences," said Saket Somani, Deputy CFO, Radico Khaitan Ltd.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)