Did you know that on Diwali 2024, India’s households plan to invest 40% in home decor, while 38% will focus on beauty and fashion, According to the Indian daily newspaper Business Standard.

Yet, the heart of Diwali remains the same: spreading joy and bringing light into the lives of those they care about. Gifting plays a major role in this, but it’s not just about material things. The best Diwali gifts are the ones that connect us emotionally, making our loved ones feel valued.

While sweets and clothes are still popular, people are now looking for more thoughtful ways to wish a Happy Diwali. Whether through meaningful experiences or sustainable products, gift-giving has expanded beyond tradition. In this guide, we’ll explore a mix of classic and modern gift ideas to help you remember this Diwali.

Diwali gifts in 2024
People who celebrate Diwali give gifts to share happiness and prosperity and strengthen bonds with loved ones during the festival.

Traditional Diwali gifts that never go out of style

Some Diwali gifts never go out of style. These gifts are rooted in tradition and hold cultural significance, making them perfect for anyone looking to wish their loved ones a Happy Diwali in a meaningful way.

Sweets & Mithai: Sweets are a Diwali staple. From laddoos to kaju katli, these treats are delicious and symbolise prosperity and the sweetness of life. Gifting mithai shows your care and affection, making it one of the most popular Diwali gifts. Sweets are more than just a treat during Diwali—they’re a symbol of the joy people want to bring into their loved one’s lives.

Clothing & Fabrics:

Ethnic wear is a common gift during Diwali, especially sarees and kurtas. These traditional garments are a way to celebrate culture and make a thoughtful, happy Diwali gift, whether a handwoven saree or a stylish kurta; gifting clothes represents a wish for well-being and prosperity. Gifting traditional clothes is a way of embracing their roots while giving something practical and beautiful.

Jewellery & Gold: Gold is considered auspicious in Indian culture, making it a cherished Diwali gift. Whether a small gold pendant or a bracelet, jewellery symbolises wealth and prosperity. Gold is often bought on Dhanteras, a day that marks the start of the Diwali season, making it one of the most treasured Diwali gifts.

While these gifts are timeless, they can also be paired with modern touches to keep things fresh. For example, pairing sweets with a personalised note or gifting eco-friendly clothing options can add a unique flair to these traditional presents.

Indian sweets to give as Diwali gifts
Some popular Indian sweets to celebrate Diwali include laddoos, barfis, jalebis, and kaju katli.

Thoughtful Diwali gifts for modern times.

As Diwali celebrations evolve, so do gifting ideas. While traditional Diwali gifts like sweets and clothes are still significant, many people seek more meaningful and practical ways to wish a Happy Diwali. Here are some fresh ideas that go beyond the usual and add a modern twist to your gift-giving:

Experience-based gifts:

Consider giving experiences that create lasting memories instead of physical gifts. Whether it’s a spa voucher, an adventure package, or a cooking class, gifting an experience can be much more personal and enjoyable than a material gift.

“Giving an experience brings long-lasting joy. Unlike a material gift, memories from an experience can be cherished for years.”

Send money back home to support loved ones:

For those who live away from their families, sending money home during Diwali is a practical and impactful way to help them celebrate. Services like Rocket Remit make this process simple, reliable, and affordable. As an experienced company in the remittance industry, Rocket Remit offers fast and easy money transfers from Australia to India. With low fees and competitive exchange rates from AUD to Indian Rupees, it’s an ideal option for anyone wanting to send financial support back home.

Rocket Remit’s platform allows you to transfer funds quickly, ensuring your family can purchase decorations, food, or even their Diwali gifts in time for the celebration. Their reliability, combined with fast processing times, means your loved ones can access the money without delays, making it a trusted solution for migrants in Australia.

Eco-Friendly gifts:

As sustainability becomes more critical, eco-friendly gifts are growing in popularity. Consider reusable home decor, organic skincare products, or plant-based Diwali decor such as biodegradable diyas. These gifts not only show thoughtfulness but also demonstrate care for the environment.

These modern gift ideas offer more personalised and thoughtful ways to say Happy Diwali. They focus on creating lasting memories, supporting loved ones, and giving back to the environment, making the celebration even more special.

Modern tech gifts for the tech-savvy family member

Tech gifts, such as Diwali presents, are becoming increasingly popular in today’s world. These Diwali gifts not only bring joy but also provide practical benefits.
Here are some great tech gift ideas that are perfect for the gadget-loving members of your family.

Gadgets & Tech accessories:

From wireless earbuds to smart home devices, tech gifts have become a modern staple for the festival of lights. Consider gadgets like fitness trackers, smartwatches, or voice-activated assistants like Google Home or Alexa. These tech gifts are practical, fun, and something your loved ones will use long after the Diwali celebrations.

Online subscriptions:

In the digital age, an online subscription can be a perfect Diwali gift. You can gift a year-long subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or a platform like Audible for audiobooks. These services provide endless entertainment, making them thoughtful and practical gifts.

Tech gifts are a great way to blend tradition with modernity, providing your family and friends with items they can enjoy every day. Whether for convenience, entertainment, or fitness, tech gifts will make this Diwali even more special.

Some Diwali gifts ideas
Tech gifts are a creative way to celebrate Diwali, offering loved ones something practical and innovative that they can enjoy long after the festival ends.

Why thoughtful gifting makes Diwali more special

Gifting during Diwali is more than just exchanging items; it’s about creating connections and making loved ones feel valued. Thoughtful Diwali gifts hold a deeper meaning, going beyond their material value. Here’s why putting thought into your presents can make a big difference:

Emotional value of gifting:

A well-thought-out gift shows the recipient that you’ve considered their likes, needs, or personal circumstances. Whether a personalised item, a meaningful experience, or sending money home to support family, a thoughtful gift reflects care and strengthens bonds. It makes the gesture more impactful.

Lasting memories:

Some gifts create lasting memories. Experience-based presents, like an adventure, a special dinner, or tech gifts that improve everyday life, provide joy long after the celebration ends. These gifts make the festival more memorable, adding a layer of thoughtfulness to the tradition of giving.

Strengthening relationships:

When you give a gift with thought and intention, it strengthens your relationships. This is especially true during Diwali when family and friends come together. Thoughtful traditional or modern gifts show you care about making the festival brighter for those you love.

By giving gifts that reflect your thoughtfulness, you bring more meaning to the celebration. The best gifts leave a lasting emotional impact, making the giver and receiver feel more connected.

Indian people celebrating Diwali and sharing their Diwali gifts
Families and friends coming together to celebrate Diwali create a joyful and love-filled atmosphere, making it a genuinely heartwarming and festive occasion.

Just to conclude, blending tradition with modern in Diwali.

Diwali is a festival that beautifully blends the old with the new. From traditional Diwali gifts like sweets and clothes to modern tech gadgets and experience-based presents, there’s no shortage of ways to bring joy to your loved ones. The thought and care behind each gift make this festival truly special.

As we’ve seen, thoughtful gifting can make a huge impact, whether by sending money home through reliable services like Rocket Remit, choosing eco-friendly presents, or surprising someone with the latest tech.

This Diwali, let’s make the celebrations brighter by blending the timeless with the innovative and giving gifts that leave a lasting emotional impact.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali filled with light, love, and thoughtful gifts!

About Rocket Remit

Rocket Remit is the world’s fastest international money transfer service. Send money instantly to over 50 overseas countries at very competitive rates.

Use the country selector to choose the country and check the rate.

Click here for more information on how to send money using Rocket Remit.

Download the Rocket Remit app from Google Play or the Apple Store

Return to Blog menu

Related Rocket Remit Articles