It's exactly a week to Diwali, and if you haven't got down to buying gifts for the precious people in your life, here's a primer that will come handy. We spoke to six bloggers with a variety of expertise to suggest the best thing money can buy
Non-preachy wisdom delivered
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Says: Mir Khubaib @khubaibliophile, bookstagrammer
I am against the "one book fits all" idea of gifting. Gifting a book should be determined by the habits of the reader, their circumstance, age and more. That said, when Sunday mid-day called to ask which book I would suggest as a Diwali gift, I looked at my shelf long and hard and picked a title that, according to me, transcends age barriers. It will also work for both, seasoned and new readers. The illustrated edition of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is perfect if you have read the classic but just as special, if you haven't. It suits those who don't have the patience to go through a whole novel but appreciate a good story. It is an essential read, full of wisdom without being preachy.
At: amazon.in For: Rs 1,599
Band that brings the gym home
Says: Ayesha Billimoria @fitgirl.india, fitness influencer
On Diwali, when everyone is busy indulging in sweets, I suggest you also stay a little conscious about training and keeping healthy. Why not keep a TheraBand handy at home if you don't find the time in the chaos of festivities to head to the park or gym for a workout. It allows you to do light resistance exercises (tutorials available easily online).
At: amazon.in For: Rs 700
Clean air, packaged
Says: Ankit Vengurlekar @gadgetwala, tech influencer
The best gift to give yourself or someone you care for is the gift of fresh air. Xiaomi's Mi Air Purifier 2 is the gadget to bring home. It cleans up a 21 sq mts room in 10 minutes, and the 360-degrees filter takes in air from every direction using an H-11 grade HEPA filter. Replacing the filter is easy and you get notified on the Mi Home app when you need to. It shows key information like AQI (air quality indicator) which is the number every environment and health conscious individual would want to track.
At: amazon.in For: Rs 12,999
Serve love on a kitschy tray
Says: Bhavna @themoderndesi.co, food influencer
As an Indian who now lives in Australia, Diwali is a festival full of melancholy and nostalgia for me. It's unfortunately just another working day. However, since my family is back in India, I spend time picking gifts for them to remind them how much they are loved and missed. I especially like this Indian themed tray I came across that is pretty and funky, and could start a conversation among guests.
At: Chumbak.com For: Rs 1,495
Backpacks are back
Says: Riaan George @urbaneyebyrg, men's fashion influencer
My current obsession is good-looking luggage, and backpacks are trending. It's becoming increasingly acceptable to carry a backpack to a formal setting. The monogrammed TUMI could work well both, with a suit and a fashion-forward trendy outfit. It's the perfect gift for yourself, husband, brother, or even the boss.
At: Tumi, Palladium, Lower Parel For: Rs 36,900
Slip on a Heritage shoe
Says: Allen Claudius @bowtiesandbonesblog, shoe influencer
The Reebok Classic Instapump Fury is a sneaker that was way ahead of its time when it launched back in 1994. A proper classic, it carries a contemporary air that works today, too. It's the out-of-regular gift for someone with discerning taste and appreciation for heritage and style. It is the classic lifestyle sneaker, but edgy owing to its split sole. I'd pair with jeans and joggers when the weather is good, and shorts when it's warm.
At: shop4reebok.com For: Rs 14,999
Curated by Aastha Atray Banan, Anju Maskeri and Jane Borges
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