Raise the bar with these offbeat, festive Diwali gifts

‘Tis the season of house parties and if you’re mulling over last-minute Diwali gifts, steer clear of store-bought boxes of laddoos and opt for something creative. Festive buying is substantially easier than shopping for personal occasions, it offers more room to be original. Consider something utilitarian like statement homeware or quirky game kits that can help your guests with their soiree. You can also go for artsy knick-knacks or stylised bar accessories. Here are a few options that can offer some inspiration:

• Party drinking games: Fun, drinking games are a good way to help guests break the ice at a party. This pack of 6 games includes Bachelorette Taboo, Beer There Drunk That, Never Have I Ever, Queen's Cup, Tick Tock and Whiskey Business, each designed to help people know each other over some hilarious content and champagne.

• Personalised playing cards: What’s Diwali without a good ol’ poker game? Whether you’re buying for card rookies or helping someone set a poker table at their soiree, consider these beginner-friendly, personalised playing cards. They can be customised to bear monogrammed initials of your friends and families and they make for terrific table props as well.

• Shot glasses: Buying shot glasses for someone could get tricky—they may favour heavy base varieties over fluted ones, or vice versa. A safe bet would be to get something that can double up as bar decor. This unique set is made of Japanese stainless steel (making sure they never break) and features sleek, sculpted animal heads as bases and they can be also used as cider cups.

• Crockery with a twist: Go for this quirky ceramic aum set if you’re thinking of homeware gifts for Diwali. They can be used for serving chaknas or even for arranging diyas or flowers on a coffee table.

• Patachitra tray-coaster set: Trays and coasters may be everyday knick-knacks but this traditional Patachitra tray-coaster set can add a dash of colour to someone’s home. They can be used during parties to serve food or styled as artwork! Visit the Neerosha boutique on Purna Das Road to get your hands on one.

• Eco-friendly incense sticks: If you’re curating a festive hamper throw in these hand-rolled, eco-friendly incense sticks that are made with essential oils and recycled flowers collected from temples. They also come in a Diwali special set accompanied with jaggery coated nuts!

• Hand painted kettle: Artsy souvenirs don’t have to burn a hole in our pocket. This vibrant hand-painted tea kettle is a fun gift that also works as a great coffee table centrepiece.

• Wall Art Plates: This hand-painted ceramic plate by Nandita Mukundan makes for a great accent piece. It has a pre-attached wall mount but also works as table decor as it has a foldable display stand.