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From carols, lights, Santa-inspired decorations, rum cake and general merriment Christmas is almost (finally!) here in all its glory. Though what we love about about December is that ‘tis also the season to be gifting. Whether it’s presents for the family placed under the Christmas tree, a Secret-Santa parcel for your colleague or a little something for your friends the joys of gifting are like no other. We also know that between those work deadlines and catching up on sleep on the weekends you might have forgotten to get those presents for your loved ones. With the Christmas shopping rush at the malls and online retail portals offering one generic gift hamper after another the process of gifting can become both confusing and hurried. Fret not, if you belong to the group of last minute Christmas shoppers, we have you covered.
We have curated a list 11 unconventional presents from our very own favourite and trustworthy brands. They not only deliver uniqueness in handcrafted and customised goodness but many of them are also eco-friendly as a kind gesture towards the planet. From the first of its kind Christmas Book Box to gift cards that let you vacation with an artist or even an exciting hamper for your pet, our list has a gift for every budget and every kind of person. So without further ado, scroll down to put away all your gifting woes!
I. An Eclectic Collection Of Lifestyle Brands At Nappa Dori’s Christmas Market
Where: Dhan Mill Compound, 100 Feet Road, SSN Marg, Chhattarpur, New Delhi.
From Say It With A Pin’s throwback collection of all kinds of pins that’ll pair perfectly with all your outfits to The Bombay Perfumery’s latest fragrances, the annual Christmas Market at Cafe Dori is back just in time for last-minute shopping plans. Rest assured that this is where you’ll find the most chic and trendy stuff. And if Christmas shopping isn’t on your agenda, then you can just take a seat and relish Cafe Dori’s delicious Christmas menu.
For more information about the brands that will be a part of Nappa Dori’s annual Christmas market, click here.
II. A Christmas Cookies Hamper
We’re all suckers for some sugar indulgence this time of the year. If it’s not mulled wine it’s cookies and lucky for us, a new place for all our Christmas (and non-Christmas) cravings has opened up in town. GobbleUpAble’s Christmas cookie hamper consists of melt-in-your-mouth double chocolate marshmallow cookies, white spiced cookies, Linzer cookies and more! One of the cookies in the box is also made with in-house strawberry jam, and nutshell. Beautifully arranged in a green-and-red Christmas-themed box, GobbleUpAble’s goodies are worth every penny and we’d most definitely recommend you get one for yourself as well. However, they’re only open to preorders at the moment so hurry up.
Price: INR 650 for a box.
You can order by sending GobbleUpAble a DM here.
While material gifts fade away with time, it’s the experiences that linger in memory long after the moment has passed. Keeping this in mind an online platform for creative travellers Vacation With An Artist (VAWAA) allows you to actually gift someone a vacation with an artist! Whether it’s learning how to make bamboo cycles over conversations about craft beer or exploring a 5000 year old metal art with an expert, VAWAA has plenty of gift cards suited for all kinds of travellers.
Price: INR 3,650 onwards (50$)
To know more about VAWAA’s gift cards, click here.
A gift that’s both useful and personal, Sonic Architect’s non-plastic speakers are perfect for a loved one. They come in different shapes and sizes; you can personalise almost every aspect of the speakers without actually having to pester someone repeatedly. And it only takes about five days (depending on where the materials are being sourced from) to get them ready.
Price: Each speaker is handmade to order and the price varies accordingly.
You can know more about the speakers and place an order through Sonic Architect’s Instagram.
V. Customised Eco-Friendly Earthy Bags
The Burlap People works with third and fourth generation artisans to make eco-friendly and high quality bags. What makes these bags unique is their use of the vintage wash technique, giving their products an aged finish, complete with salvaged leather making for straps and corners folds. Their palette extends to over 23 colours, and you can even customise elements of the bag.
Price: INR 3200 onwards.
You can check their Instagram to place orders for Christmas.
VI. Cute Christmas Coasters, Note Cards And Stamps
One of our favourite Instagram artists, Alicia Souza’s online merchandise collection is a blessing for all the last-minute shoppers, whether or not it’s Christmas. However with the season of merrymaking round the corner, there’s a whole bunch of Christmas-themed products like coasters, stamps and more that are cute little additions for the Christmas hamper you might be preparing. Or just as individual gift items.
Price: INR 150 onwards.
Visit her website to check the collection out.
VII. Indie Books And Magazines
A Bombay venture that has been bringing the best of international independent magazines to the voracious readers of India, Paper Planes is sadly shutting shop and will not be making it to the New Year like most of us. However, as their farewell gift they have a unique collection of magazines and collector’s edition books that they will shipping this month. So hurry up and pick one for the book-nerd you know!
Price: INR 1,600 onwards.
You can view Paper Plane’s Christmas gift guide here.
Pet care has truly gone above and beyond our expectations, and now there is a customisable subscription service to pamper your pooch with. The package delivers toys, treats, clothes and other accessories for your dog. There are different types of services to suit the characteristics of your pet, like their age, size and breed. There is also a birthday themed box with treats for the special occasion, as well as vegan options for the environmentally conscious. Cat parents are not left out, the MeowBox is a similar box service customised for your feline friend.
Price: INR 1,700 onwards.
Show your pet some love and place an order here.
IX. Quirky Art Prints, Coasters, Matchbooks And More
An art collective that has long given voice to the artist community of Mumbai, Kulture Shop’s inviting Christmas gift guide is quite a life saver. It offers a range of cute vibrant products all priced below INR 1,000. From traditional items like coasters and fridge magnets to unconventional stuff like a tiny matchbooks, there’s something for every kind of person. And it’s light on the pocket too!
Price: INR 200 onwards.
You can find Kulture Shop’s christmas gifts here.
The Big Book Box subscription service is a literature lover’s dream come true. It curate packages around a specific theme every month, with books, fandom merchandise and other knick knacks like coffee mugs. For Christmas, they’ll be sending out a box full of merchandise and other exciting things inspired classic literature. All you have to do is place an order and wait till the box of happiness shows up at the doorstep!
Price: INR 1500 onwards.
To purchase the All Classics Christmas Book Box, click here.
XI. A Zero Waste Gift Bundle
A Bengaluru-based zero-waste lifestyle brand, Bare Necessities is always pioneering new and exciting ways to go eco-friendly. For Christmas, they have a whole range of zero waste gift bundles like ‘Festive Gift Bundle’ that consists of a terracotta body scrub, spa bars, and face masks or a ‘Happiness Gift Bundle’ which consists of Expresso Yourself Coffee Body Scrub, Lavender Levitate Bath Salts, Busy Bee Lip Balm, Spa Soaps and more! There’s also a ‘Home Cleansing Starter Kit’ and a gorgeous pack of scented spa bars.
Price: INR 350 onwards.
To buy a zero waste gift bundle, click here.
XII. A Cute Pair Of Sparkly Tulle Socks
Nothing makes for a more apt (and undeniably cute) Christmas present than socks. Designer Sharnita Nandwana, under her eponymous fashion label, has released a unique Christmas collection of cute winter socks. They’re comfy and sparkly - two things no one can resist! To pick a pair up, drop by at December pop-up being held at the One Amazing Thing Shop in Mumbai.
Price: INR 1,150 onwards.
XIII. A Bar Tool Kit
The holiday season is when our friendly cocktail connoisseurs shine bright and how. And there’s nothing better than a proper bartender tools kit to gift someone whose passion for the art of drinks can’t be contained. So in such a case, Nappa Dori’s Bar Tool Kit is just what you need. They also have a set of beautiful cheese knives that adds the perfect touch to your already appetising Christmas platter.
To know more about Nappa Dori’s Bar Tool Kit, click here.
Feature image credit: The Burlap People and Sonic Architecture
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