Who says gifts must be restricted to traditional gift-giving occasions through the year? With the hectic pace of our lives, gifts are a way of instantly letting someone know that you’re thinking of them even if you can’t catch your breath. The best gifts are context based. Here are some unusual occasions which can be transformed into meaningful gift giving opportunities.
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Independence Day (Aug 15 every year)
Few things in the world are more cherished than independence; however, ironically, few of us actually ‘celebrate’ the occasion. If you are on a holiday anywhere up north plan a surprise detour to the Wagah border to watch the ceremony which qualifies as a sure visual treat and an unforgettable experience. You could also contribute on the gift receiver’s behalf to charities like the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund. Make this your way of paying tribute to our great nation!
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Boss’s Day (Oct 16 every year)
Consider this day as a way of expressing your gratitude for the opportunities that your boss has given you for your personal and professional growth. Plan a relaxed lunch or a fun-filled team bowling match for the occasion. You could also give him/her unique customized items including handbags, clocks and plaques that you are sure will adorn their lives and will create a favourable place for you in their hearts through the year. Take the effort this October and reap the rewards in March—you do know what I am talking about, right?
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Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2 every year)
This year bring in ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ in the true spirit of master. Reach out to an old friend to make peace with a simple handwritten letter to let them know how important he/she has always been. Plan in advance so that you both can catch a movie or a quiet meal. And while you are at it complete the ‘Gandhigiri’ experience by gifting a khaki based apparel. Or you could ‘be the change that you wish to see in the world’ and look for volunteering opportunities in and around your city (trust us—there are plenty of them!)
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Ganesh Chaturthi
The tusked god probably tops the list of popular gift giving items, all through the year, for any auspicious occasion. Whatever be the celebration sweets are a must and the traditional modak still remains the sure fire way to please the Ganesha and your own palate. If your loved one buys Ganesha idols every year it is time to gift them an eco-friendly Ganesha and lead the way to a clean and green Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
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Dussera
As folklore goes, Dussera is the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishashura but it’s also about celebrating Lord Rama’s homecoming after a 14 year exile. Whatever be the reason, Dussera spells vibrancy, lights, colours and grandeur in a way that no other festival does. It’s that time of the year when everyone seeks to welcome the light and the essential principle of life into their lives. This year, how about celebrating life and renewal by giving a green gift to your loved ones? A simple potted plant makes for a great gift, and if maintained well it can add grace to your terrace or verandah apart from pumping in much-needed oxygen into your surroundings. For those who wish to tread a different path, choose your pick from a host of eco friendly gift items with choices ranging from solar powered wrist watches to embroidered cloth bags.
Raksha Bandhan is just around the corner. So while the brothers scramble around the typical gift stores in the crowded bylanes of the market place, Lamhe offers you tips and tricks to stay out of the crowds and the stereotypes.
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Gone are the mushy days when brothers in typical Bollywood inspired style looked into their sisters moist eyes promising to rescue them from hell or highwater. While the bond still exists, and thankfully so, sisters have come a long way from their coy ways in dealing with a sinister world. So it’s now time for the brothers to wake up and smell the coffee. Here’s a platter of gift giving ideas depending on your sister’s personality:
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- The Adventurous Sister. Adventure is her middle name. You always wondered (even secretly jealous) of how she has been there done that. It’s time to challenge her to fly, ride an ATV and see the world upside down in one adrenalin packed experience. Give her an unforgettable experience at an adventure theme park. If she wants to know how Jack felt when he tumbled down the hill, she could try out zorbing. It could be a first for her! Ideas near Mumbai: Lonavala’s Della Adventure.
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- The Baby Sister. She is the baby and the brat of the family. With her innocent and ‘Oh I never did that’ looks she has been the reason for many pasting’s you received. Grab a lunch date with her in a special little restaurant where the two of you can just talk. Make it one memorable baby’s day out. Ideas in Mumbai: Gaylords, Indigo, Barbeque Nation, Olive Bar & Kitchen
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- The Romantic Sister. Memories of her enveloped in her Mills and Boon remain etched in your mind. Well it’s now time to get her out of bed and still be on a tale trail. A story about the city’s past is always endearing and delightful. She could nurture the classical streak in her with the classical culture walk or stoke her adventurous side through a night trail. Simply put, the choices are abundant. Ideas in Mumbai: www.storytrails.in, Lamhe Heritage Walks
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- The Diva. Her first pimple created quite a flutter in her college and in the family as well. Prim and proper, her reputation for looking her best, was the talk of the town. Here is an opportunity for you to let her pamper herself with gift vouchers from a super salon for a hair make-over, and a dress that is oh-so-pretty! Ideas in Mumbai: Check out gift giving options from Juice and Kimaya for your in-house diva.
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- The Mother of all Sisters. She is the one who donned a mother’s role early in life without anyone having to tell her. Whether it is discussing your first crush or fixing a snack for you when mom comes home late, she is a true nurturer. Well now it’s payback time! Phone ahead and tell her, “Today is the day.” And then take her to the spa to be pampered. Ideas in Mumbai: Consider Tahaa Spa, Sohum Spa, Myrah Spa
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So, if you’ve never thought out of the box before for Raksha Bandhan gifts, we hope this post gave you some ideas!
In our agenda-driven lives, we often forget that gift giving is innate to the human experience and it can be giving season everyday! Simple acts of service are always open to us, if we simply look for them. Even otherwise, birthdays make for a great excuse for pay-it-forward experiments! I remember a friend of mine, S, giving me a gift of a story one time — driving up the highway toll booth, the driver behind him became very visibly upset thinking that he had cut him off. S could’ve yelled back, but when it was time to pay the toll, he instead paid toll for that car behind him! "That’s my contribution to peace", S proudly remarked. Underneath that story was a subtle togetherness and transformation of two lives—much more valuable than a Macy’s gift card!
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Few things give me greater joy than giving gifts to someone who really deserves it. It was the Diwali of 2009, just about a year after I moved back to India from the US. Trains, buses and homes beamed with the Diwali spirit, while the not-so-lucky ones added just another day to their existence. In this festival of lights, I gifted a happy pink frock to a six-month-old destitute in keeping with the spirit of the season of giving. And that’s what connected me with her in a really special way.
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My best gift was from Uncle M, several years ago, when he gave me a gift subscription from the National Geographic Magazine. And folks, I’m talking of the 80s in India here. It was a privilege and I always flaunted it. There’s something about books that instantly transports me to a fantasy world.
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I love receiving gifts especially when they are bundled with surprise. Knowing this well, my then fiancée (now hubby), surprised me beyond words when he gifted me a ticket to India to see my family. It was both timely and timeless. After all, the best gifts are about family and togetherness! The other end of the gift giving spectrum entails clichés, which I call no-brainers. Seriously, I’m no fan of run- of-the-mill sweets during Diwali and Ganesha idols for Ganesh Chaturthi, which are now passé. Sinful as it may seem, I’d rather gift a power yoga voucher to beat that flab from Diwali debauchery. The gift giving paradigm is changing and it’s fun to stay ahead of the curve (pun intended)!
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There is immense joy in bringing people together with gifts, and picking the right gift adds to it the joy of receiving as well! So the next time you have to buy a gift take your mind to the gym and work out the gift-giving centers of your brain. The tips I offer in this blog might help spark some ideas as well. So, hop on board, fellow gifter—and we will have a great time exploring the vast and wonderful world of creative gift giving!
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Lamhe’s CEO, Isha Siraj-Kedia, was interviewed by Retailer magazine. The interview, Redefining Gifting, is posted on the franchiseindia.com, the online home of Retailer and Franchising magazines.
In the interview, Isha talks about Lamhe, how it works and what’s in the future for Lamhe.
"You guys are amazing. The gifts you have on the site are simply superb. Where else could I find bartending lessons, river-rafting adventures and beautiful gift hampers all on one site?"
-Rahul, Mumbai
"My husband wanted to give his nephew in India a practical and thoughtful gift. We found kids’ classes on Lamhe and thought they were great! Rather than the sweets we’d normally send him, we feel good knowing it is a present he can benefit from for life!"
–Shivani, New York
Lamhe has finally gone live!
The team at Lamhe spent all of 2009 putting everything in place waiting for this day! We are so happy to open our doors the world. We are currently in invite-only mode as we look to grow our user base. Please feel free to register for an invite at http://lamhe.co.in and we will get back to you in a day or two with an invitation code that you can use to access our service.
Here is a press release announcing our debut and here are some thoughts from Vishy, one of Lamhe’s co-founders.
