With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, it’s an exciting time for siblings to make a wish list of gifts they are expecting this year. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. As the concept of love and duty between siblings is universal, this festival is popular with many cultures in India and transcends its religious Hindu origin.
To mark their relationship, on the morning of Raksha Bandhan, the sister and brother will gather together with their family. Often in front of a lamp, the sister ties a rakhi (thread) on her brother's right wrist. This symbolises their emotional bond and a renewal of the vow of the brother to protect his sister. However, in modern times, the concept of protection works both ways as siblings vow to always look out for one another, regardless of gender.
If you’re looking for what gifts to give your sibling this Raksha Bandhan, look no further. Here’s a list of exciting gift options for you to consider.
1. Basket of goodies
A basket full of artisanal chocolates, sweets and snacks is sure to bring a smile on your sister's face. Depending on what your sibling prefers, you can opt for gourmet or artisanal snacks from places like Bombay Sweet Shop or Royce Chocolates or you can stick to the good old brands like Cadbury, Ferrero Rocher and Lindt. Make sure to include appealing packaging to give the basket an extra oomph factor.
2. Beauty Box
This gift option is definitely more for all the sisters out there (although make-up is certainly not gender specific). With Rare Beauty launching in India, it’s a great time to buy your sibling a few premium cosmetic and skincare products from the brand that can be a part of the beauty routine. You can also follow multiple beauty influencers on Youtube to understand what is hot and new in the make-up space right now. Masaba Gupta’s line of lipsticks another good option.
3. Trendy footwear
A great gift option for your sister can be a fancy pair of ethnic footwear that can be useful for the upcoming wedding season or even as part of the Diwali, Dussehra and other festivities. Fizzy Goblet or Needledust juttis or a great pair of sneakers for your brother is a gift that will go a long way and definitely be memorable as an iconic Raksha Bandhan gift.
4. Gadgets and Electronics
For tech-savvy siblings, gadgets and electronics make for ideal Raksha Bandhan gifts. Whether it's the latest smartphone, a smartwatch, a gaming console, or noise-cancelling headphones, these high-tech presents will leave a lasting impression. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and choose a gadget that aligns with your sibling's interests. The gift of technology will not only bring a smile to their face but also add convenience and entertainment to their daily life.
5. Books and stationery
If your sibling is an avid reader or has a passion for writing, books and stationery can be thoughtful gifts. Select a bestselling novel by their favourite author, a self-help book to inspire personal growth or a beautifully illustrated coffee table book. Additionally, consider elegant stationery sets, personalised journals, or a collection of fancy pens to nurture their creativity. Books and stationery symbolise intellectual growth and encourage lifelong learning, making them thoughtful and memorable Raksha Bandhan gifts.
6. Handmade and DIY gifts
Nothing can compare to the love and effort put into handmade or do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts. Create a personalised scrapbook filled with shared memories, make a custom piece of jewellery, or bake their favourite cookies. Handmade gifts not only showcase your creativity but also convey the time and effort you invested in crafting something unique and special. Such gifts hold sentimental value and strengthen the bond between siblings.
7. Subscription Services
Subscription services have gained popularity in recent years, offering a wide range of choices to suit different interests. Consider giving your sibling a subscription to a streaming service for their favourite movies and TV shows, a monthly book or magazine subscription, or a curated box of goodies based on their hobbies, such as beauty or gourmet food subscription. These gifts provide continuous enjoyment and remind your sibling of your love throughout the year.