Guide · 2 min read
Diwali Gift Ideas for Family and Friends in the USA, UK and Canada
By the ANAGHA team, New Delhi · Updated
Quick answer
The best Diwali gifts feel traditional and get used: sweets and dry fruits, diyas and candles, brass pooja items, rangoli kits, a toran for the door, ethnic wear, and practical gifts for the home mandir, such as a pooja room cleaning and fragrance set. For parents and in-laws, gifts for their daily puja or their home are usually the most appreciated.
Traditional gifts that always work
- Sweets and dry fruit boxes from a local Indian sweet shop
- Diyas, candles and lanterns
- Brass or silver pooja items: a diya, kalash or aarti thali
- Rangoli colors and stencils, which children love
- A toran or marigold garland for the front door
- Ethnic wear: a kurta set, dupatta or stole
Gifts for parents and in-laws
For elders, the most loved gifts are often for their daily puja or their home.
- A pooja room care set: a gentle cleaning mist and soft cloths
- A new brass diya or aarti thali
- A framed family photo
- A bhajan or gurbani speaker
- A warm shawl for the winter
Gifts for friends and coworkers
- A small box of sweets with a card explaining Diwali
- Scented candles or a pair of brass diyas
- A money plant, which many Indian families see as a sign of prosperity
- A small gift hamper of snacks and dry fruits
A gift for whoever looks after the prayer room
The ANAGHA Gift Duo pairs Shuddhi (sandalwood, camphor and Ganga Jal, for the mandir) with Sewa (rose water and neem, for the gurdwara corner or prayer room). Two 360 ml bottles cost $69 with shipping included to the US, UK, Canada, Australia and more.
It ships from New Delhi within 2 business days, with tracked delivery in 7 to 14 business days, so order early for festival dates.
Shipping tips for Diwali gifts
- Order two to three weeks before Diwali when buying from sellers in India.
- Buy sweets and food locally where you can: customs rules for food vary by country.
- Keep the receipt; for gifts from abroad, the recipient may be asked to pay any import tax.
Questions
What is a good Diwali gift for Indian parents?
Something for their daily puja or their home: a new brass diya or aarti thali, a pooja room care set, a framed family photo or a warm shawl. Practical, traditional gifts are usually appreciated most.
What can I give non-Indian friends or coworkers for Diwali?
A small box of sweets, scented candles, a pair of diyas or a plant, with a short card explaining that Diwali is the festival of lights and new beginnings.
When should I order Diwali gifts to ship to the USA?
Two to three weeks before Diwali if they ship from India. ANAGHA ships from New Delhi within 2 business days with tracked delivery in 7 to 14 business days.
Is it okay to give money as a Diwali gift?
Yes. Giving cash in an envelope (shagun), often an amount ending in 1, such as 51 or 101, is a common custom in many Indian families.