As Diwali approaches, the art of gifting takes center stage. It’s time to spread festive cheer with thoughtful gifts that not only celebrate the festival spirit but also provide a deeper connection to supporting conscious living, local craftsmanship and natural products. From boxes of artisan chocolates and brownies to natural cosmetics and handicrafts, here is a list of thoughtfully crafted hampers that will brighten the festivities.
Dhanak Naturals
A sustainable gift hamper from Dhanak Naturals. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Dhanak Naturals products are made using natural ingredients. Their self-care products are kind to both the skin and the planet. Free of harmful chemicals, parabens and synthetic fragrances, their festive hampers come in earthy, biodegradable packaging, wrapped in an upcycled cloth bag. Coconut shell chains, soaps, coconut body butter, lip balms with various natural scents like passionfruit, grape and lavender, coconut shell soy wax candle, neem wood soap, bamboo toothbrush are some of the products that are included in Diwali hampers. “Sustainable hampers aren’t just a trend; they reflect a growing awareness of the ecological footprint of traditional gift-giving practices. With each hamper, you move away from single-use plastics, excessive packaging and mass-produced items. These hampers can also be customized,” says Asawari Mathur, founder of Dhanak Naturals.
bright voice
Disabled member of Prajwal Vani Welfare Society painting Deepam before Diwali in Visakhapatnam. , Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
At Prajwal Vani, a Visakhapatnam-based NGO, a group of 35 disabled children are contributing to the festive spirit in their own way. These children with intellectual disability are decorating lamps to include in special Diwali hampers, showing how creativity and perseverance can really shine despite challenges.
This initiative is a part of the Visakha Kushi Project which has been going on for the last few years. “The idea behind involving children in decorating diyas was not only to create something beautiful for Diwali, but also to encourage them to explore their creativity and improve their motor skills. The process is more than just an artistic endeavour. It is also an empowering experience for children,” says KVL Suchitra, founder of Prajwal Vani Welfare Society. The products include candles, deepam candles, deepams in different shapes and designs, hand painted and decorated by the children. This project is a step towards self-employment in which children hand over the sale proceeds to their parents on the day of Dhanteras. “These hampers carry with them the love and effort of these children and that is what makes them truly special,” says Suchitra.
Prajwal Vani’s products are on sale at a stall on the second floor of CMR Central, Madillapalem and also at its center at Akkayyapalem. They are also planning to set up a stall on the beach road in front of Kali temple before Diwali.
Sankalp Kala Gram
A sustainable Diwali gift hamper from Sankalp Art Village. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sankalp Art Village (SAV) has been at the forefront of the sustainability trend. This year, they have created hampers for Diwali that reflect the ethos of conscious consumption, including naturally dyed hand-woven handkerchiefs, Atikoppka products and millet and dry fruit laddus. The products are made in-house at SAV’s center at Pedagadi near Pendurthi in Visakhapatnam. Jamilya Akula, head of creative design, SAV, says, “The idea of festive gifting started with a corporate coming to us for sustainable gift hampers. We designed a hamper for a cotton corporate company client. The hamper contains a set of natural dyed cotton handkerchiefs, a set of deepam and protein laddu pack.”
SAV has created three Diwali hampers that include candles as well as tealight candle holders in packages.
rose tribe
A sustainable Diwali gift hamper by Rose Tribe. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For those who love to gift a piece of tradition, Rose Tribe’s handmade offerings add a graceful beauty to Diwali gifts. This year, they have included Cheriyal Coasters – miniatures inspired by the famous Cheriyal Scrolls of Telangana, which hold a heritage of rich storytelling. The hampers also feature Atikoppaka figures, wooden toys from Andhra Pradesh made using natural dyes, keeping an ancient craft alive. Another unique addition is their coconut shell candleholders, which offer a rustic, eco-friendly alternative to regular decor. These artisanal objects make the hampers a treasure trove of traditional artistry while promoting sustainable craftsmanship.
deep love
Motichoor Cheesecakes and Brownies by Dark Love. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
No Diwali celebration is complete without something sweet, and Dark Love’s selection of artisan chocolates, nuts and brownies is a delectable collection of festive treats. This year, traditional sweets have been given a new twist to bring an interesting mix. Motichoor Laddu, which has long been a staple of Indian festive sweet boxes, comes in a new avatar with the creamy taste of cheesecake at its centre. Almond Rocks, Pistachio Cranberry Truffles, Brownie Bites and Thai-flavored mixed nuts are just some of the festive offerings included in Dark Love’s thoughtfully presented plastic-free festive packaging.
