30 Diwali gifts for the hard-to-shop-for people in your life

Every Diwali, there’s reason to up your gifting game—because nothing secures you a second invitation quite like the perfect present. Whether you’re buying for the fashion obsessed or a food lover, a social butterfly or a board game nerd, we’ve got you covered. No generic mithai and candles here, these presents will leave your host shrieking “OMG, you shouldn’t have!” with genuine amazement.

For the person who has everything  

Buying a gift for with a friend who drops names like they’re confetti? You’ll need one that leaves a lasting impression. We’re talking Bottega Veneta playing cards, Hermès perfumes, Loewe wick trimmers. After all, if they’re going to brag anyway, make sure it’s about you.

For the friend who’ll never grow up

This person may be an adult, but their spirit is a bouncy castle of pure joy. Gift them a whimsical My Party Queer-topia puzzle by artist Priyanka Paul, a cutesy ceramic block cat from Studio Tosh, or, for the ultimate ’90s nostalgia trip, a colourful Zara x Jayesh S tote. They’ll thank you for reminding them that sometimes, the best gift is a good laugh and a trip down memory lane.

For the gourmand of the group

If you have a food-obsessed friend who can’t resist a gourmet cheese board, whose fridge is perpetually stocked with artisanal pickles, and whose conversations inevitably circle back to their latest restaurant discovery, we know just the thing to get. Opt for Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s Elusive Umami—a Scotch that embodies culinary mystique, or the decadent Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford, which blends sweet vanilla with surprising mahogany. There’s also a copy of the limited-edition food tome, Memories on a Plate, which serves up stories and recipes from Indian kitchens.

For the host you don’t know too well

Gift-giving to a person you don’t know too well can sometimes feel like a high-stakes game of poker. But even without breaking your budget, there are these cheap-but-expensive looking presents that are likely to impress an acquaintance or future friend. The Ludo Set from Nicobar is perfect for family game nights, while beauty lovers will swoon over the limited-edition MAC eye palette adorned with stunning Indian motifs. And let’s not forget the delightful Motichoor Laddoo Votive from The Living Influence—a festive treat that will light up any theme. These gifts, though easier on the pocket, will never make you feel like a cheapskate.

For the trad-friend of the gang

​Even if you’re playing it safe with this trad-friend, nothing stops you from taking it up a notch. Imagine the joy of unwrapping Khanoom Jaipur’s vibrant Genda Phool collection—it’s a burst of sunshine that is perfect for any aesthete. Or how about a dazzling display of Rayt’s colourful glassware for this cocktail season? For a truly sensory experience, Seva x Bobo Calcutta’s incense and candle duo offers a fragrant escape into a world of traditional Indian scents.