Quick answer
For family, Diwali gifts follow a few common patterns. Elders often receive dry fruits, sweets, puja items or something for the home. Spouses exchange jewelry, new clothes or personal gifts. Children get new clothes, sweets, small toys and money. In-laws usually receive a hamper or something for the home. A couple's first Diwali after marriage is often marked with special gifts like silver or kitchenware.
Diwali is above all a family festival. People travel home, or call home, and spend the days of the festival together. Gifts are part of that: they're given when you visit, at the family puja, or when everyone sits down to eat.
Each family has its own customs, which also differ by region and faith. This guide describes common ways families give gifts at Diwali, for each person you might be buying for. Use what fits your family, and leave what doesn't.
For general Diwali ideas, see our main Diwali gift guide. For brothers and sisters on the last day of the festival, see Bhai Dooj gifts.
How we chose these ideas
We chose gifts that are commonly given within families at Diwali, and grouped them by relationship. We include ideas for families celebrating outside India, where shops, shipping and distance change what's practical. Budgets are typical ranges in US dollars, not prices.
What makes a good Diwali gift for family?
Family gifts at Diwali are about respect, togetherness and good wishes for the year ahead.
- Respect for elders
- Gifts for parents and grandparents are often traditional and useful: dry fruits, puja items, warm shawls or something for the home.
- Something for the household
- Gifts the whole family can share, like sweets, décor or a hamper, fit the spirit of the festival.
- New clothes
- Many families wear new clothes on Diwali. Clothing is a common gift for children and spouses, and from parents to grown-up children.
- Good luck for the year
- Silver, brass and things for the home are associated with prosperity and new beginnings.
- Your family's customs
- Some families have fixed traditions, like certain gifts for daughters, sons-in-law or the first Diwali after a wedding. Ask an elder if you're not sure.
- Time together
- For many families, being together for the puja and meal matters more than any gift. If you can't be there, a call on Diwali night counts.
Which idea fits them best?
Find the line that sounds most like them, then jump to that idea.
| If they… | Try this |
|---|---|
| It's for your parents | Dry fruit and nut gift boxesKeeps well and suits most elders. |
| Your parents do a puja every Diwali | Decorated puja thalis |
| It's for grandparents | Printed photo books |
| It's for your spouse | Simple engraved jewelry |
| It's for the kids | New festive clothes or a clothing gift cardNew clothes for Diwali day. |
| It's for your in-laws | Diwali gift hampers |
| It's a couple's first Diwali after marriage | Silver coins and small silver items |
| Your family lives far away | A care package of their favorite things |
Diwali gifts by family member
| Family member | Good directions | Ideas to start with |
|---|---|---|
| ParentsGifts for parents → | Traditional and comfortable: dry fruits, puja items, a warm shawl or something for the home. | |
| GrandparentsGifts for grandparents → | Family memories and comfort. Easy to use matters more than new technology. | |
| Spouse | Jewelry, new festive clothes, or a plan for the two of you. | |
| ChildrenGifts for kids → | New clothes, sweets, a small toy, and money from elders. | |
| TeensGifts for teens → | Things they choose themselves: gift cards, clothes or tech. | |
| In-laws | Respectful household gifts: a hamper, brass décor or sweets. | |
| Newlyweds | Gifts for their new home and their first Diwali together. | |
| Brothers and sistersBhai Dooj gifts → | Exchanged on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali. | |
| Family far away | Things that travel well, local delivery, or money with a heartfelt message. |
Quick picks by type of gift
- Parents & eldersDry fruit and nut gift boxes · Decorated puja thalis
- GrandparentsPrinted photo books · Wi-Fi digital photo frames
- SpouseSimple engraved jewelry · Classic watches
- ChildrenNew festive clothes or a clothing gift card · Rangoli kits and stencils
- TeensGaming platform gift cards
- In-lawsDiwali gift hampers · Brass and copper décor
- First DiwaliSilver coins and small silver items · Personalized nameplates
- Family far awayA care package of their favorite things · Money, with a note about what it's for
Diwali gifts for parents and elders
Gifts for elders are usually traditional and practical. Many parents say they don't need anything, so choose things they'll use during the festival and after it.
Dry fruit and nut gift boxes
A popular, longer-lasting alternative to sweets.
- Suits:
- Everyone
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A decorative box or tray of almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins, dates or figs.
Why it works
Dry fruits are a common Diwali gift because they keep for weeks, travel well and feel generous. They also suit people who are cutting down on sugar.
What to look for
- Sealed, fresh packaging with a clear best-before date.
- A reusable box or tray the family can keep.
- Unsalted or lightly roasted options for health-conscious elders.
Best for
- Elders
- Clients
- Gifts that need to travel
- People avoiding sweets
Potential downside
Check for nut allergies, especially in homes with children.
Example ideas
- Mixed dry fruit trays
- Almond and cashew boxes
- Date and fig gift boxes
Make it personal: Choose a box they can reuse, like a wooden or brass tray.
Decorated puja thalis
A tray set used for prayers and rituals during the festival.
- Suits:
- Adults and families
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A decorated plate, often brass, steel or silver-plated, with small holders for a diya, kumkum, rice and incense, used during Lakshmi Puja and other prayers.
Why it works
Many families do a puja on Diwali, so a well-made thali is useful every year. It suits people who observe the festival's religious side.
What to look for
- Metal that's easy to clean and won't rust.
- All the small bowls and holders included.
- A size that suits their prayer space.
Best for
- Religious families
- Parents and elders
- Newlyweds
- A new home
Potential downside
Best for people who do a puja. For friends who celebrate more culturally, diyas or décor may suit better.
Example ideas
- Brass puja thali sets
- Silver-plated thalis
- Decorated steel thalis
Make it personal: Include a small packet of their preferred incense.
Soft throw blankets
A comfort item that gets used on the couch most evenings.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A small, soft blanket for the couch or the end of a bed, in materials like fleece, knit cotton or wool.
Why it works
A throw is used for movie nights, reading and cold mornings, so it becomes part of daily life. It suits most homes and is easy to choose when you're unsure of someone's taste.
Why it fits this guide
Diwali falls as the weather cools in many places. A warm shawl or soft throw is a comforting gift for parents and grandparents.
What to look for
- A soft material, such as knit or fleece.
- A neutral color, or one that matches their home.
- Machine-washable fabric.
Best for
- Homebodies
- Cold climates
- New homes
Potential downside
Some fabrics need special washing.
Example ideas
- Chunky knit throws
- Fleece or sherpa throws
- Wool or cotton blend blankets
Make it personal: Roll it up with a mug and hot chocolate for a cozy-night bundle.
Diwali gifts for grandparents
Printed photo books
Turns favorite photos into a book to keep.
- Suits:
- Any age
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A printed book of your own photos, designed online with captions and then printed and shipped.
Why it works
Photos on phones are rarely revisited. A book of a year together, a trip or a child growing up makes those memories easy to enjoy again, and it tends to be kept for years.
What to look for
- A clear theme, like "our first year".
- Hardcover and thick pages.
- Enough time for printing and shipping.
Best for
- Partners
- Parents and grandparents
- Milestones
Potential downside
It takes time to design and ship.
Example ideas
- Year-in-review photo books
- Travel photo books
- Family history photo books
Make it personal: Add captions with memories and inside jokes.
Wi-Fi digital photo frames
New family photos appear without anyone touching it.
- Suits:
- Parents and grandparents
- Typical budget:
- $50–$100
What it is
A screen that shows a slideshow of photos. Wi-Fi models let family members send new pictures from their phones.
Why it works
For relatives who live far away, it keeps new photos coming with no effort on their part. It improves every time someone sends a picture.
Why it fits this guide
For grandparents who live far from their grandchildren, a frame you can load with new photos from anywhere keeps them part of family life all year.
What to look for
- Easy photo sending from any phone.
- No required monthly fee.
- A screen that adjusts to room light.
Best for
- Grandparents
- Long-distance families
- Parents
Potential downside
It needs Wi-Fi and setup. Do the setup before giving it.
Example ideas
- Wi-Fi photo frames
- Frames with an email address for photos
- Larger-screen family frames
Make it personal: Preload 50 favorite photos and invite family to add more.
Diwali gifts for your husband or wife
Spouses often exchange personal gifts at Diwali, alongside gifts for the household.
Simple engraved jewelry
Initials or a meaningful date, worn every day.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $50–$100
What it is
A simple necklace, bracelet or ring engraved with initials, a date or coordinates.
Why it works
Engraving makes a simple piece personal. It's understated and can be worn daily.
Why it fits this guide
Jewelry is a traditional Diwali gift between spouses. A simple piece, or one engraved with a date, works well.
What to look for
- The metal they usually wear.
- A simple design.
- Short engraving that fits.
Best for
- Partners
- Anniversaries
- Big birthdays
Potential downside
Engraved items usually can't be returned.
Example ideas
- Engraved bar necklaces
- Initial bracelets
- Coordinate rings
Make it personal: Explain the engraving in your card.
Classic watches
A lasting gift for a sibling, spouse or milestone.
- Suits:
- Teens and adults
- Typical budget:
- $50–$100
What it is
A simple analog or everyday watch with a leather, metal or fabric strap.
Why it works
A watch is a traditional gift between siblings and spouses. It's worn every day and can last for years, which makes it a meaningful festival or Bhai Dooj gift.
What to look for
- A style that matches what they already wear.
- An adjustable or easily resized strap.
- Water resistance for everyday wear.
Best for
- Brothers and sisters
- Spouses
- Graduates
Potential downside
Many people now use a phone or smartwatch for the time. Check they still wear a watch.
Example ideas
- Minimal analog watches
- Metal-strap watches
- Everyday fabric-strap watches
Make it personal: Have the back engraved with a date or short message.
A planned weekend away
A short break with time together and nothing to organize.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $100+
What it is
A short trip you plan as a gift, with somewhere to stay and perhaps a meal or activity.
Why it works
It gives time, rest and a new shared memory. Planning it for them removes the effort, which is part of the gift.
Why it fits this guide
Some couples use the Diwali holidays for a short trip together. Plan it around family visits.
What to look for
- A destination that fits their idea of fun.
- Flexible bookings.
- Short travel time.
Best for
- Partners
- Anniversaries
- People who have everything
Potential downside
Check their calendar first, or choose flexible bookings.
Example ideas
- A cabin weekend
- A city hotel break
- A seaside stay
Make it personal: Put the details in an envelope with a small item from the destination.
Diwali gifts for children
For children, Diwali usually means new clothes, sweets, lights and something to play with. Many also receive money from elders.
New festive clothes or a clothing gift card
New clothes for Diwali are a tradition in many families.
- Suits:
- Everyone, especially children
- Typical budget:
- $50–$100
What it is
Festive Indian clothing like a kurta, saree, lehenga or sherwani, or a gift card for a clothing store so they can choose.
Why it works
Wearing new clothes on Diwali is a common custom, especially for children. A gift card avoids getting the size or style wrong, while a chosen outfit suits close family.
What to look for
- The right size, or a store with easy exchanges.
- Festive colors such as red, yellow, gold or orange.
- Comfortable fabrics for a long day of celebrating.
Best for
- Children
- Spouses
- Parents
- Newlyweds
Potential downside
Clothing is personal. Only choose an outfit yourself for people whose size and taste you know well.
Example ideas
- Kids' kurta sets
- Saree or dupatta
- Men's kurta
- Ethnic-wear gift cards
Make it personal: Give it a few days before Diwali so they can wear it on the day.
Rangoli kits and stencils
Everything needed to make colorful Diwali floor art.
- Suits:
- Ages 6 and up, with family
- Typical budget:
- $10–$25
What it is
A kit of colored powders and stencils, or reusable rangoli mats and stickers, for making patterns at the entrance of a home.
Why it works
Rangoli is a Diwali tradition that the whole family can do together. A kit makes it easier for beginners and children, and it turns into an activity, not just an object.
What to look for
- Non-toxic colors if children will use it.
- Stencils for beginners.
- Reusable mats or stickers for apartments and rented homes.
Best for
- Kids
- Families
- Creative people
- First Diwali abroad
Potential downside
Powder can be messy indoors. Reusable mats are tidier for small spaces.
Example ideas
- Rangoli color powder kits
- Rangoli stencil sets
- Reusable rangoli mats
- Floral rangoli kits
Make it personal: Offer to make the first rangoli with them.
Family strategy board games
A game the whole family can enjoy together.
- Suits:
- Ages 8 and up
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
Board games where players win by making smart choices, like building, trading or planning. Many modern family games take 30 to 60 minutes and are quick to learn.
Why it works
A good strategy game brings everyone to the same table. Modern family games tend to rely more on decisions than luck, so children can compete fairly with adults. Games that everyone enjoys often become family traditions.
Why it fits this guide
Family time is a big part of Diwali. A board game gives everyone something to do together during the holidays.
What to look for
- A player count that fits the household.
- A playing time under an hour for younger players.
- The age on the box, so everyone can join in.
Best for
- Family game nights
- Holidays
- Ages 8 and up
Potential downside
Long games (90 minutes or more) may be too much for young children.
Example ideas
- Tile-laying games
- Trading and route-building games
- Cooperative family games
Make it personal: Add snacks and an invitation to a first game night.
Chocolate gift boxes
A modern, longer-lasting alternative to mithai.
- Suits:
- Everyone
- Typical budget:
- $10–$25
What it is
A box of good chocolates, often in festive packaging.
Why it works
Chocolates have become a popular Diwali gift, especially among younger people and in offices. They keep longer than milk sweets and suit people who receive a lot of mithai.
What to look for
- Eggless or vegetarian chocolates, which many families prefer during the festival.
- A best-before date that leaves plenty of time.
- Festive packaging, or wrap it yourself in bright colors.
Best for
- Coworkers
- Kids
- Teens
- Friends
Potential downside
Some chocolates contain gelatin or alcohol. Check the label for vegetarian households.
Example ideas
- Assorted chocolate boxes
- Dry fruit chocolates
- Festive chocolate hampers
Make it personal: Pair it with a small diya for a simple office gift.
Diwali gifts for teenagers
Gaming platform gift cards
Lets a gamer choose exactly what they want next.
- Suits:
- Ages 8 and up
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A card or code that adds credit to an account on their console or gaming platform.
Why it works
Gamers usually know what they want, and games change quickly. A platform gift card avoids guessing and can be sent instantly, which also makes it useful at the last minute.
Why it fits this guide
Many teens prefer choosing their own gift. A gift card for a store or platform they use is a respectful choice.
What to look for
- The right platform.
- The right country or region.
- Digital delivery if time is short.
Best for
- Gamers
- Last-minute gifts
- Long-distance gifting
Potential downside
Check the platform and region, and add a handwritten note.
Example ideas
- Console store gift cards
- PC game store credit
- Game subscription gift cards
Make it personal: Mention a game you think they'd enjoy in the card.
Diwali gifts for in-laws
Gifts for in-laws are usually given to the household and lean traditional. If you're new to the family, ask your spouse what's expected.
Diwali gift hampers
A basket that combines several small festive gifts.
- Suits:
- Families and households
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A basket or box with a mix of items such as sweets, dry fruits, diyas, candles, tea and snacks, bought ready-made or put together yourself.
Why it works
Hampers suit Diwali because the festival is about sharing. A good hamper has something for everyone in the household and looks generous even at a moderate price.
What to look for
- A clear theme, like a sweets-and-lights hamper or a tea-time hamper.
- Items with long shelf lives if it needs to travel.
- A reusable basket or box.
Best for
- Families
- Clients
- Neighbors
- Hosts
Potential downside
Ready-made hampers sometimes pad the box with filler. Check what's actually inside.
Example ideas
- Sweets and diya hampers
- Dry fruit and tea hampers
- Eco-friendly hampers
- Corporate hampers
Make it personal: Making your own lets you choose each item for the family.
Brass and copper décor
Traditional metalwork that suits the festival and lasts for years.
- Suits:
- Adults
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
Decorative brass or copper items like a bell, an urli bowl for floating flowers, a lamp or a small idol.
Why it works
Brass and copper are traditional festival materials, and many families like to buy metal items around Dhanteras. Good pieces last decades and can be used every Diwali.
What to look for
- Solid brass or copper rather than coated metal.
- A size that fits a typical apartment shelf or table.
- Simple designs if you don't know their décor style.
Best for
- A new home
- Parents
- Clients
- Dhanteras
Potential downside
Brass needs occasional polishing. Religious idols are personal, so only give one if you know the family's preferences.
Example ideas
- Brass urli bowls
- Copper water bottles
- Brass bells
- Brass hanging lamps
Make it personal: Fill an urli with fresh flowers and floating candles when you hand it over.
Boxes of Indian sweets (mithai)
The most traditional Diwali gift: sweets to share with the whole family.
- Suits:
- Everyone
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A box of Indian sweets such as kaju katli, barfi, ladoo, peda or soan papdi, usually from a sweet shop.
Why it works
Sharing sweets is one of the oldest Diwali customs, so a box of mithai fits almost any household. It's eaten during the festival, gets shared with visitors, and doesn't add clutter.
What to look for
- A good sweet shop with fresh stock. Many milk-based sweets only keep for a few days.
- A mix of sweets, including at least one dry, longer-lasting kind like kaju katli or soan papdi.
- Sugar-free or low-sugar options for elders who are watching their sugar.
Best for
- Hosts
- Neighbors
- Family visits
- Coworkers
Potential downside
Milk-based sweets spoil quickly and rarely ship well. Many households receive several boxes, so something a little different can stand out.
Example ideas
- Assorted mithai boxes
- Kaju katli boxes
- Sugar-free sweet boxes
- Ladoo gift boxes
Make it personal: Add a small diya or a handwritten Diwali card on top of the box.
Gifts for a newly married couple's first Diwali
In many families, a couple's first Diwali after marriage is special. Families often give gifts for the new home and for the year ahead.
Silver coins and small silver items
A traditional Dhanteras purchase, linked to prosperity.
- Suits:
- Adults, and as a keepsake for children
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A small silver coin, often stamped with Lakshmi or Ganesha, or a small silver item like a bowl or spoon.
Why it works
Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is a long-standing custom for many families, as a sign of good fortune for the year ahead. A small silver coin follows that custom at a modest price, and it keeps its value.
What to look for
- A purity mark (hallmark) from a reputable jeweler.
- A protective case or pouch.
- A weight that suits your budget. Prices follow the price of silver.
Best for
- Dhanteras
- Elders
- Children's first Diwali
- Newlyweds
Potential downside
Silver-plated items look similar but don't hold value like pure silver. Make sure you know which you're buying.
Example ideas
- Lakshmi-Ganesha silver coins
- Small silver bowls
- Silver-plated gift coins
Make it personal: Write the year on the card, so it becomes a keepsake.
Personalized nameplates
A custom sign for the front door of a home.
- Suits:
- Households
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A nameplate made with the family's name, often in wood, brass, ceramic or painted tile.
Why it works
Diwali is a common time for new beginnings, including moving into a new home. A nameplate is personal, practical and seen every day.
What to look for
- The correct spelling of every name.
- Weatherproof materials for outdoor doors.
- Enough time for it to be made and delivered.
Best for
- A new home
- Newlyweds
- Parents
Potential downside
Custom items take time. Order at least two to three weeks ahead.
Example ideas
- Wooden family nameplates
- Brass door plates
- Hand-painted ceramic nameplates
Make it personal: Include the house number as well as the names.
Steel and brass kitchenware
A practical gift that follows the Dhanteras custom of buying new utensils.
- Suits:
- Adults and households
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
Good-quality stainless steel or brass kitchen items, like a serving set, a tiffin box, a pressure cooker or a set of katoris (small bowls).
Why it works
Many families buy new utensils on Dhanteras. Kitchenware is used every day, so a quality piece is both traditional and genuinely useful.
What to look for
- Food-grade stainless steel.
- Pieces that match how they cook and serve.
- Dishwasher-safe items if they use a dishwasher.
Best for
- Dhanteras
- Newlyweds
- Students leaving home
- A new home
Potential downside
Some families avoid buying sharp items like knives on Dhanteras. Stick to bowls, plates and containers if you're unsure.
Example ideas
- Steel serving sets
- Steel tiffin boxes
- Brass serving bowls
- Katori sets
Make it personal: Fill a new tiffin box with homemade snacks.
Diwali gifts for family far away
When you can't be home for Diwali, the gift has to travel, or be bought locally for them.
A care package of their favorite things
A box of small favorites that shows you know them well.
- Suits:
- Any age
- Typical budget:
- $25–$50
What it is
A box you fill with small things they love, such as snacks, tea, cozy socks, a book or a note.
Why it works
A personalized box shows attention to detail. It suits long-distance friends, students and anyone having a hard week.
Why it fits this guide
A box of things that travel well, like dry fruits, packaged sweets, a candle and a handwritten card, brings Diwali to family in another city or country.
What to look for
- Their real favorites.
- A mix of treats, comfort items and something fun.
- Items that ship well.
Best for
- Long-distance friends
- College students
- Hard weeks
Potential downside
Shipping can be costly. Pack food so it won't melt or break.
Example ideas
- Study-break boxes for students
- Self-care boxes
- Hometown snack boxes
Make it personal: Tape a note inside the lid.
Money, with a note about what it's for
Useful money, made personal with a thoughtful note.
- Suits:
- Teens and adults
- Typical budget:
- $50–$100
What it is
Cash or a transfer with a card saying what you hope it's used for.
Why it works
Money lets people get what they actually need. A note such as "for your first apartment" shows encouragement.
Why it fits this guide
Money is a common Diwali gift within families. Sending it with a heartfelt message, and a call on Diwali night, keeps it personal.
What to look for
- An amount comfortable for you.
- A thoughtful message.
- A creative presentation.
Best for
- Graduates
- Teens
- Newlyweds
Potential downside
Expectations about cash gifts vary by family and culture.
Example ideas
- Cash in a card
- A savings account contribution
- Money toward a specific goal
Make it personal: Write a wish for their future, not just the amount.
Ideas by budget
These are typical budgets for each kind of gift, not prices. Costs vary widely by brand and store.
| Budget | Ideas |
|---|---|
| $10–$25 | |
| $25–$50 |
|
| $50–$100 | |
| $100+ |
Giving money to family at Diwali
Money is a very common Diwali gift, especially from elders to children and younger relatives. Common customs include:
- Amounts that end in 1, like $11, $21, $51 or $101. The extra 1 is seen as a blessing for growth.
- Giving it in a decorated envelope rather than as loose notes.
- Giving new, clean notes when possible.
How much depends entirely on your family. A thoughtful note with the money matters more than the amount.
Family gift customs vary
Diwali is celebrated differently across India and among Hindu, Sikh and Jain families. Some families exchange gifts mainly within the household; others visit many relatives with sweets. Some have set gifts for daughters, sons-in-law or a first Diwali. If you're marrying into a family or celebrating with a new one, ask an elder or your partner what's usual.
How much to spend on family Diwali gifts
- Extended family and households you visit: a box of sweets or dry fruits, often $15 to $40.
- Parents, in-laws and grandparents: often $25 to $100. See gift ideas under $50 and gift ideas under $100.
- Spouses and your own children: whatever is normal in your family. New clothes are often the main gift.
If several family members are buying for the same elders, consider one shared gift instead of several small ones.
How to choose Diwali gifts for your family
List everyone you'll see
Include the households you'll visit, so no one is forgotten on the day.
Follow family customs first
If your family has traditions for certain people, those come before any new ideas.
Give elders something useful
Dry fruits, puja items, warm clothes and family photos tend to be welcome.
Plan clothes early
New clothes need time for fitting or exchanges. Give them a few days before Diwali.
Don't forget far-away family
Order local delivery or ship early, and plan a call on Diwali night.
Mistakes to avoid
- Giving a religious item without knowing the family's traditions.
- Forgetting someone in a household you'll visit.
- Giving clothes too late to be worn on Diwali.
- Shipping fresh sweets across the country or abroad.
- Spending far more than other family members on the same person, which can feel awkward.
Other ideas worth considering
Help with preparations
Cleaning, shopping, cooking and decorating before Diwali is a lot of work. Offering a full day of help is a real gift for parents.
Cook the Diwali meal
Take over one dish, or the whole meal, so elders can rest and enjoy the evening.
A family donation
Give to a cause the family cares about, in the name of an elder. See gifts for someone who has everything.
Advice for this decision
Short reads on the questions behind this kind of gift.
Frequently asked questions
What should I give my parents for Diwali?
Dry fruits, a puja thali, a warm shawl, a family photo book or something for the home are all common, welcome gifts. Time together for the puja and meal often matters most.
What do you give in-laws for Diwali?
A hamper, a box of sweets or dry fruits, or brass décor for the home are common choices. If you're new to the family, ask your spouse about any traditions.
What is given on a couple's first Diwali after marriage?
Families often give gifts for the new home and the year ahead, like silver coins, kitchenware, a nameplate, new clothes or sweets. Customs vary by family and region.
How much money should I give kids for Diwali?
It depends on your family. Amounts ending in 1, like $11, $21 or $51, are common because the extra 1 is seen as a blessing.
What can I send to family abroad for Diwali?
Dry fruits, packaged sweets, chocolates, diyas and candles travel well. Check customs rules for food, send early, or order from a shop that delivers locally.