The five days of Diwali are a magical time to celebrate abundance, goodness, and light’s victory over darkness with your loved ones. But what if you’re unable to be with those who matter most to you during the holy festival?
Fortunately, even though you can’t physically be there to light diyas or set off fireworks, you can still give family and friends thoughtful and meaningful gifts from anywhere in the world.
In this piece, we’ll:
- Discuss the importance of Diwali gift-giving traditions
- List 10 Diwali gift ideas, ranging from traditional to modern
- Offer tips to make gift giving from afar memorable
- Show you how sending money can be a modern way to share prosperity
This guide will help you find the perfect present for everyone on your list.
The significance of gifting during Diwali
Diwali gift-giving is one of the major traditions in India.
During the festival of lights, family members and friends gather to eat special meals, spend time with one another, and, of course, exchange presents. Since the holiday—which in 2024 begins October 29—revolves around prosperity, swapping keepsakes of kindness is said to promote good fortune for both the giver and receiver.
The best Diwali gifts make your loved ones feel happy, respected, and special. They’ll appreciate the care you took to choose the right present for them. And that’ll help create a stronger bond—no matter how much physical distance is between you.
5 creative Diwali gift ideas for friends and family abroad
When you can’t celebrate Diwali at home, you have to get creative to enjoy the festivities from abroad. Traditional gifts (which we’ll discuss a little later) may be the right choice for some of your loved ones. However, these Diwali gift ideas for friends are ideal for the favorite people in your life who prefer more modern presents.
1. Personalized Diwali care package
A personalized care package might be the most unique Diwali gift idea because you customize it for the recipient. You have virtually limitless options in curating the perfect box for them.
Depending on their tastes, you may want to include their favorite tea, coffee, or spices, high-quality hair care and beauty products, or a beautiful journal where they can record their Diwali memories.
2. Virtual Diwali experience
If none of these physical Diwali gift ideas seem like the right fit for your family and friends, consider celebrating the holiday with them in real time, online. Video conferencing apps and software make it easy to see and engage with each other. You could play your favorite games or eat a traditional meal together despite not being in the same room (or country).
3. Subscription to cultural content
When you’re a world away, movies, music, and books in your native language can make great Diwali gifts because they can help you or your loved ones feel closer to home. Consider gifting a subscription to cultural content. For example, the streaming company Sling offers on-demand shows and movies in Hindi. Your loved one will think of you every time they log into the service.
4. Customized festival decoration set
Since a clean and aesthetically pleasing space invites goddess Lakshmi into your house, home decor is a popular Diwali gift suggestion.
You can buy pre-made decoration kits that feature several pieces to beautify a house or purchase individual pieces to create your own festive ensemble. Many party supply stores carry Diwali-themed plates, napkins, tablecloths, banners, string lights, garlands, paper lanterns, and more.
5. Long-distance diya lighting
If you’re unsure what gift to give for Diwali, coordinate a simultaneous diya lighting ceremony with your family and friends. Everyone participates at the same time, regardless of time zone, promoting a sense of togetherness. Make the ceremony even more memorable by connecting over a videoconference before, during, and after the event.
Traditional Diwali gifts you can send from afar
You can still send your family and friends classic holiday gifts even if you can’t be physically together for traditional Diwali celebrations this year. Traditional Diwali gift ideas include gold, sweets, puja supplies, and new clothes.
Here’s how you can use modern technology to give time-honored presents this Diwali:
1. Gold and jewelry fund
Many people buy gold on the first day of the holiday, known as Dhanteras. This is said to bring good luck.
You could purchase and ship a gold present to those nearest and dearest to you. However, sending your family and friends money as a Diwali gift may be easier, cheaper, and more direct. They can buy the piece of gold they really want, and you won’t have to worry about anything getting lost in the mail.
2. Sweet treats delivered
No holiday celebration is complete without delicious, gourmet food, so it’s only right that one of our Diwali gift ideas is Indian sweets. You can order traditional treats like peda, soan papdi, and rasgulla online and have them delivered. That way, your family and friends can enjoy the essential flavors of Diwali from anywhere.
3. Puja supplies budget
You may not be able to participate in the holiday’s sacred ritual with your family and friends, but you can help them prepare for it. In Hinduism, a puja is a prayer ritual performed to offer devotional homage and respect to one or more deities, often involving offerings such as flowers, incense, and food.
Our Diwali gift suggestion is to send your loved ones money so they can buy the supplies they need to worship and pray. You could also purchase and ship some of the items required, such as incense, rice, turmeric, oil lamps, or religious idols.
4. E-gift cards for traditional wear
The most important Indian holiday of the year warrants getting dressed up. So, if you’re wondering what gift to give for Diwali, consider sending your favorite people electronic gift cards to purchase new traditional wear. That way, they’ll be able to choose the perfect outfit, shoes, and jewelry to get in the festive spirit.
5. Donation to a temple or charity in their name
If you’re still looking for a unique Diwali gift idea, consider donating money to a temple or favorite charity on behalf of your family and friends. That way, you and your loved ones can extend the holiday spirit to those in need. You may even attract some good karma into your life!
How to make your long-distance Diwali gifts special
Unique Diwali gift ideas are the way to go if you want to be known for giving great presents. Here’s how to make your gift stand out:
- Personalize it. Get your family member or friend a custom piece of jewelry with their name or birthstone. That way, they know it’s just for them.
- Make it. If you’re crafty or have artistic talent, consider making holiday-themed decor to help your recipient prepare their home for Diwali.
- Offer a variety. Send your loved ones a sampler of teas, treats, or spices so they can experience a range of flavors. A sampler also makes a great gift for households with many different tastes.
- Think outside the box. Get creative. For example, you could invite career progression and prosperity (a major Diwali theme) into your recipient’s life by gifting them an online course.
The Indian culture has one of the most interesting gift-giving customs around the world. Embrace the generosity of Diwali by exchanging physical and digital presents.
Sending money for Diwali: A modern twist on an age-old tradition
When you don’t live near your family and friends, deciding on what gifts to give for Diwali can be challenging. Fortunately, a money transfer can be a great way to stay connected, show you care, and celebrate the holiday together.
Here’s why sending money online is both practical and fulfilling:
- It’s more reliable than sending physical coins or bills through the mail.
- It’s fast. Your recipient could get their funds within a few minutes instead of days or weeks.
- It’s convenient. Just a few clicks, and your gift is on its way. (No more spending hours shopping for the perfect present!)
- Your favorite people can get exactly what they want.
- Sending money spreads prosperity, a key Diwali theme.
Celebrate Diwali with Western Union
Sending money via Western Union can help you embrace the Diwali gift-giving tradition no matter where you or your loved ones live. The Western Union® app and online platform are fast, reliable, and convenient. You can:
- Track your gift in real time.
- Rest easy knowing all transactions are encrypted.
- Pay with your bank account, debit card, or credit card.
- Earn rewards when you encourage your friends to try sending money online.
- Enjoy a fee-free first transfer with a competitive exchange rate.
Rather complete your transfer in person? Find a Western Union location nearby to get started.
Happy Diwali! Transfer money this Diwali easily and securely with Western Union.
FAQs
Since Diwali focuses on prosperity and generosity, it’s no wonder exchanging presents is a main part of the celebration. Some popular Diwali gift ideas include gold, jewelry, clothing, sweet treats, home decor, and religious ritual supplies.
If you want to break from tradition but still get in the Diwali spirit, consider transferring money to your loved ones or hosting a virtual party that brings everyone from around the globe together.
To choose thoughtful Diwali gifts for your friends, take a moment to reflect on their personalities, life situations, and interests. Then, consider whether they prefer more traditional presents or more modern expressions of love. Your tech-savvy friend might love a gift certificate to buy a Diwali outfit, for example, while your philanthropically minded friend may really appreciate a donation to their temple.
