What Gifts To Take To India?
- Thread starter Aidan
- Start date
jnorth88
Active Member
Are they native Indians? Do they travel to the US frequently? Maybe there are some favorites you could pick up, or some cheaper electronics. I like the idea of china. I think it also depends on your budget. If you are willing to spend a lot, I would recommend a cedar chest, especially if you put some branding on it for their names.
perfectguy
New Member
I think it depends on the area or place you are going to visit.Because I can't say about it.I think you should first know something about the place and know everything about the people living there and about their living conditions and then it would be pretty easier for you take something for them. But I think that you can take anything for them they will appreciate it because the most important is that you gave him from wholeheartedly.
briannagodess
Well-Known Member
Hello, @Aidan! Welcome to the forum!
Here are some gift ideas for newlyweds in India:
Here are some gift ideas for newlyweds in India:
- Money - This is your safest option. In some cultures, this is also the only acceptable gift for non-immediate family members. So for cousins or friends, they can only give monetary gifts to the newlyweds. You just have to put the money in an envelope and put your dedication. Aside from that, make sure the amount ends in an odd number, specifically 1. So for example, Rs. 1,001 or Rs. 2,0001. It can also end in 16, as this is the ultimate lucky number, so Rs. 1,116 is acceptable as well. When it comes to the amount, it's totally up to you. You can give Rs. 1,001 or even up to Rs. 10,001. The money can help the couple save up for their new life or buy some home items according to their tastes.
- Bed Sheets and Pillow Sheets - If you're close to the couple, you might have a sense of their styles or tastes. Then, you could gift them bed sheets or pillow sheets that are suitable to their likes. I think with bed sheets, as long as it's simple, it can work for any house. Besides, they're starting a new life and chances are, they won't have too many of these during the time of the wedding.
- Kitchen Electronics - Items like microwaves, oven toasters, coffee makers and juicers can be really useful for the couple. It helps if they have some kind of registry so you'd know if these items are bought already. However, wedding registries aren't that popular in the country. If you're particularly close to the couple, you can ask them if they have these items already. Or you can opt to buy less bought electronics like a pancake pen (make pancakes with designs easily), large fruit slicer (can slice large fruits such as watermelons, melons and jackfruits) or spreadTHAT (a butter slicer that instantly warms up the butter so it can be spread easily within seconds).
- Religious Items - Idols or posters of Ganesh (new beginnings) or Lakshmi (prosperity) would definitely bring some luck to the couple. For the very devout couple, you can give them items to help them when they're doing poojas. These items could be a pooja thali, incense sticks holder or a stand for aarti. You can also gift them paintings with religious themes which make for great decorative pieces.
- Lamps or Lanterns - Again, it's better if you know the taste of the couple when it comes to decors. But lamps and lanterns are great gifts since Hindus have a symbolism for light. Daily worship begins with lighting a lamp, so do social functions or religious functions. The light signifies knowledge, that without it, you cannot see clearly or think clearly. Hence, gifting a couple with a uniquely designed lamp or lantern can be appropriate as well. On a related note, candles or even candle holders are in this category.
- Household Electronics - Items like iPhone docks, music players, mini-speakers and wireless telephones can also be great gifts. Think of something unique that can be useful. There's this fridge magnet that can receive calls, play music and make phone calls. Or maybe the self-watering pot that you can even connect to your mobile phone so you'd know when to fill the pot with water again.
rz3300
Member
Well to be completely honest I had no idea that in some cultures it was only acceptable for non-family members to give money. I guess it just goes to show you how in touch with other cultures I am. I think that it also shows the importance of doing your research before you travel anywhere. It is important to know as much as you can about the place you are going, and so for that I say thank you for sharing.
GammaRay
Member
Where are you coming from? I think something classy from your hometown will be appreciated. Porcelain or China with cultural design gives it a nice touch. Appliances like coffee makers, juicers etc. is a good choice as well even though it's typical, newlyweds always need more kitchen appliances. If you're really running out of ideas here then money has never led anyone astray, put it in a nice envelop and it will be appreciated.
djtravels
Member
So what did you take as a gift?I am going to attend a wedding during my visit in India and I was wondering what king of presents I should buy for the hosts. Any ideas would be really appreciated. Thanks
Generally, souvenirs work great. For example, when I went to Amsterdam, I brought back simple windmills, which I gifted to my friends. Believe it or not, they "showed" the souvenir off as if it had been found by Lara Croft in some amazing tomb or something. Indians love to brag about souvenirs, so any conversation piece would be a great gift.
Blue Betta
New Member
Something else that does bear mention is that, when wrapping or presenting the gifts, red or gold is a good choice for paper. White is generally associated with widowhood or death, while red or gold are associated with prosperity and success. If you are giving money, you can present it in a red envelope. And don't be afraid of the Hindu swastika! It is a symbol of good luck and is often displayed at weddings
arunava basu
New Member
Take something exclusive that is not easily available in India. Indians are fond of exquisite gifts, not expensive ones. so go with something that is deemed unique and becomes a hit in the neighborhood because that is where your gift is going to be evaluated!!!!!
Alexandoy
Member
This may be a segue way but I also want to know what gifts to bring for acquaintances. In our first years of travel, I bring t-shirts and other souvenir items from our country that I give to whoever we think deserve like the hotel concierge who is very accommodating. But now I bring a special kind of cashew nuts. I am really ignorant of India so I also ask this just to be sure. This cashew is not roasted and it has a creamy taste which is so nice to eat.
iamawriter
Member
@Alexandoy We have cashew nuts growing abundantly here in India. In fact we export them. You could perhaps get chocolates. I do not think there is anyone who would not get a smile on their face if you gifted them chocolates. Souvenirs from your country is also a good idea.
D Lee
New Member
Apart from chocolate, any other beverages or preservable snacks one might think of bringing along? The likes of Turkish-Delight and a few cookies?? I'm quite sure they will impress others, right @iamawriter ?
iamawriter
Member
Turkish delight would also be welcome. I tried to make them but there is precision there, for it to be a success. My second name is impatience and so I can never be successful with such delights although I am known to be a good cook.
Image source: Wikimedia commons
I hope this is what you mean by Turkish Delight
iamawriter
Member
Just a clarification. Those that you see in the picture are not mine. I got it from the Net. I did try once but failed miserably. One needs a lot of patience for making these. I do take your compliment about me being a good cook as I am successful in other areas. So do not forget those Turkish delights. They are most welcome (lol)
