DIWALI GIFTING 2022, CALL FOR CUSTOMISATION & MINDFUL SHOPPING
Gifts- giving & receiving is a mark of warmth and acceptance. The custom of gifting goes back to the roots of Indian culture. However, gifting as sentiment has undergone a shift which can be broadly classified into two segments, personal and corporate. “According to my experience and data available personal gifting takes more than 75 per cent, and the rest is corporate or official gifting bracket,” says Preeti Trehan, the owner of Ishatvam, a lifestyle luxury store on MG Road, New Delhi. The store, renowned for its wide range of exquisite quality gifting products for over a decade and a half, has got its work right.
Ishatvam spoils for choices
Since Ishatvam is a passion haven for the owner, customers feel spoilt for choices here – from the handmade, specially curated range for Diwali to its upholstery, cushions, and handmade furniture from various parts of the country to its bronze range can leave the customer mesmerised. “Our signature packing is recognised and is a reaffirmation of the attention we pay to our gift range, and this focus is not limited to budgetary constraints. Gifting, as we are seeing this year, is more mindful. There is a sensibility of gratefulness for those who are celebrating as the world at large has come out of a difficult situation. Most of our clients are cognizant of this fact, which I feel is a positive feeling. Gifts are being chosen with more care and sensitivity; we all know someone who has lost a loved one. So it is not cautious but mindful. Our homes were are safe cocoon for the last two years, and there is immense focus on the beautification of homes – so home accents and art is seeing a great demand at Ishatvam,” adds Preeti.
Corporations have tiered pricing and avoid buying devotional pieces. Individuals prefer devotional, and there is a surge in the purchase of home decor items, especially art. The luxury store houses an art gallery and believes in giving space and exposure to not just renowned artists but also amateur artists, artists with special needs and more. For the fastidious and pernickety buyers, it’s a place to go.
Shabari for customised gifting
Gifting as a personalised item with a varied budget, home-grown artists and curators are doing some fascinating work in Gurugram. Brand Shabari started five years back and has beautiful, affordable and innovative decor and gifting products; designed and manufactured by Gunjan Loomba Babbar, the founder of Shabari. One-stop shop for customised innovation, the lady is obsessed with curating a gift range with everyday usable items, photo designs, logos, hand-painted stuff, home décor, and table tops for personal and corporate gifting. “Colourful user special product is my speciality. The items available at Shabari are not available in the mass market. Every product is personalised to the customer’s need,” Gunjan says with a shine in her eyes.
From dining accents to kitchen décor, hand-painted mirrors to personalised organisers, nameplates, watch boxes, crates, and wine boxes, Gunjan has it already with her personal touch. Shabari products fit into the customer’s request and the occasion of gifting. Packaging being the highlight in gifting, Shabari has its groove right.
When Diwali, one wants to give a new look to the house, the brand has offerings to make-interior designing, theme walls, refurbishing old furniture, styling up nooks and corners of your home or office space by adding elements as per theme and vibe of the owners. Gunjan takes pride in making everything spectacular within the budget available, “that’s a promise we make to our customers and hence we are loved by them and get more with the word of mouth appreciation. Because it’s an affordable brand, the products start from as low as rupees 150/- to 5000/, we are happy to be the favourite with our clients,” shares Gunjan, who took a leap of faith and started an offline store as well in Nirwana Courtyard in Gurugram.
With the advent of digital adoption in all sectors of the economy, it is no surprise that the gifting industry has seen a shift in its trends and preferences. Individuals are shifting away from standard gifting options and toward unique customised gifting concepts that serve as a symbol or gesture of a personal link between the gift recipient and the giver.
