Light up their day with these Diwali gift ideas
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, or the ‘Festival of Lights’ is one of the most significant times of the year for the Hindu, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhist communities. With the largest of celebrations taking place in India, Diwali is a cultural festival celebrated by billions of people worldwide.
While the religious significance of the five-day festival differs across regions and religions, the common theme for all Diwali festivals is that of good overcoming evil, and light overcoming dark.
The festival gets its name from the Sanskrit terms for ‘clay lamps’ (deepa) and ‘row’ (avli), in reference to rows of clay candle lamps left by people outside their homes during the celebrations. Quite like Christmas, Diwali is signified by a multitude of vibrant traditions and celebrations including light-based decorations, feasting, performances, and gift-giving.
The dates of the five-day festival differ each year due to it following the Hindu lunisolar calendar (based on both the sun and moon), with this year’s celebrations taking place on the 21st-26th of October, 2025.
How is Diwali celebrated?
The customs associated with Diwali differ depending on which region you live in, however, the common themes across celebrations are sharing in food and sweets, lighting candles and putting up string lights and other decorations, cleaning and decorating the home, and giving gifts to friends and family. Some cities may even hold light shows and set off fireworks to commemorate the festival. Many people who observe the five-day festival will take time off work to participate in the celebrations.
Is Diwali celebrated in the US?
Diwali is an important time of celebration for many Americans. Additionally, despite its religious and cultural significance, many people outside of India, Hinduism or other associated regions and religions engage in the Diwali celebrations. As such, some US cities and community groups host Diwali-based events to welcome those across the community to join in the vibrant celebrations.
Are gifts given during Diwali?
When people think of Diwali, they’ll typically think of the third day of the festival (known as Diwali or Lakshmi Puja). It’s this day in the five-day festival where families and friends gather to feast on home-cooked meals, indulge in sweets and exchange gifts.
Typical gifts that are given during Diwali include:
- packaged sweets and dried fruits (traditional Indian sweets such Laddoos and Gulab Jamun are popular choices)
- idols of significant deities (examples include Ganesha and Lakshmi)
- candles and lamps (known as diyas)
- gold and silver jewelry
- home décor and,
- new clothes (scarves and other smaller accessories are popular choices).
Plates or baskets of food are also exchanged across the entire five days of festivities to show gratitude and bestow prosperity upon neighbors and loved ones.
Diwali gift ideas for friends, family and loved ones
Whether this is your first or thirtieth time celebrating Diwali, finding the right gifts to show your gratitude for the ones in your life is an important process. While physical gifts exchanged in-person is a meaningful gesture, online gifting alternatives are increasingly becoming popular for their convenience and giftee choosing power.
Prezzee’s eGift Cards are a particularly popular online Diwali gift idea because they can be personalized and sent internationally and US-wide. So no matter how far apart you are, you can send your Diwali sentiments with a Prezzee eGift Card. Be inspired by some popular Diwali gift ideas and their associated gift cards in our gifting guide below.
Adorn them in gold with Quince
On the first day of Diwali (known as Dhanteras) many people purchase gold or silver jewelry for themselves and loved ones. This is because fine jewelry, especially gold, symbolizes wealth, prosperity and good fortune, which all tie in with the overall themes of the Diwali festival. A thoughtful way to gift loved ones a Diwali gift of jewelry is by giving them a gift card to Quince. Whether it’s a simple pair of earrings, a chain necklace, or a precious pendant, this Diwali gift is as thoughtful as it is auspicious.
Bring prosperity to their home with Bed Bath & Beyond
Another popular tradition on the first day of Diwali is the purchasing of silverware and home décor. Similar to gifting jewelry, the giving of new homewares signifies spreading gratitude and well wishes for the year ahead. Knowing what homewares loved ones have and don’t have can be tricky to check in the lead up to the festivities. A gift card to Bed Bath & Beyond ensures they receive a gift of prosperity and choice, so they can select some items that can help them freshen up their home amidst the celebrations.
Have them feeling rejuvenated with a Spa & Wellness Card
The second day of Diwali (known as either Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi) is commonly marked by cleansing and rejuvenation. As such, many people wake early in the morning to bathe, wash their hair, and clean their homes. The Spa and Wellness Card is the perfect way to gift your loved ones time for cleansing and renewal. Redeemable in spas and wellness centers across the US, this unique and thoughtful Diwali gift will have them feeling fresh and well-spirited for the year ahead.
Help them decorate with World Market
Just like other big holidays such as Lunar New Year, Halloween, and Christmas, colorful decorations are a key component of Diwali celebrations. Diwali decorations consist of ornaments, lights, and artistic designs that create a sense of celebration and symbolize the victory of light (good) over dark (evil). Popular decorations include various candles, string lights and light lamps, Toran hangings, and Rangoli designs. If you’re looking for a Diwali gift that can help someone decorate their home in the lead up to Diwali, a gift card to World Market is an ideal choice. With window decorations, candles, tableware and more, this Diwali gift idea is certain to have them in the festive spirit!
Send them a virtual food hamper with Kroger
Across all five days of Diwali, food hampers are commonly exchanged with family, friends, and neighbors to spread joy and celebration. These hampers will typically contain traditional sweets (mithai), dried fruits, savory snacks (namkeen) and other decorative items such as candles. Modern Diwali gift hampers can contain a mix of traditional and modern foods, and can be made personalized to the gift recipient. A great alternative, particularly if you live apart from family members, is a virtual Diwali gift hamper in the form of a gift card to Kroger. This thoughtful gift idea can give your recipient a choice of their favorite traditional snacks, sweets, and home-cooking ingredients, as well as anything else they may need to prepare for in their Diwali celebrations.
Give your loved ones the Diwali gift of choice with Prezzee
On the fourth and fifth days of Diwali celebrations, gifts are given to specific members of the family. The fourth day of Diwali (known as Padwa or Govaedhan Puja) honors the relationship between husband and wife, and an exchange of gifts between partners is a traditional past-time. On the fifth and final day of Diwali (known as Bhai Dooj) siblings celebrate their bond, with brothers giving gifts to their sisters.
Celebrate your partner or sister with a thoughtful Diwali gift from Prezzee. With a Prezzee Smart eGift card, they can choose from hundreds of US brands across retail, travel, fashion, food, experiences, and more. Smart eGift Cards also allow for international gifting, so even if you live apart from family, they can feel your auspicious wishes for them wherever you are.
Give them the gift of choice and wish them a Shubh Deepavali this year with Prezzee!
How to send Diwali gifts online
Prezzee’s eGift Cards are becoming a popular online Diwali gift idea that can ensure your loved ones receive your sentiments, while also having the flexibility to redeem items that can help them celebrate their local Diwali festivities. No matter how far apart you live from your family or friends, they can receive their Diwali gift whenever and wherever you choose.
How to send a Diwali gift card with Prezzee
- Choose the gift card you wish to give your loved one
- Elect the amount you wish to assign to the gift card
- Choose a gift card design and write a personalized message (eg. ‘Shubh Deepavali!’)
- Enter your giftee’s name and email or phone number
- Choose when the gift card will be sent (eg. on Padwa – the fourth day of Diwali)
- Preview and pay for your loved one’s Diwali gift card
FAQs about Diwali gifts
What gifts do you give for Diwali?
Which gifts you choose to give for Diwali depends on which day of the festival you’re celebrating. Across the five days of the festival, food and gift hampers are given to loved ones to spread celebration and auspiciousness. On the fourth day of Diwali, gifts are exchanged between spouses and on the fifth day of Diwali, men give gifts to their sisters.
When is Diwali in the US?
In the US, the first day of Diwali (Dhanteras) commences on the 20th of October and continues until the last day of Diwali (Bhai Dooj) on the 25th of November. The dates of Diwali will change next year as the celebrations are based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Do you bring gifts to a Diwali party?
Yes, it is customary to bring small gifts and food to a Diwali party. Similar to how one might bring gifts to a Christmas gathering, friends and family members exchange items such as snacks, candles, sweets, deities, jewelry, clothing, and other gift items to spread auspiciousness and good fortune. Gift Cards such as Prezzee’s food and fashion eGift Cards are also popular online Diwali gift options for spreading the festivity.
What is a good Diwali gift?
Diwali gift giving is all about spreading good fortune, auspiciousness, and gratitude. When it comes to finding a good Diwali gift, anything that shows your good sentiments is the right gift. Popular options include sweets, candles, and even gift cards that they can use for refreshing their home or wardrobe in preparation for the celebrations.
Why do people give gifts on Diwali?
Across the festival, gifts in the form of candles and food hampers are given to spread celebration and commemorate the success of good over evil. Specific days in Diwali, such as Padwa (the third day of Diwali) or Bhai Dooj (the fourth day of Diwali) signifies the bond between married couples and the bond between brother and sister respectively.
What are some good Diwali messages?
A good Diwali gift message is one that can be auspicious and provide well wishes for your loved ones for the year ahead. Diwali gift messages can be personal (such as for a spouse) or more general for those such as colleagues or neighbors. Remember though to wish them a ‘Shubh Deepavali!’ (‘auspicious Diwali!’), the traditional phrase exchanged between those during the festival.
