There are people who glide through life remembering every birthday, anniversary and important occasion, with beautifully wrapped presents tucked away in a cupboard weeks in advance. And then there are the rest of us, who suddenly realise Diwali is just around the corner and have approximately forty-seven other things to do before the weekend. Fortunately, being a little late to the gift-buying party doesn't mean your present has to look like you grabbed it from a petrol station on the way over.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for celebration, generosity, family, friends and, rather gloriously, plenty of delicious food. Giving gifts and sharing sweets are lovely parts of the festivities, and while a beautifully chosen present is always appreciated, it's the thought and warmth behind it that really matter. So whether you're visiting friends, celebrating with family, thanking a wonderful neighbour or sending something to somebody you won't get to see, here are a few ways to make a last-minute Diwali gift feel anything but last-minute.
There's a reason sweets are such an important part of Diwali celebrations. Traditional Indian mithai, from beautifully decorated barfi and rich, nutty ladoo to delicate kaju katli, are made for sharing, offering to guests and giving as gifts. A gorgeous box from a good Indian sweet shop is difficult to beat, particularly if you know which varieties your recipient loves. And if you don't, asking the person behind the counter for a mixed selection is a very pleasant way to become considerably more knowledgeable about Indian sweets while resisting the temptation to eat your purchases on the journey home.
You don't have to stick exclusively to traditional mithai, though. Good chocolates, beautifully made biscuits, luxurious dates and other sweet treats can sit happily alongside traditional favourites, especially when you're buying for someone who enjoys trying something different. A box of rich chocolate brownies makes a lovely addition to the Diwali table, particularly if there are plenty of people gathered around to share them, although you may want to check whether your recipient eats eggs or follows any other dietary restrictions before choosing.
One of the nicest things about giving a present is choosing something the other person would enjoy but might never quite justify buying for themselves. It needn't be expensive, either. Beautifully packaged tea, really good coffee, a selection of unusual chocolates or a small box of handmade sweets can feel wonderfully indulgent, particularly when you've chosen something that suits the person rather than simply buying the biggest hamper you can afford.
For somebody who loves entertaining, a pretty serving dish or a lovely set of cups might be just the thing, while a thoughtful collection of festive treats is perfect for someone who has already spent the week preparing enough food to feed an entire neighbourhood. If you're invited to a Diwali gathering, bringing something everyone can enjoy is a particularly nice gesture, and it has the additional advantage of not requiring your host to find somewhere permanent to display yet another decorative object.
Of course, not everyone can celebrate together. Families and friends are scattered across the country, work and life get in the way, and sometimes the people you'd most like to sit down and share something delicious with are several hundred miles away. Sending a little parcel of festive treats is a lovely way of saying you're thinking of them, especially if you add a personal message rather than relying on the packaging to do all the talking.
If you're ordering a last-minute Diwali gift online in the UK, the practical details matter just as much as what's inside. Check the retailer's dispatch and delivery information before ordering, particularly if you need the gift to arrive before a specific celebration. Think about whether the recipient will be home, whether the food needs refrigeration and whether it comes ready to give. There's nothing especially festive about somebody having to hunt through a cupboard for wrapping paper while the guests are arriving.
This is one of the reasons we've made our own Diwali brownie gifts ready-wrapped. You can send them directly to someone you love or have them delivered to yourself to take along to a celebration, and we've included an egg-free option too. We rather like the idea of a box of properly fudgy brownies finding its way onto a table already laden with wonderful Diwali sweets, waiting for someone to announce that they're absolutely full before immediately helping themselves to another.
It's tempting to believe that the amount of time you've spent shopping is somehow reflected in how much somebody enjoys their present, but fortunately the two things have very little to do with each other. A gift chosen in five minutes can be far more thoughtful than one you've agonised over for three weeks, provided you've actually considered the person receiving it. Their favourite foods, whether they have children to share with, what they enjoy doing, and even whether they'd appreciate something practical rather than decorative are all worth thinking about before you click buy.
And don't underestimate a proper message. Not a hastily typed "Happy Diwali!" followed by seventeen emojis, although there's certainly a time and place for that, but a few words telling somebody you're thinking of them, wishing them happiness and looking forward to seeing them soon. It's such a small thing, yet it can turn an ordinary parcel into something genuinely personal.
So if Diwali has rather crept up on you this year, there's still every chance of finding something lovely. Choose something delicious, make it personal and check the delivery dates before you order. Nobody needs to know you've only just remembered.
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