GIFTING 

01 Elephant Bottle Opener

My father enjoys his beer every so often on a balmy Sunday evening, like every retired Army uncle. The bottle openers we had at home, unfortunately, were older than my parent’s marriage. For something more regal and stately to open a pint, this polki (here, white topaz) studded brass bottle opener was a perfect gift. It also makes for a great conversation starter when hosting, when placed at the bar. 

Jaipur is home to some of the most exquisite handcrafted artisanal work and jewellery, and this little piece of modern luxury hailing from the city is worth the price tag. I’d recommend wiping the opener with tissue and storing it in plastic, after use, to prevent tarnishing. In the past, Souk has recommended Elephant napkin rings from the same brand. As you can tell, we’re all fans of their distinct craftsmanship. 

GIFTING

02 Pachisi on Raw Silk Cloth

My cousins and I have grown up playing every board game ever. From Chinese Checkers to Carrom and Scrabble, we’d been around the (play) block. When we had a reunion last summer and wanted to do things a little differently, this cloth-based ancient Indian game— very similar to Ludo—was a natural investment. Bhansali vibes recreated at your very home, it makes for lovely decor splayed out in a corner of your living room as well. Wooden dice and tokens add just that quaint touch to make it a wager for games night! 

GIFTING 

03 Pink Glass Rose

My mother and I are true aesthetes—preferring form over function. Flowers need to be at the dining table and preferably, the coffee table as well, at all times. Alas, fresh flowers wilt and perish, despite every hack known to those with a green thumb. When we found the handblown glass roses at Rustic Horse, we were overjoyed. This recent purchase makes for a great alternative to real flowers and can be displayed individually in a tall vase or in the midst of several white fresh ones for a crystalline pop of blush. If you can afford it—buy a bunch for a luxe floral display that’ll never die. While sturdy in borosilicate glass, they still are breakable though, so we hope they’re not around butter fingers or children for a good ROI.

We suggest scanning the brand’s entire handblown glass flower range for the garden pick of your choice! 

GIFTING

04 Personalised Oak Pencils

Consolidating my mother’s eye for good things, she’s also a talented artist who paints, sketches and draws using every medium under the sun. For my Mum’s last birthday, we put these hand-engraved pencils as a part of her gift bag, which went straight to her art kit for aiding graphite drawing in her handmade-paper sketch books. Engraved with her full name, it’s something she cherishes more than the branded and more expensive gifts that were part of the hamper. 

I recommend this for writers, artists, students and kids. In the era of tacky personalised gifting, Dots and Doodles does a great job of keeping it classy. 

GIFTING 

05 Handcrafted Kaju Katli Earrings 

I first discovered Rainbow Avenue and commissioned the artist for brownie and pancake-shaped magnets for a friend’s birthday. They look adorable on her fridge. My eye then went to this mithai marvel that I just needed to get asap. Everytime I wear them, I get enquiries of whether they’re real or if people can take a bite. I recommend these for having your ear being chewed off, in a flattering way, for the first time. The polymer clay is light and doesn’t weigh your ears down, while the sterling 92.5 silver hooks and wirework ensures it’s valuable and safe for skin. A true keepsake, in my opinion. 

GIFTING 

06 Seasonal greens & Ricotta Pansotti 

Cacio e Pepe is practically a household name in Bombay circles for those who appreciate artisanal pasta. Tired of standing in Bandra lines? Cook some authentic Italiano yourself. This handmade pasta is something my girlfriends and I cook up for a wholesome Sunday lunch. Most of their pastas are healthier by all metrics than anything store bought, and this seasonal herbs and ricotta cheese stuffed pasta goes well mildly-spiced and sauteed in olive oil or butter, or even a fuller dish in a heavier white sauce. It’s also often come to the rescue as an effortless, yet thoughtful housewarming gift to carry. There are choices for with-egg or eggless, while you can request for a gluten-free option. 

For those of you outside Maximum City, grab a pack of their Amaretti, which pairs beautifully with your evening cuppa or served pretty on a platter to guests. The flaky cookie is gluten-free and can also be added to your bag of party favours, for your next do. 

GIFTING 

07 Croissant & Pretzel Fridge Magnet

Sunday House Studio has a great eye for quirky, zillenial decor. I purchased their iridescent coasters for a rainbow-obsessed bestie. Food simulating magnets are all the craze right now with pastries and confections on every gen z and millennial’s fridge. But, French and American pastry like croissants and pretzels? You won’t find this at your local Miniso. The coasters I’d bought are low-maintenance, sturdy and easy to clean. Most importantly, they do actually protect your furniture from glass / mug water rings. While we appreciate the function, these magnets are all ‘form’. Just don’t pop them into your mouth, no matter how lifelike their baked to perfection buttered glaze may look. Expect at least 2 weeks for delivery as these are handmade to order. 

GIFTING 

08 SRK Dard-E-Disco Sticker

Desperately seeking Shah Rukh? I hear you. My die-hard SRK fan received this sticker as part of her birthday bundle.

It’s glossy, fabulous and if you have desi disco deep inside you, you can paste the ‘King of Hearts’ on your wall, your laptop, your wardrobe or mirror. 

Priyanka Paul is one of the Indian internet’s earliest art pioneers. The young artist makes the coolest anti-caste, queer and feminist prints, zines, cards and even puzzles.I recommend this unique fan art for the SRK-ian in your life, or yourself. Also, shoutout to dm2buy that’s doing a killer job with platforming homegrown, independent businesses.