From calories to caring: Festival gifting takes a health-conscious turn

Gone are the days of boring mithai dabbas and dry fruits; gifts are increasingly being curated with an emphasis on wellness that goes with the receiver's personality and lifestyle

For decades, Diwali gifting was synonymous with pyramids of laddoos and boxes of kaju katli. But the past few years have been seeing a slow change as urban consumers — especially millennials and Gen Z — look beyond sugar-laden sweets and mass-produced hampers to wellness-first gifting options.

 

The new gift economy is driven by health consciousness, a preference for artisanal over industrial, and a desire to make gifting more personal than perfunctory. From sugar-free mithais and protein-rich dry fruit hampers to wellness teas and artisanal honey, this year’s festive tables are being reshaped by a blend of indulgence and intention.