Let’s be real for a moment—choosing Diwali gifts for your employees may seem like a fun task… until it’s not fun.
Initially, you’re excited. You imagine colourful hampers, twinkling diyas, and the warm, soft feeling people will get when they open your gift. But then, between “is this too boring?” and “can we afford this for 180 people?”, the stress sets in.
I’ve been there. Most of us who have planned Diwali gifts for a company know that while it may sound like a simple box of sweets or a gift card, it’s so much more than that. It’s about how your people are perceived. It’s about how you say, “you matter” without a speech or a townhall.
So, this isn’t a pretentious “how to” post. It’s a real post. With ideas, mistakes and the kind of things you only learn after years of receiving corporate Diwali gifts… almost right.
1. Understand Your Workers’ Real Preferences
Before you order 200 identical hampers with four kinds of sweets that no one eats, pause and ask: What do our people really want?
Because here’s the thing—what’s perfect for one team might seem redundant to another.
Factory workers? Something they can use at home. A mixer grinder, a steel tiffin set, even a good quality bedsheet sounds good.
Office people? Think a nice desk organizer, wellness kit, or a self-care hamper. We once gave essential oil diffusers to our admin team and believe me, they loved it.
Remote workers? They’re out of sight, but definitely not out of heart. Don’t forget to make their experience just as special. Give something direct—like a gift card with a sweet note or a personalized package.
Also, don’t assume everyone celebrates Diwali the same way—or at all. Keep the packaging festive but inclusive, and avoid religious symbols unless you’re absolutely sure it’s appropriate.
And don’t forget age. A 25-year-old might like a coffee-making kit or tech gadgets. An older person might like something useful around the house or a sweet treat worth sharing with the family.
True advice: Do a small anonymous survey. Ask what kinds of gifts people like to receive. It might surprise you.
2. Budgeting Might Not Be Fun, But It’ll Save You Headaches
Nobody wants to talk numbers, but you have to. If you don’t plan, Diwali gifts can add up to a lot of cost.
I once worked with a company that started at ₹800 per person and ended up spending ₹1,400 per person. Why? They loved a fancy hamper… then had to buy it for 200 people. Do the math.
Break it down like this:
- How many people are you gifting?
- Will all teams get the same gift, or will it be at different levels?
- Are you including packaging, delivery and greeting cards in the cost?
A rough guide (completely flexible):
₹500–₹800: General employee
₹1,000–₹1,500: Mid-level or permanent staff team
₹2,000+: Senior level or high performers
Remember—it’s not about how much you spend. It’s about how thoughtful it feels.
3. Personalized or Generic? Depends on the Situation
Personalized gifts sound great. But if you’re ordering hundreds, you’ll need to seriously plan.
We once gave out custom mugs with everyone’s name and a funny line based on their personality (“Chai ke Bina Kaam Nahi Hota – Rajesh”). It was very successful—but only because we had a small team and the time to make it happen.
So, here’s the reality:
Choose personalized gifts if:
- You have a small team
- You’re recognizing individual efforts or anniversaries
- You want to stand out from the norm
Choose generic but meaningful gifts if:
- You have a large workforce
- You’re short on time
- You want fairness and simplicity
Both of these things can seem thoughtful when done right. It’s not a competition.
4. Tried-and-Tested Diwali Gift Categories That Actually Work
Well, let’s make it simple. Here are some useful tips that usually work:
Useful gifts
Things that people can actually use.
- Mixer grinders
- Steel lunch boxes
- Bedsheets or organisers
Festival gifts
Classic for a reason.
- Dry fruits and sweets hampers
- Chocolates and snacks combos
Self-care
Because who doesn’t love to be pampered?
- Skincare kits
- Aromatherapy or essential oils
- Yoga mats, fitness accessories
Gift cards
Really? A safe and appreciated option.
- Flipkart, Amazon, Big Bazaar
- Can be used as per your choice
Apparel and accessories
Opt for safe, neutral options.
- Sarees, kurtas, shirts
- Watches or wallets
Eco-friendly options
They are thoughtful and responsible.
- Indoor plant kits
- Bamboo items
- Reusable shopping bags
5. Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Let me just say this: no one wants a pen with your logo on it. Absolutely not.
Here are some more gift-giving crimes we should avoid:
- Branded overkill: Your employees are not billboards.
- Religious mistakes: Be sensitive to diversity.
- Same thing every year: Repeated gift-giving = lazy effect.
- Thoughtless gifts: A plastic box with stale laddoos? Absolutely not.
6. How It’s Wrapped Really Does Matter
Do you remember the feeling when you receive a beautifully packaged gift with a handwritten note?
Yes, absolutely.
Good packaging makes even a simple gift look premium. Choose Diwali-themed packaging (or eco-friendly packaging if you prefer). Even a small note “Thank you for being a part of our journey” goes a long way.
Especially if you are sending gifts to those who work remotely—make sure they arrive safely and on time. Broken gifts don’t say “we care.”
7. Start Early or Prepare for Chaos
Every year, someone says, “We still have time.”
Spoiler: You don’t.
Planning takes longer than you think—especially if you’re customizing, sourcing from multiple vendors, or dealing with courier companies during peak festive season.
Here’s a short timeline to keep things organized:
- 5 weeks before Diwali: Finalize inventory, budget, and survey priorities
- 4 weeks before: Place orders and confirm packaging
- 2-3 weeks before: Start distributing or shipping
- Last week: Fix any last-minute delivery snags
Also, if your company has multiple offices, coordinate with team leads well in advance.
In the End… It’s Really Just About Gratitude
A great Diwali gift doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.
It just needs to feel genuine.
Your employees aren’t expecting a gold coin or an Apple Watch. (OK, maybe some are) But they do expect something that says, “I’m more than just an employee to you.”
That’s what a good gift does—it builds connection. It reminds people that behind all the emails, KPIs, and office meetings, there are humans on both sides.
So, choose a gift that says something meaningful. Or at least, don’t choose a gift that says nothing.