When thoughts count the most
A small gift is always cherished. Eid is certainly for prayers, and the tradition of gift giving evokes tales as old as time. Who's to say ideal gifts are just the traditional new clothes? While that is always a safe option to fall back on, a whole other array of gift options await; slyly hoping to inspire the love of gift giving within you.
No gift is small if given with love. For the elderly in the family a traditional panjabi with minimal but elegant detailing is always a timeless option. If you are looking for a gift worthy of your mother, opt for a classic Jamdani in a subtle hue.
Family and relatives can rejoice at the sight of ornate showpieces, sparkling jewellery and trinkets, elegant watches and vibrant kaftans and abayas. Moreover, cases of fountain pens and thoughtful books are always nice. If you seek the perfect gift for an adventurer, you cannot go wrong with a chic selection of travel accessories.
You can even pique the creatively inclined with a handcrafted present; nothing too extravagant, only a simple paper lantern brightly dispensing light would more than do the trick.
If you choose to give in to flamboyance, however, try out a unique Eid basket. Opt for gourmet Eid bouquets complete with rich chocolate and seasonal fruits. Go the extra mile by gifting a personalised basket with decadent truffle, scented candles and even new clothes and you are sure to win some hearts!
Children would find unparalleled joy in simple yet thoughtful handmade dolls put together with spare fabric and leftover wool. Any kind of toy or just the supplies to make their very own would keep them engaged and heighten their creativity.
Teenagers, however, can be won over any day with anything electronic and Eid is no exception. Wireless gadgets and gaming CDs are all it would take here. You can even look to trendy shirts or casual backpacks for this category.
Now that 'what' is out of the way, the question of 'where' inevitably arises. Benaroshi Palli in Mirpur caters to all things traditional. Be sure to exploit special Eid deals and discounts offered in heaps at high-end stores such as Aarong. On the other hand, a keen eye has to be on the lookout for chic watches or centrepieces.
While the actual gift is endlessly pondered upon, it is the presentation which ultimately seals the deal. An artistic calligraphy writing on an envelope, personalised notes wishing good fortune on Eid, or simply wrapping up a present with an elegant paper and tying a neat, vibrant bow — the possibilities are truly endless.
All that's left now is to just pop over at a friend's or relatives' with a box of exquisite sweets from the local artisanal confectionary and nothing stands between you and the coveted title of being the favourite gift-giver.
Undoubtedly, there's no better time to lose yourself in the fun and frolic of joyous celebrations than on Eid. And it all begins with a humble or extravagant but nonetheless thoughtful Eid gift.
By Ramisa Haque
Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
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