The perfect gift guide for festivals, weddings and corporate events

Gifting is an age-old tradition practiced across cultures and societies. Whether it's a religious festival, a family wedding, or a corporate gathering, the act of giving gifts is deeply symbolic. It conveys appreciation, builds relationships, and reinforces social bonds. Over time, gift-giving has evolved from simple, handcrafted tokens to carefully curated packages reflecting personal tastes, corporate branding, or cultural values.

In today's interconnected world, where celebrations have become more elaborate and diverse, choosing the right gift can be both exciting and challenging. Festivals like Diwali, Christmas, Eid, and Lunar New Year, weddings with varying rituals and customs, and formal corporate events each require thoughtful planning to select appropriate, respectful, and memorable gifts.

Why Gifting Matters in Modern Society

Emotional Connection

Gifts often carry emotional significance. In family and personal events like weddings and religious festivals, they symbolize blessings, love, and goodwill. They help maintain relationships by showing appreciation and shared joy.

Professional Etiquette

In corporate settings, gifts play a role in building brand loyalty, improving employee morale, and maintaining long-term business relationships. Corporate gifting has become a strategic practice in employee recognition programs, client retention efforts, and brand promotion campaigns.

Cultural Expectations

In many cultures, not bringing a gift to a significant event can be seen as disrespectful or inconsiderate. Understanding the etiquette of gifting is essential to ensure appropriateness and avoid cultural faux pas.

Economic and Social Impact

The gift industry fuels a substantial portion of the retail sector globally. It supports a wide range of businesses—from local artisans and SMEs to large e-commerce platforms—boosting economic activity during festive and wedding seasons.

Recent Trends and Developments in Gifting (2024–2025)

The gifting landscape has seen noticeable changes over the past year, driven by shifts in consumer behavior, digital technology, and sustainability concerns.

1. Rise of Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Gifts

With growing environmental awareness, many consumers now prefer gifts that are sustainable, biodegradable, or reusable. In 2024, over 40% of online gift retailers in India and Europe introduced “green gifting” options—like bamboo products, seed paper stationery, and organic skincare kits.

2. Personalization and Customization

Customized gifts continue to be in demand. From engraved pens and monogrammed towels to photo albums and bespoke hampers, people increasingly seek gifts that carry personal meaning. This trend has seen a sharp uptick in weddings and anniversary events.

3. Digital and E-Gifting

Virtual gifts such as e-vouchers, digital greeting cards, online course subscriptions, and music streaming services gained popularity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and remain widely used today for corporate and remote gifting scenarios.

4. Health and Wellness Themes

Amid growing health consciousness, gifts like fitness trackers, spa vouchers, herbal tea sets, and wellness hampers are being incorporated into both personal and corporate events. This trend has remained strong in 2025, especially around New Year celebrations and employee recognition days.

5. Local and Artisanal Gifts

Supporting local businesses and artisans is another rising trend. Handcrafted products like terracotta wares, handloom textiles, and regional delicacies are now popular gift items during festivals and weddings, particularly in culturally rooted events.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations

Gifting practices, especially in corporate settings, are often subject to policies, tax regulations, and ethical guidelines. Here are key regulations that apply in many countries:

Income Tax Laws

India: Gifts received by an individual exceeding ₹50,000 in a year may be taxable under the Income Tax Act, unless received on certain occasions like marriage.

USA: The IRS mandates gift tax reporting if the value of a gift exceeds $17,000 per recipient (as of 2024).

UK: Gifts may be subject to Inheritance Tax if the giver dies within 7 years of giving a large gift, under HMRC rules.

Corporate Compliance

Companies must follow anti-bribery and corruption laws to ensure corporate gifts are not misconstrued as bribes. For example:

FCPA (U.S.): The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act restricts U.S. companies from offering gifts to foreign officials.

UK Bribery Act: Prohibits improper business inducements through lavish gifts or entertainment.

GST and VAT Policies

Businesses offering gifts to clients or employees may need to report them for GST/VAT input tax credit purposes. For example:

In India, if the gift exceeds ₹5,000 per employee per year, it may attract GST.

In the EU, corporate gifts above a certain threshold require VAT compliance.

Import/Export Regulations

If gifting involves cross-border exchange, import restrictions, customs duties, and labeling regulations may apply. Always verify whether the item is permissible in the recipient’s country.

Useful Tools and Resources for Smart Gifting

Planning and organizing gifts can be simplified using modern tools and services. Here's a list of helpful resources to consider:

Gifting Platforms and Apps

Ferns N Petals / IGP / Archies Online – For festival and wedding gifting in India.

Giftagram – A curated gifting platform used widely in North America for corporate gifting.

Etsy – Ideal for discovering handcrafted and local artisan products.

Budget and Planning Tools

Google Sheets or Excel Gift Trackers – Helps manage guest lists, gift types, budgets, and purchase statuses.

Trello / Notion Gift Boards – Organize your gifting ideas and progress visually with timelines and priorities.

Corporate Gifting Services

SwagUp, SnackNation, and Zest – Provide customizable gift boxes tailored for remote teams and corporate partners.

Amazon Business Gifting – Offers bulk purchase tools, invoicing options, and employee gifting features.

Customization Tools

Canva / Adobe Express – Create personalized gift tags, cards, and packaging labels.

Printo / VistaPrint – For physical printing of custom notebooks, mugs, t-shirts, and more.

Eco-Friendly and Local Directories

GreenPeople.org, BuyEcoGreen – Directories for sustainable gift options.

Kraftly / Okhai / Auroville – Indian platforms that promote artisan-made, eco-conscious gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes a gift appropriate for corporate events?

An appropriate corporate gift is professional, non-offensive, modest in value, and ideally branded subtly. It should reflect the company's values and avoid personal items unless there is a close relationship.

How much should I spend on a wedding or festival gift?

There’s no fixed rule, but the gift should match the closeness of your relationship and cultural expectations. In India, for instance, a cash gift of ₹1,001–₹5,001 is common for close relatives. In Western countries, gifting household items or registry contributions around $50–$200 is typical.

Can gifts be tax-deductible for businesses?

In many countries, small-value corporate gifts may be partially or fully deductible as business expenses, but they must comply with tax authority limits. For example, in the U.S., only up to $25 per recipient per year may be deductible under IRS guidelines.

Are digital gifts acceptable for traditional events?

Yes, digital gifts like e-vouchers, charitable donations, or online experiences are increasingly accepted, especially among younger or tech-savvy recipients. However, for traditional or religious events, physical gifts might still be preferred by older generations.

How can I ensure the gift is culturally appropriate?

Do some research on the recipient’s cultural background. Avoid gifts that carry negative connotations (e.g., clocks or sharp items in Chinese culture). When unsure, neutral and universal items like sweets, gift hampers, or home décor are generally safe.

Conclusion

Gift-giving remains an essential part of human interaction, evolving with time, technology, and social values. Whether it’s for a festival that unites families, a wedding that marks a new journey, or a corporate event that strengthens professional bonds, the right gift can leave a lasting impression.

By staying informed about recent trends, understanding legal boundaries, and using helpful tools, individuals and businesses can plan thoughtful and impactful gifts that are appropriate, meaningful, and memorable.