Diwali – the festival of lights – is marked in so many interesting ways. There’s a five-day celebration (beginning this year on Saturday 18 October) observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the world, where homes are decorated, candles are lit and families gather to root the year ahead in hope, accompanied by feasts and fun.

Another vital part of Diwali celebrations is gift-giving, a way of saying I wish you prosperity and joy for the year ahead. Usually, those gifts are new clothes or mithai – boxes of south Asian sweets. Increasingly, though, gifts are being chosen with more intention to honour the individual, while also wishing them well.

That doesn’t mean shopping for Diwali gifts has to be hard, time consuming or expensive. There are now options to suit every Diwali gift budget and taste. I’m a beauty and lifestyle journalist with a love for shopping and finding pieces that honour our heritage, support south Asian-owned businesses, and simply bring a little comfort and joy into daily life. Below, you’ll find something thoughtful for everyone in your life this Diwali.

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My favourite Diwali gifts for 2025

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For the beauty and grooming obsessed

Ranavat Royal Trio bestsellers set

£55 at Space NK £55 at Sephora

Fusing ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with her background in pharmaceuticals, Michelle Ranavat’s beauty brand honours her Indian heritage. Everything I’ve tried has been outstanding, including the saffron-infused face oil and silky moisturiser included in this kit.

Fable & Mane Wild About Volume travel set

£32 at Cult Beauty

Created by sibling founders Akash and Nikita Mehta, this Ayurvedic-inspired range reimagines traditional south Asian hair-oiling rituals with elevated and hard-working formulas. This mini kit is the perfect companion for travellers and ideal for gym bags, too.

Pavan henna ritual kit

£45 at Pavan Beauty

Created by Pavan Dhanjal – the queen of henna – this kit transforms the tradition of mehndi into a mindful modern ritual. Inside the kit is a henna cone, alongside thoughtful details – an affirmation card, grounding incense and even a flash tattoo for instant sparkle.

Kulfi Lip Snack glossing balm

£22 at Space NK

This glossy balm keeps lips soft and hydrated all day, with a high-shine finish, subtle tinted hue and a moreish sweet scent. Vegan, cruelty-free and from a south Asian-owned brand, it’s infused with nourishing ingredients and ideal for younger giftees.

DS & Durga Greatest Hits Vol 1

£55 at SpaceNK £55 at Liberty

Founded by an Indian-American duo, the cult perfume brand blends storytelling, genderless scent and Brooklyn cool. This bestsellers set includes six trial-size perfumes, from citrusy I Don’t Know What to sandalwood-rich Radio Bombay. A playful yet practical way to discover a new signature fragrance for the year ahead.

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For the foodies

Chai by Mira golden chai

£9.75 at Delli

Born in author Mira Manek’s family kitchen, this aromatic chai is a blend of soothing spices – including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and anti-inflammatory turmeric – and is lightly sweetened with coconut sugar. Comforting, nostalgic and perfect for winding down post festivities.

Jikoni gift vouchers

From £25 at Jikoni

Ravinder Bhogal’s cult London restaurant Jikoni is a gift that lasts far beyond the final bite. Its menu draws on flavours from Asia, the Middle East, east Africa and Britain, and a voucher here is perfect for food lovers or anyone who values experiences over things. Don’t leave without trying the banana cake for pudding – it’s unforgettable.

Vegetables by Camellia Panjabi

£36 at the Guardian Bookshop £29.62 at Amazon

Celebrate the richness and depth of Indian vegetarian cooking with this book by acclaimed author Camellia Panjabi, credited with bringing regional Indian cuisine to the global stage. Its pages are filled with timeless, flavourful recipes.

Hummingbird Bakery Diwali cupcakes

£25 for six at Hummingbird Bakery

As delicious as mithai is (and it really is …), most of us have more boxes than we can count by the end of Diwali. Hummingbird Bakery’s colourful cupcakes are a playful way to mix things up, while still keeping the spirit of celebration.

Charbonnel et Walker whisky truffles

£19 at John Lewis £19.99 at Selfridges

Silky chocolate shells, lightly dusted with cocoa powder, give way to a rich, whisky-laced centre that provides a lovely, lingering warmth. A decadent gift for anyone who enjoys sweets with a spirited twist – and perfect for that uncle who enjoys a tipple.

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For the homebodies

Lladró Lord Ganesha candle

£50 at Lladro £50 at Amazon

Symbolic and beautiful, this decadent candle comes topped with a porcelain lid delicately etched with an image of Lord Ganesha. Its fragrance – a soft blend of bergamot, tuberose, sandalwood and musk – brings calm and warmth into any home.

Smythson Camelia thank you notelets

£32 at Smythson

These beautifully crafted notecards make handwritten messages feel considered and timeless. The perfect finishing touch after Diwali visits – or any gesture worth savouring.

Sachi Skin States of Change AM/PM journal

£22 at Sachi Skin

Created by Sachi Skin’s founder, Farah Bashir, this diary is a six-month guide to infusing your day with gratitude, mindfulness and personal growth. With simple prompts for morning and evening reflection, its much-needed guidance helps you slow down, focus and reset.

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For the fashion fans

Apsley & Heron name necklaces

£37.95 at Apsley & Heron

Name necklaces in Sarah or Jane are easy enough to find – Priya or Divia, less so. These personalised silver necklaces let you celebrate your name in a variety of languages and scripts, from Hindi and Punjabi to Bengali and Tamil. Chic and meaningful.

The Sardar Co turban

From £8.40 at the Sardar Co

This family-run brand is rooted in the experience of growing up Sikh in the UK. What once felt like otherness has become a source of pride, independence and identity, woven through everything they create. From turbans that honour tradition to considered beard care, the brand celebrates the individuality of Sikh culture.

Lush Golden Glow knot wrap

£7 at Lush

This limited-edition knot wrap was designed by Bengaluru-based artist Muhammed Sajid to capture the glorious glow of Diwali nights. Made from organic cotton, these reusable wraps are a sustainable alternative to wrapping paper, but could also be used as a colourful scarf.

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Anita Bhagwandas is a journalist, beauty editor and author obsessed with finding products that actually do what they promise. She comes from south Asian heritage and grew up in south Wales, is the author of Ugly: Why The World Became Beauty Obsessed and How To Break Free and writes the beauty culture newsletter the Powder Room