What would you like as a gift from India?

[DiwaliQueen]

Im going back to the motherland for a holiday and I would like to buy a gift for a dear English friend I have made. She is the sweetest friend ever.

She is very stylish and elegant- think country chic, in her 50's, would it be too much to get her a sari?!

Maybe some jewellery or a shawl? I dont know! What would you like?

When I visited India I brought back spices - pepper, cinnamon etc, also tea. I personally wouldn’t wear a sari, jewellery would be nice. I’m sure she would appreciate the thought behind any gift.

Sari fabric perhaps - I’ve repurposed more than one sari length as window drapes. If you are in the north, some miniature art?

Maybe not a sari. I think many people would feel that it would be cultural appropriation to wear a sari if they don't have Indian heritage. Jewellery or a shawl sound lovely. Maybe something for the house? Cushions or a bedspread?

Spices!!!

I'm going to north India soon, what is the miniature art you talk about?

Things I have or have had from India that I love; sari, silk shawls, silk cushion covers, gorgeous woven patterned bedspread (cotton and still going strong after 40 years!), Buddha art and statuary, earrings.

I bought back silk cashmere scarves from Jodphur for friends. And I bought myself 2 bed coverings

Thank you for the ideas! I didnt even think about spices!

I love the idea of something for the home- s Rajasthani bedspread!

A carved (indian carving) wooden trinket box? Does she like cooking indian food- a small steel spice tin? But I do think a shawl would be a really good gift.

My in-laws are Indian and whenever I see them I get a sari. Now I love saris, I think they're beautiful but the fact is I never wear them. I would feel very out of place wearing a sari as a white woman in the UK. The only time I could possibly imagine wearing one is if we went to an Indian party. However, despite being married to an Indian man I've never been to an Indian party in the UK! As a result I have about ten really beautiful saris sitting unworn in my cupboard. So I would say maybe don't get a sari.
The gifts I've received from India which I really love are several table cloths, some scarves, some beautiful hand painted pictures (painted on to silk), wooden pictures - the colours are made of different types of wood. Some lovely jewellery boxes including a very ornate sandalwood box. There are so many wonderful things you can bring from India.

When I was in Udaipur there were lots of artists studios painting/selling it. It’s traditional to the area. https://gaatha.com/minitature-painting-udaipur/

My first thought was saffron. I don't know what the customs restrictions are for bringing spices back, but check. If she cooks, that would be my preferred gift too. A silk or cashmere scarf would be nice too.

I think a sari would be wasted. Unless she knew how to wear it and actually had somewhere to wear it- it would end up siting in a cupboard being wasted!

Not a sari as it’s a bit sad to own something so beautiful but not be able to wear it without feeling silly (and an Wnglishwoman in a sari does look silly.)

But you’re on the right track! Indian fabrics are stunning, get some shawls or a bed throw or a rug etc. Or maybe some art I have a lovely ebony sculpture from Sri Lanka and regret not buying more.

Alphonso mangoes, the best fruit in the world. 😋

DS went to Nepal and brought back cashmere shawls and scarves. I wear mine all the time and borrow a plain one he bought for himselfas it is kitten soft. If they sell similar in India, I think that would be the most amazing present.

Cashews, scarf, wooden trinket box

Cultural appropriation is a silly concept - if you like something, wear it. Do Indian women look silly wearing dresses from M&S? Of course not!

That said, I would probably buy an elegant friend a beautiful shawl rather than a sari.

Even if I couldn't wear it I would adore a sari.
Next best thing would be a shawl or scarf.
Does your friend sew? Some fabric would be a fantastic gift for craft.

Shawl, scarf, soft furnishings like cushions or a bed spread, a jewellery box, jewellery, a painting or another craft item, definitely the mangoes if that's allowed!

Wooden carvings
incense
cushion covers
more incense
smallish art for the walls
indian print fabrics?
or if in doubt, even more incense.

Jewellery! Beautiful sparkly earrings please

Black pepper. Other spices. W e bought gorgeous paintings too.

Silk/cashmere shawl or scarf
Incense sticks
Tea

some lovely handprinted fabric - maybe a cotton light dressing gown in a beautiful handprinted pattern.

Bedding! This is what I get on trips.