15 Best Diwali Gifts in the USA that will Light up your Year
We just wrapped up Navaratri, and you know what’s up next- Diwali! Diwali signifies light triumphing over darkness and is celebrated with fireworks, crackers, and diyas. The best Diwali Gifts in the USA and worldwide hold a special significance in themselves. Though a Hindu festival, other communities like Sikhs and Jains also celebrate Diwali.
In the bid to follow traditions and maintain ties to their homeland, the Indian-American community celebrates Diwali with as much fanfare. Even other nationalities take part in cultural programs and gift box exchanges, signifying just how popular Diwali is no matter where you are celebrating!
Diwali gift ideas in the United States

The festive mood is infectious enough to make anyone want to join in on the fun. Popular US tourist spots like Disneyland and Times Square deck up in vibrant Diwali hues. Revellers get to see colorful lights, sample flavorful Indian snacks, and watch Bollywood performances.
Across the world, workspaces have gone virtual, so have celebrations like weddings and parties. The pandemic might have put a damper on the community-level celebrations, but distributing gifts to one another remains an integral part of Diwali. Back in India, dry fruits, sweets, and diyas are the most commonly gifted items.
Here are some Diwali gift ideas that are apt for Indians and Americans alike.
Metal or clay diya set

Diya sets are the most traditional Diwali gifting idea. The market is flooded with different varieties of diyas. Gift your loved ones with plain clay diyas, decorative clay diyas, diyas with wax, or even traditional brass metal diyas and trendy metal diyas
Decorative lantern with LED

Fresh and innovative, these LED lamps can be used as a decoration around the house daily. You can go for Turkish style lamps, a trendy lamp, or the good ol’ lantern-style lantern lamps.
Lakshmi Ganesha pure silver coin

Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Devi Lakshmi, and God of intelligence, Lord Ganesha, are worshipped during Diwali. Gift a silver coin embossed with both the gods to help your giftee usher in wealth and remove obstacles.
Assortment of Indian sweets

With most of us with a sweet tooth just looking for an opportunity to indulge in sweet treats, Indian sweets as a Diwali Gift is heavenly. Many Indian sweet shops like IGP, Sweet Kadai, and Ferns N Petals ship it anywhere in the US.
Dry fruits and chocolates

A handful of dry fruits a day is said to be extremely beneficial to the heart. Add some dark chocolates to it, and gift some health this Diwali with dry fruits platter or a combo.
Laxmi and Ganesha idols

Why limit to silver coins when you can gift Lakshmi Ganesha idols! There are innumerable varieties of idols that you can choose from –
Decorative aarti diya

No Indian festival or pooja is complete without the aarti. It symbolizes gratitude to the divine by invoking the panchabhutas or the 5 elements of space, wind, fire, water, and earth. Gift an aarti & diya in one plate, or a traditional panchamukhi aarti diya, both of which can be used for daily pooja.
Pooja thali

Another prime and integral part of any pooja ritual, a thaali holding the pooja essentials, can be another great Diwali gift for your near and dear ones. They also come in a few varieties like silver, brass, and stainless steel.
Decorative toran

The first thing that would greet you at the doors of any Indian household is the toran displayed at the frame to attract Goddess Lakshmi. What other occasion would be ideal than Diwali to gift a toran. Choose from a variety of materials like –
Marigold garlands

Hanging marigold gardens around the house at the onset of every festival is a tradition followed in many Indian households as a symbol of auspiciousness. You can gift simple and reusable yellow or orange marigold garlands or pair them with a marigold decorative toran as a Diwali gift.
Diwali rangoli set

Rangoli is yet another thing that goes hand in hand with not just Indian festivals but also a part of everyday routine. Decorative readymade rangolis have become an in-thing now, given the convenience and design. Go for acrylic rangoli sets or rangoli stencils paired with organic and natural colors.
Scented candles and diyas

Like me, if you know someone who wants to partake in Diwali celebrations but without the tradition, gift them with these diya-wannabes – Scented candles and LED diyas, or even sneak in a scented candle in a diya.
Ethnic wear

One thing all my American friends like is traditional Indian clothing. Help them load their wardrobes with ethnic clothes like Banarasi silk saree, Jaipuri salwar kameez for women; Thana silk pavadai set, Chaniya Choli for the girls; Kurta, pyjama and dhoti for boys; and brocade sherwani for men.
Indian jewelry

Indian attire is incomplete without jewelry. Secretly find out your giftee’s taste in Indian jewelry and surprise them with one as a Diwali gift. Indian jewelry also comes in multiple varieties. Choose between them based on sentimental value or the taste in the artwork –
- Imitation jewelry
- Trendy stone
- Gold plated
- Kundan
- Temple jewelry
- Pearl
- Traditional stones
- Faux silk woven jewelry
- Precious stones & metal (I advise you to walk into a store to purchase these or buy from verified and famous jewelers)
Firecrackers
The one aspect that completes Diwali celebrations – Crackers and fireworks. Indian fireworks are rarely available anywhere outside the country, but you can purchase/gift fireworks from these reliable stores across the country –
Note: Each state and county has its own set of rules regarding fireworks. Do your research before buying/gifting fireworks
FAQs
1. What are traditional gifts given during Diwali?
Diwali is the best time for giving gifts, apart from birthdays and anniversaries. You can give traditional gifts like Lakshmi Ganesh idols, rangoli, diyas, wall-hangings, puja thali, etc., to those who celebrate traditionally; Sweets, dry fruits, ethnic clothes, jewelry, accessories, and even gift cards to the others.
2. What do you wear to Diwali parties?
Diwali is one of the most traditional festivals celebrated with pomp and show across India. It is best to wear Indian traditional clothes like sarees, lehengas, pavadais, sherwani, and dhoti. Include Indian accessories like necklaces, bangles, earrings, and finger rings. If you can pull off modern wear or mix it up with traditional wear, go for it!
3. What can I put in a Diwali hamper gift?
Traditional gift baskets include sweets, dry fruits, and other edibles. In addition, you can curate your custom gift hampers like –
- Wine, champagne, and chocolates
- Chocolate fondue set
- Scented candles & bath accessories
- Grooming kit hampers
- DIY Spa essentials
- A traditional curated hamper that includes pooja thaali, garlands, aroma diffusers, etc.
4. How to deliver Diwali sweets in the USA?
Many parcel service providers and mail delivery services ship across the country and even internationally all year round, enabling you to send gifts from anywhere to anywhere.
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