Still looking for that perfect gift? We suggest ditching the mainstream market and looking into what India’s homegrown makers have to offer. After all, it is where you will find the most unique and personalised finds. Be it small batch chilli oils, folk-art inspired toys or textile offcuts being turned into bags, here is our list for the gifting season ahead.
The rosewood palette and coasters at AxWC Objects
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Rosewood palettes @ AxWC Objects
Co-founded by architect-designer Neeti Marji (of wooden lifestyle brand, Woodcocktails) and Ankit Yogi of Overseas Traders (woodmaking specialists), the brand is known to turn factory offcuts into design-forward objects. “We work with four-five different species of wood, allowing every wood to express its grain, colour, and true character,” says Neeti, adding that the brand based in Hubli-Dharwad sources timber responsibly through Karnataka Forest Department auctions (the Forest department auctions dead and fallen trees). Her picks for the holiday season are the rosewood coasters (₹899 for a pair) made from premium Dalbergia latifolia, a durable hardwood known for its unique grain patterns and deep, natural hues. Another option is the rosewood art palette (₹399) crafted with the same wood variant and finished with a food-safe, wax-based coating that offers a smooth surface for paint mixing.
The Madhubani and Kalighat wooden puzzle block set at Gubbachhi
Art-inspired play @ Gubbachhi
Introducing children to India’s rich repository of art, heritage, wildlife, folklore, architecture, and festivals is at the core of Gubbachhi. The brand specialising in toys was founded by husband-wife duo Abhijith and Pallavi Shetty, both first-time entrepreneurs who have had careers in advertising and marketing. “Almost all of our products have an India theme/inspiration. Even the names of the toys are in Indian regional languages, and the brand name means ‘sparrow’ in Kannada),” says Abhijith. Gubbachhi’s current offerings include stackers, soft toys, puzzles and pretend play toys. “Our bestsellers are the Folk Art Series featuring wooden puzzle blocks, the Kutumba set of family dolls, and a rangoli puzzle set.” Latest launches include a Panchatantra-inspired play mat and storybook bundle, and a puzzle that draws from The Ramayana.
Upwards of ₹599 on gubbachhi.com
Products at Ekatra
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Handmade journals @ Ekatra
A public space designer by profession, Aishwarya Jhawar worked in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Pune before moving back to join her family-run brand Ekatra full-time about three years ago. The women-run, sustainable lifestyle and gifting collective based in Kota, Rajasthan, has a community of over 250 women artisans across India. “We focus on handmade, design-led products that blend functionality with purpose that are all crafted using sustainable materials and traditional techniques,” says Aishwarya. Their catalogue comprises wedding and corporate gift boxes, journals, notebooks, utility pouches, laptop sleeves, mini totes, table linen sets, and more.
Upwards of ₹500 on ekatrahandmade.com
Offerings by True Condiments
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On fire @ True Condiments
Shradhanjali Sarma’s idea to take her homemade chilli oil to the world was born when her friends kept coming back for more. Her friend Ajupan Sonowal, who now leads the business, saw her recipe’s potential and decided to turn it into a brand. “Together, we crafted a Signature Chilli Oil (₹129) made for the Indian palate. It is an Indianised version inspired by traditional Chinese and Korean oils, but designed to complement local, indigenous foods from every State,” says Shradhanjali of the brand based in Guwahati, Assam. The duo also has a Bhoot Jolokia Chilli Oil (₹229) that uses the region’s famed fiery chilli. “We believe chilli oil shouldn’t be reserved just for ramen or Maggi noodles. It deserves a place beside your dal, idli, khichdi, panta bhaat (a fermented rice dish local to Assam), or even your boiled eggs,” she adds.
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A tote by Upvalued
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Patchwork love @ Upvalued
Discarded upholstery textiles turn into patchwork laptop sleeves, cushion covers, messenger bags, travel totes, and placemats at Richa Mishra’s Benagluru-based brand that she launched in 2023. “We focus on circularity, significantly reducing landfill waste and we also partner with local artisans,”says Richa. The brand veers away from new launches every season and instead focusses on new designs for existing products. “With designs that emphasize durability and high functionality, it encourages mindful consumption and prioritises slow, quality fashion rather than fleeting trends.”
Upwards of ₹700 on upvalued.com
A koodai at And Alt Foundation
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Colourful koodais @ And Alt Foundation
This not-for-profit organisation based in rural Tamil Nadu is “working towards long-term skill training, creation of meaningful livelihood opportunities and community inclusion for adults with disabilities,” says co-founder and director Anu Alex. The Foundation is led by three co-founders, with the other two being Aarabhi Badri, a special educator and artist, and Ghana NB, an artist invested in social justice.
The product catalogue comprises botanical-printed and woven koodais, notebooks, cards, laptop sleeves, tote bags, pouches, lamps, stoles, and cushion covers. “We collaborate with artists and designers to build creative, skill-based pathways for individuals with diverse abilities thereby enabling them to learn, earn, and thrive within their communities,” she adds.
Upwards of ₹350 on andaltfoundation.org
Published – December 16, 2025 10:22 am IST