The Hindu Business Line : Cos try out novel Diwali gifts

This Diwali most corporates gifted employees and clients with sweets and dry fruit packs, diaries and pens and idols of deities. Some companies, however, experimented with unusual gifts.

"The most popular gifts this Diwali were silver and glass-clad coasters, ashtrays and a range of bar accessories," said Mr Prashant Sarawgi, Brand Director, Episode. Episode is a silver and silver-plated artefacts boutique present in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata that customises accessories into corporate gifts. Besides designing and making gift items, the company also works on readymade pieces by engraving logos and messages on them.

Over 200 coasters priced between Rs 1,050 and Rs 1,250 were sold by Episode. Bar accessories priced between Rs 3,000 and Rs 10,000 also sold out fast.

"It is surprising, considering Diwali is generally not the season to buy bar accessories and ashtrays," said Mr Sarawgi. Who bought these unusual gifts? Bankers and other financial institutions, he says.

Other unique items sold by Episode include photo frames, bookmarks and stress-buster toys such as `squeeze-type' soft toys.

Kesar Gift Mall says banks and manufacturing companies gifted clients cutlery sets in crystal priced between Rs 500 and Rs 3,000.

Utility items

"IT and pharmaceutical companies gifted utility items like sunglasses and pen drives," said Mr D. Suresh Jain, Chief Operating Officer, Kesar Gift Mall.

Media organisation Brand-Comm gifted vouchers worth Rs 1,500 to employees. These vouchers are valid for a year and can be redeemed at any Lifestyle outlet or gifted to others.

The Delhi-based women's luxury spa Asian Roots indulged its clients and well-wishers with gift options to try out a range of body treatments.

To promote the spa's bridal packages for the upcoming wedding season, brides-to-be were offered exclusive Diwali packages.