A handy gifting guide for all seasons!

Gifting is always such a joyous activity and when done right, very engaging too. During the course of this pandemic, I had an opportunity to meet so many talented folks who are creating experiences or some very unique artifacts that makes gifting so meaningful. What's more they are most likely not be palmed off at the next opportunity. Feel free to add your recommendations too. But it would help if you have used the products or availed their services. Again, its not a paid engagement, so let's show some love to our local entrepreneurs!

I have taken the liberty of compiling some of the amazing people I have met on social media over the span of these last few months. Some have been our go to folks for making any occasion special. This is not a paid effort but one to help these amazing enterprises and entrepreneurs find even more love and support from this community. Well on hindsight, think of it as an opportunity to get an array of joyful artefacts, home! And when I reviewed this list, I realized, its dominated by women entrepreneurs :)

All About Books

• Bookstores - You may want to explore local bookstores the next time you want to get the next bestseller. The stores listed below ship Pan India and what's more help you choose titles, reserve your copy and also gift on your behalf.

1. Storyteller, Kolkata - Their tweet went viral in around August 2021 when they chimed in and suggested folks look at local stores. Mayura Misra is a message away if you want to check the titles, availability etc. Check them out for children's books, cool bookboxes and new books too. They ship pan India. Reach them at - Instagram Handle: storytellerkol
2. BookWorm, Bangalore - If your Twitter timeline does not have tales of Preetham of Bookworm, then you are missing dollops of warmth. The team of Bookworm is just too much fun who take books, bibliophiles and readers, super seriously! I have not dared to enter their store given it's way too magical. Safest option is to head to their social handle, DM them or to the Whatsapp number and find your best book buddy who will recommend books, ship them for you, pan India. Reach them at: Twitter: @Bookworm_Kris ; Instagram: Thebookworm_blr ; Phone / Whatsapp: +919845076757
3. Champaca, Bangalore - If you love quaint cozy spaces which is filled with electric vibe that avid book readers will appreciate, then Champaca is the place for you. January 1, 2019 was when I first met Radhika at the store and left the place richer with the knowledge of books and her amazing recommendation, for my younger human, then all of 12. They bravely took on the pandemic by offering gift vouchers which could be redeemed for a year etc. Their resilience shone through when they launched Book Subscription bang in the middle of the pandemic, June 2019 with Translation as the theme. In their second year, the theme is Travels. Head to them if you want to gift a curated book-box to a friend or a little human. Also ensure you sign up for their monthly book subscription (so many plans to put you at ease!). Do make it a point to have a cuppa or some nibbles from their cafe. Your soul will thank you for that experience! Reach them at: Twitter: @champacabooks ; Instagram: Champaca ; Website: https://champaca.in/

Book Accessories, Book Marks & Book Boxes

1. Kaffeinated Konversations - When I first heard about the concept of book-boxes and book subscriptions, it was very intriguing. Reminded me of the good old days of Pen Pals. My first Book box subscription was with Kaffeinated Konversations. To be honest I looked forward to those Book Boxes for Kavita's calligraphic hand written notes. Very tastefully done boxes, interesting titles and the handwritten note. Yet another reason to add Indore to your travel destination! Reach them at: Twitter: @kkbookbox ; Instagram: Kaffeinated Konversations ; Website: https://www.kaffeinatedkonversations.com/ ; Phone: +919926012324
2. Needlemaid by Ichha Agarwal - If you are like me, you will take away the cover of a hard bound before you start savoring it. Then you will hunt for a way to ferry your pencil, notebook, tags...eww! So I was pleasantly surprised when Kavita Jhala of Kaffeinated Konversations , posted about Needlemaid products. The energetic brain behind this is Ichha Agarwal and her team. The book sleeves are very thoughtfully done and help you become more organized while reading. What's more she will source the fabric if you have a special request. I have a friend who adores Owls. Ichha was able to source Owl fabric for the book sleeves in like days! So if you are unsure of what book to gift a book nerd human, try these book accessories. Reach them at: Instagram: theneedlemaid.co ; Website:https://theneedlemaid.com/ ; LinkedIn Profile:https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/ichha-agarwal-284a5345/
3. Camp Creatives by Neha Arte - Neha Arte is Sustainable Design Consultant & Wildlife Illustrator at Camp Creative. Her LinkedIn profile will let you know about her academic and other accomplishments. But let me talk about her amazing creatives which she channelizes to create bookmarks and A5 size prints of birds. There is a soft glow to those illustrations and you will always walk away richer because of the knowledge she shares and the amazing warmth she brings to the conversations, Digital remember! Reach them at: Instagram: _campcreative ; LinkedIn Profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/nehaarte/
4. InkTrails by Archana Pereira - Think capturing the essence of a city, then head to Ink Trails. I first bumped into Ink Trails book marks in the Bohemian House, Woodlands Hotel, Bangalore. An exhibition had a small nook where her illustrations of iconic locations of Bombay just drew me to the city and its jostling reminisces. So if you want to gift a piece of a city to anybody, then head to her site. The Koshy's or Yazdani Bakery, one will always have a part of the city with her creations. Reach them at: Instagram: archana_inktrails ; Website: https://inktrails.in/
5. pixie.pines by Ankita Chaudhary - Nestled in the amazing sights of Kangra, painting pine trees is Ankita's specialty. She now retails her bookmarks but do give her time to get some created for you. Follow this amazing artist on Insta and your feed will have a Zen like calmness, always! Reach them at: Instagram: pixie.pines;

2. Candles!

1. Ketki by Sonali Agarwal - Social media is amazing and has helped me land with some amazing folks like Sonali. Ketki is her labor of love which has these amazing soy candles in the famous Jaipur Blue pottery jars, candle holders, with very amazing fragrances like Oudh, Firdaus, Lavender, Vanilla... She also retails the Blue Pottery coasters. What's more her drool-worthy Diwali hamper is just that - awesome and has fragrance options of Musk, Amber.. Ok you clearly got the drift. She is an epitome of patience and will always be available to help you with suitable fragrances, options including price variants. Sonali will ensure your products reach on time and the packaging! Sigh... You will feel rotten trying to open that package, but you will brave that frontier! Your calm balm is a candle away. So make sure you book one right away. Reach them at: Instagram: ketkiindia ; Twitter: @KetkiIndia LinkedIn Profile: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/sonaliagarwal/

3. Wax Fragrance Sachets

1. La Cier: I am fragrance junkie. With that settled, lets get you to know La Cier. If you olfactory senses are tired of the same commercial options, pause and head to La Cier. Ami, the force behind this, has been spinning magic with these amazing wax fragrance sachets which are packed with fragrances such as Orange, Oudh (yes I am an Oudh fan!) and so many. When checking the catalogue, I suggest you sit down and do so. Your head could go spinning with the array of options. La Cier is a part of the Hand for Handmade Community. Reach them at: Instagram: la.cier