Lifestyle

Gifts for Diwali:Ideas (Ultimate Gifting Guide)

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on November 3, 2018 4

Ideas for Diwali gifts will make your life easier. With festivals around the corner, gifting is already on everyone’s mind. Here is a list of fifty plus gifts for Diwali, you can buy online or offline. The best part, they are timeless.

I am picky about shopping for myself, my home and my loved ones. While gifting clothes, sweets and home décor will never go out of style, sometimes you want to take the extra step and give a gift of good health and wellness. Diwali is the right time to bring the light of good health and fortune into your own and your loved one’s life. It’s a great time to shop, with great deals offered by most online and offline shops. You will be spoilt for choice and its a good idea to keep my gift vouchers saved for shopping during the Great Indian Festival on Amazon.

( Disclaimer: Please note, as an active affiliate myself, the links below are my personal referral links to the program. That means if you do click on a link and buy something I will get a small commission. This in no way affects the product price for you. I recommend only products I personally use and love. Your help and support is a big part of how I maintain this website. All help is deeply appreciated. You can tweet what you bought tagging me. I will always respond.)

Have you thought of gifting a mandala art print or maybe even a do it yourself Mandala gift basket?

For your daily health, this Diwali checks what you eat and how you cook it.

Mix up your regular atta with a mix of Ragi, Jowar and Bajra atta for making the everyday Roti healthy and tasty.

Get those Iron woks in your kitchen, for cooking the healthy way. Health starts with your nutrition. What you cook with and cook in, can change food quality. Are you cooking with the right utensils? My favorite and untill now the healthiest, are my iron woks and kadai, which though not the prettiest, helps me keep the food I cook healthy.

Until a family member suffers from iron-storing problems like polycythemia or thalassemia, this is a good option for cooking your food.

Gifts for a Healthy skin

Vitamin C cream
Vitamin E Cream
Vitamin E face wash

Hair Health

Moroccan Hair mask
Shalimar Coconut oil.Its the only one which is pure. I couldn’t find it on Amazon though.
Defab shampoo.It’s sulfate free. But if you want to go all natural .thats good too.

Even during festivals you cant skip on your fitness routine. That’s why you must be ready to include it naturally. While gym memberships sound fancy and appear to mean business, it’s useless if you never visit.T hat’s what happens for busy professionals.

For a Home gym

Get these weights
These resistance bands for toning if you don’t want to lift weights.
Yoga mat for increasing flexibility and mindfulness
A soft foam roller for stretching
Treadmill for cardiovascular health even when it’s cold and late you will have no excuse to miss exercise. Excellent deals on Amazon, if you are serious about walking daily.

But if you have a neighborhood activity center with fn activity and not just a regular gym, think of signing up. Indoor climbing, rope throwing, pilates, rumba, aerobics, kickboxing, or any other sports have a way of increasing the fun quotient of exercise. Its easier to stick to it when you enjoy it.

Books for physical health

Fruits for Life (It got selected for Prime Readership and made me very happy)
Picky Eater

Books for Mental Health

The Go-Giver

Read my book summary here.

Gifts for Employees

Gift cards are great and so are travel vouchers.
Mixed dry fruits
Kitchen sets are always welcome
Silver and Gold coins according to budget

Gifts for Husband

Gold plated Key Chain
Amazon Prime membership
Kindle for the book lover husband
Amazon echo device
Recliner.This one you can share too.
Boxing gloves for a fun fitness habit

Gift for Blogger Friend

OTG Mobile Pen Drive by Sandisk is great for transferring images on the go from a mobile phones.Just check it has the OTG option.
The Personal Cloud.This one is a personal favourite and great if you are a blogger.
Blogging in India books

Gifts for Home

Laxmi-Ganesh in precious metals
Earthenware diyas, tea lights, and torans
Silk cushion covers in bright colors for the extra oomph
Brass or silver Laxmi Ganesh idols.
A jhoola for the living room.
A loveseat for the master bedroom.
An entertainment center for the family room
Garden stuff or Balcony garden essentials, if you are planning one.

A bird feeder for your window or balcony
An Aquarium.Better not buy fish bowls. Not a good home for fishes and their survival may be a challenge.If you already have an aquarium, maybe get some colorful stones for decor.
A bookshelf for keeping your books organized.
An Air Fryer for healthy cooking or any of these home appliances.
A home pedicure set for the busy you.

Plants as Gifts

Always popular with plant lovers, you need to know the person whom you are gifting it to. Indoor plants are a good option for most people. Try to lift a low maintenance potted plant for best results. Definitely, check the distance of travel before booking plants online.Most of them have a no return policy and will be exchanged in case of damage.B ut you don’t want to gift a dead plant, right? So choose carefully. In case you want my help tweet to me on Twitter @misra_amrita and I will help you with plant shopping!

Plants help to keep indoor air clean and also improves your happiness quotient.These are great gift idesas for your own home too!

Diwali Best seller gifts

Sweets: Try motichur laddoos, Kaju katli, tinned rasogolla or gulab jamuns.While the fresh ones are better, you have online options too. Mixed sweets gift platters are always a big hit. Chocolate coated dry fruit gift boxes can also never go wrong . I love the ones made with Cadbury silk.

Whatever your gift, it will be wrapped in your best wishes and that’s what matters. Enjoy this festival of light and may the Goddess shower you with health wealth and good fortune.

DIWALI GIFT IDEAS

GIFT IDEAS FOR BOOK LOVERS

GIFT IDEAS FOR GARDENER DADS

GIFT IDEAS FOR ART LOVERS

GIFT IDEAS FOR WIFE/GIRLFRIEND

Unique Diwali Gift Ideas on Budget 2018

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on November 1, 2018 62

When Diwali comes can gifts be far behind?That’s probably why I was searching high and low for affordable gift options which are value for money and just the right way to make your loved one happy.

I love giving and receiving gifts which are useful.Not just for show.That’s why I always take my time choosing the best products for my friends, family and my home.Diwali is the time to spruce up the home and share the love.Flowers, chocolates, exclusive sweets, jewelry, clothes work every time.But I am sharing some fun and unique ideas which will not make you go over the budget.

For those who love decorating on a budget:

Gifts for me need to be budget friendly and meaningful.Check out these interesting products made from upcycled glass bottles by Bouteilles Up.They will not only fit your budget, they are also gorgeous and will easily be the conversation starters at home.They have lamps, glasses, planters and much more.

Bouteilles Up:Diwali gift products — Bouteilles Up: Diwali gift products

Who will you give it?

A friend who likes to decorate their homes with trendy pieces
An interior decorator friend who loves to curate unique pieces.
A friend who enjoys upcycled unique gifts.
Those who want to light up their homes for Diwali with quirky lighting options.
A friend who likes unique indoor planters for their plants.

Books make wonderful gifts.For your child who loves reading check this one out

Book: Adventures In Farland
Author name: Moshank Relia
Book will be available on Amazon.in from October 19th onward

Moshank will be giving a lucky winner his book as a gift.How cool is that?

About the Author:

Moshank is a graduate in English literature and has earned certificates in creative writing, sketching, and theatre. He also holds a diploma in photography and has worked as a fashion photographer. He has trekked a number of high-altitude ranges in the Himalayas, including the mighty Rupin Pass (15,250ft.), Kedarkantha (12,850ft.) and the Kuari Pass (12,516ft.). His love for adventure, his deep affection for kids and his wide-ranging creative experiences drove him to write children’s fiction. Even though he is based in New Delhi, he can often be found sauntering along Camel Back Road, Mussoorie, where he spent most of his teenage years.

You can gift indoor plants in planters.

Best are:

Peace Lily
Snake plant
Spider plant

They survive transportation, look pretty and make the room VOC free.

Diwali must haves:

Lights for Diwali decorations are a must have and you really can’t have enough of them.I love diyas, LED fairy lights and solar lanterns.The festival of light looks gorgeous with these decorations in place.

I prefer lights for Diwali rather than sounds.As a mom, you must be careful about Diwali crackers and sound pollution.Prevention is better than cure.A lot of ear problems, including ringing sound in the ear , can happen with loud sounds.

Pure silver Laxmi Ganesh coins are my favorite Diwali gifts because it spreads good luck and excellent value for money.

For a healthy mommy:

Gift yourself a treadmill to prevent the kilos piling up, as you eat your way through Diwali and the festival season.You can also gift trendy activewear to your family and friends (only who won’t take it as an insult), to inspire the fitness journey.

Gift for Bloggers :

Give your blogger friend

Who is this gift for?

You: If you are a blogger newbie or a pro, it surely will help you.
Your friend: If he/she is a blogger
Your sister: If she wants to be a blogger

Book for a Cricket lover

IPL-ology

Book blurb

We watch IPL every year with utmost interest. We celebrate the tournament like a carnival.

Have you ever thought what makes it so successful?

Have you ever though what goes behind the scenes of this most successful cricket tournament in the world?

Here I present you know how of IPL or rather the study of IPL.

IPL-ology: The Study of IPL

Buy it here https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07FBZNZSZ/

If you are interested in studying the IPL and want the review copy of the book then subscribe to my newsletter and contact me at dramrita@healthwealthbridge.com.

Gift for a lipstick Lover

Try sugar liquid lipsticks.

Gift for a techie:Gift them their Own cloud

Sharad Purnima Kojagiri Purnima or Kojagiri Laxmi Pujo:Childhood memories & adult Faith

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on October 24, 2018 6

When I was a little girl two pujas which were religiously performed at home were Kojagiri Lakshmi puja and Saraswati puja. If you know about Laxmi and Saraswati, you will know they are sisters and two sides of the same coin. They are Maa Durga’s daughter and her various avatars.

Without their blessings life is unimaginable. Now that’s a personal belief and have helped me in my own life. Even as a student at Safdarjung I used to do this two pujo in the hostel. My blog has wealth in its name and that’s for a reason.

About Sharad Purnima Kojagiri Purnima or Laxmi Pujo

The word Kojagiri is an aberration of ke jaage re.

That in Bengali means who is awake?

This Lakshmi puja is most often celebrated on a full moon or a Purnima night by people in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa.

The story of Kojagiri Laxmi Pujo

Once upon a time in a kingdom in eastern India, a kind benevolent king would buy all the leftover idols made by the artisans in his Kingdom, at the end of a market day. This helped sustain the poor artisans. One day there was an idol of alakshmi (Goddess of Poverty antithesis of all things Laxmi or good ).

The king bought the idol and took it to the palace. The Queen asked him to take it out but he didn’t listen. That night Goddess Raj Lakshmi left (Royal Good fortune).

Then Goddess Bhagya Laxmi left( Goddess of destiny).

Then Goddess Yash Laxmi left (Goddess of Fame).

But God of Dharma could not leave,as the King was just trying to do his part as a king and protector. But what good is a pauper king? The God of Dharma decided to give the good king, a clue in his dreams to solving his troubles. The king told the queen about his dream.

The Queen fasted with coconut water and chira (flattened rice), on the full moon night in the month of Ashwin. On the full moon night of Sharad Purnima, the moon is said to shower Amrita or elixir on the earth, the queen did a simple pujo. She offered five fruits, made alpana to invite Maa Laxmi’s footsteps into her home. Maa Laxmi came back and the king and his Kingdom was blessed forever, as the queen continued to observe and spread the story of the Kojagiri Laxmi puja.

A lamp is kept burning at night on Sharad Purnima in the month of Ashwin(Septemeber –October ) to let the Goddess know who is remembering her.

Goddess Laxmi is said to take care of your home health, wealth, child health, fame, fortune, and overall wellbeing. Now even if God is one, there is no harm in focussed prayers, right? One of my favorite Goddess and a much-awaited pujo at home where my little one is an enthusiastic participant.

How to do Laxmi pujo at Home:5 Things about Kojagiri Laxmi Puja

Alpana (drawing with Goddess Lakshmi’s foot being highly auspicious)
Five fruits offering
Flowers, grains, and durba or grass used to pray.
Rice kheer or paramanna as an important part signifying rice as a blessing by the Goddess.
Narkel naru or coconut laddoos.

You can make more or less according to your wish. The bhog again is blissful with Khichudi or Basanti pulao, luchi, labra, payesh, Mishti, and more.

Last words:

Faith is a personal matter. But one thing I believe in is hope and positivity. That’s what Goddess Laxmi brings in plenty. I love to invite her into my heart and home and that’s why I shared this story with you. [bctt tweet=”May the Goddess of plenty shower her blessings on all.” username=”misra_amrita”]

Diwali Gifts for Book Lovers

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on October 20, 2018 13

Diwali and gifts just go together. When I was a little girl Diwali was the day next to Kali Pujo.The day some people did Laxmi pujo!One extra wonderful day to spend eating and having fun.

My mom used to take us for prayers to a family friend’s home for Kali pujo.After the Anjali and prasad episode, I and my sis always wanted to get back home quickly.The phuljhuri and other stuff we planned to do awaited.

That friend is no more.The pujo still happens at her place.Life goes on.You do everything.Have a lot of fun.But you always remember how it was.

Maybe life is a lot more comfortable. But along the way, all the people you wanted to you, wanted to go somewhere else.That’s life.Good bad and ugly the lights of Diwali makes everything beautiful.That’s why even when you want to cry sometimes you end up smiling.Because life really is beautiful and blessed.

Diwali Wisdom

[bctt tweet=” Between 2 goods choose both. Between 2 evils choose neither ( Charles Spurgeon)” username=”misra_amrita”]

This Diwali prayer

When you think of all the wonderful childhood memories you have a secret wish of revisiting them.Since this is not yet possible you do the next best thing.Make new memories Life, after all, comes a full circle.I wrote about noise pollution and how

I wrote about noise pollution and how to be careful.

Diwali Gift ideas for Book lovers

There are affiliate links in the following post.Which means at no extra cost to you ,I will get a small commission which in no way affects my decision to give you an honest opinion.But it helps me maintain the blog. Read here.

I ordered Chia seeds and quinoa to get back to healthy eating after the eating marathon.

Before you get the books, do get a new pooja thali to do Diwali Lakshmi puja.

If its Diwali its about giving gifts, what better than the Go Giver.This book tells you about how the universe works and if each person helps one another then it’s a beautiful circle.If you haven’t read this book read my favorite quotes from the book.

Goddess Laxmi blesses you with wealth and prosperity .but do you know how to attract wealth.

Read my favourite book If you are as much a book lover as me then check out all my Book reviews and buy a few for yourself and your friends and relatives.

What other things can you give someone who is a book lover?

You can give them beautiful bookmarks, bookends, a Kindle or gift them a Kindle Unlimited library membership.

If you want to gift your own DIY bookmark you get stock cards, old gift cards, washi tapes, old ribbons, and sparkles.Use bits and pieces of old costume jewellery, toys to embellish them.You can also use colourful scrap cloth to make a cloth bookmark.

Bookends are great gifts too.Buy them or make them , you will make a book lover very happy.Check out these wonderful DIY bookends ideas.Ebooks are also a great way to gift without worrying about giving too many books.You can gift my books to your friends ,family or gift them to yourself.Special offers going on.Check out my Books page for links to all my books.Just click on the book preview below to get it now

DIWALI GIFT IDEAS

GIFT IDEAS FOR BOOK LOVERS

GIFT IDEAS FOR GARDENER DADS

GIFT IDEAS FOR ART LOVERS

GIFT IDEAS FOR WIFE/GIRLFRIEND

Life’s Like That When You Travel (inspired by Readers Digest)

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on October 19, 2018 8

Life’s like that when you travel is what struck me in the middle of the night. The Life’s like that is a famous series by Readers Digest, full of wisdom packed in little nuggets. As a teenager, that’s one monthly magazine I looked forward too, that taught me a lot about life and what works.

This is my tribute to the interesting column “Life’s Like that”!

I write this article while sitting at Terminal 2 of Delhi airport waiting for a connecting flight. It’s 2.30 am and I can’t doze.

While adults understand you can’t expect a bed while waiting at the airport, it’s a different matter for a six-year-old. Good thing the little angel liked the idea of camping at the airport!.

Life’s like that when you travel

Whichever airline you love, the connecting flight is a mystery.
The less luggage you have, the happier you are.
Whatever you say, scissors, knives, and cigarette lighters are not allowed as check-in luggage.
Cigarette lighters are not allowed at all!
If you carry baby food, you need to show a baby. Baby traveler is extra special.
Sometimes stale overpriced airport food is the only thing on offer. Eat before you travel and always have something in your bag to eat. Cucumber salad and biscuits are great too.
Exit lounges have nothing for you to eat. Until you check in you have limited eating options.
We all need wings. Airports are too crowded
Airport staff and flight attendants are unsung heroes.
Always carry wipes when you travel. You can never have too many wipes.
It’s no use lecturing the person cutting line. Just wiggle in front and present your I’d first. Point made.
Six or sixty the difference is debatable when you travel.
Time and Travel waits for no man or woman.
Travel is the best life experience.
Only when we travel we learn empathy.
Travel is a wonderful teacher of human nature.
Travel is vitamin for your soul.
Roti kappa makaan, retirement fund and travel .
Travel everywhere.
Until you travel away from home you don’t grow up.
Travel makes you trust your instinct.
Nature travel is the only kind which rejuvenates the mind.
Travel light, you will go far.
Never forget to travel with people you love.
Don’t marry someone who doesn’t love vacationing, the way you do.
Travel makes strangers friends.
The passenger in front of you will always have more luggage (cousin of Murphy ‘s law).
Trust God when you travel. For everything else you need insurance.

Hope you enjoyed this.Comment below to share a wise travel insight of your own.

Another post in the Life’s Like That series

Life’s Like that when you are a Book Lover

Iceland Nature Travel #SayYestoTheWorld

By Dr.Amrita Basu(MBBS,MS) on October 17, 2018 9

Iceland Nature travel is famous.But it’s mysterious too.When it’s a chance to travel to places with natural beauty, I am happy to let an adventure begin.

May be I will take a flight in summer, autumn or winter.Will I stay for a week or a month?If I can be there from August to October,I could see the change from only days to only nights.

Will it be very cold and dark in winter?So many questions and only one way to find answers.

This gorgeous country, with some of the most glorious vista in this world will be a self exploration journey.

Iceland is volcanically and geologically unpredictable.That means some great big bangs are always on the cards.

But its attractions, will overcome these challenges.

I want to wander in the Natural park,picnic by the lakes, paraglide and roam the mountains and relax by the beaches. Maybe I should go bird watching and rainbow catching.

Should I wander Iceland in September ?That’s when I hear the lush green,turns red gold and orange.

I want a glimpse of the winter to come .I want to see the spectacular northern light and visit the glaciers .I want to dip my toes in the ocean and stare at the Dynjandi waterfall .I want to listen to the silence and the birds chirping . I might visit the famous volcanoes or I might not but they would be there for me to wonder about.

I want to taste the Kjötsúpa meat soup and enjoy the other local cuisine.I might not want to come back, if I find my magical cottage and the wishing well!I want to get lost in nature and find myself again.I think,if I say yes to the world,Iceland is going to be amazing in Autmn!
I want to try this and that.This place where the sky and sea meet.

(Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=938594)

But what if I went in summer?

Shall I drive to the Golden circle ?Should I go glacier hiking or whale watching?Will the Puffins come huffing and puffing to meet me?

Will the midnight sun be any different than the morning sun?

Will the geothermal pools be comfortable for a quick dip?Will I get lost and find myself again?

Will there be rainbows and sunshine?

Or should I expect sleet and hail?

From the time I watched the rang de mohe gerua song(Dilwale Srk -Kajol) I am fascinated by Iceland .I have plans to one day visit this country .Travel inspirations are everywhere.Dreams help us keep them alive till one day,they come true.

Will I survive this beautiful but unknown adventure?Should I #SayYestoTheWorld and go on this Blinddate with the world?

Want to make your dream come true?

Participate in The Blindlist contest and get a chance to make your dream come true.

Healthwealthbridge Health Wellness Education Wealth

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Gifts for Diwali:Ideas (Ultimate Gifting Guide)