[1]Winds of change are sweeping through festive gifting. This Diwali youngsters won’t settle for chocolate boxes, apparels or cash. They have already drawn their lists of jazzy gizmos that include iPads, iPods, smartphones, PSPs, cameras, digital photo frames and chunky pen drives among other things.
Mobile phones are flying off the shelves as even small-time businessmen prefer them to blankets and safari suits for their employees. Kindles, Tablets and SoundDocks have also replaced decor and crockery items.
Suvir Khullar, managing director, Gifting Ideas Pvt. Ltd. says, “People are bored of chocolates, sweets, diyas and thalis which are most likely to be passed on. Which is why clients are asking for innovation in the product, irrespective of the price range. They should be of utility and have a ‘wow’ factor. Only then will they stand out in the clutter.”
Rajan Sakhuja of Mobile World just delivered a consignment of 50 low-range Nokia phones to a local businessman, as he wanted to present his employees with the hottest gifting option at the moment.
“iPhone and BlackBerry phones are selling like hotcakes. We have sold hundreds of pieces since the festive season started and sales are likely to pick up in the coming days. We are expecting to sell 150-200 cellphones on Dhanteras and at least 100 iPhones till Diwali,” says Sakhuja.
Young professionals for whom a gift has to have a flaunt value are going for sleek iPads, stylish gizmos and snazzy speakers. “Clothes and other accessories seem to have lost appeal. My sister is an avid reader. So I am buying her a Kindle for Bhai Dooj and I have got my father a BlackBerry Torch,” says Varun Sharma, who works for a Gurgaon-based corporate firm.
At a time when there is infinite data to store, a USB drive seems to be a perfect present. It’s inexpensive, compact and can be given to family, friends or colleagues. The market is flooded with stylish, colourful USBs in various shapes, shock-proof and water-resistant avatars.
“I work with an auditing firm and one of our clients this time sent us Touch Mouse which works on cushion, glossy counter top and just on any surface. It’s wireless and looks elegant. I am happy that finally Diwali gifts come with utility value,” says Charu Bhanot, a chartered accountant.
“While conventional products like 3D televisions, home theatre and high value phones are always in high demand, this time SLR cameras are also moving fast. We are also supplying customised USBs in interesting shapes like keychains, credit cards, penguins, bears, dolphins in large quantities. And the sales of iPhones and BlackBerry may set new records this Diwali,” sums up Arindam Bose, managing director, timtara.com.
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