Siblings splurge on high-end gifts

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She ties the Rakhi; he vows to protect her. But it’s not over. In fact, the show has just begun. Last year it was a silver bracelet, this year the loving brother has gone a step ahead and has bought a pair of gold earrings for his dear sister.

To match his zeal the well-prepared sister has got him a customised set of leather gifts.
“These days everyone wants to gift something exclusive or high-end,” says Priyanka Singh, an entrepreneur, who is yet to decide between a watch and a shirt to gift her brother but she is quick to add that in return she expecting an equally expensive gift. “After all, it’s Rakhi,” giggles Priyanka.
Gifting high-end items has become a status symbol, says Divya Singhania who is rushing around to meet the deadline for the increasing number of orders for customised Rakhi gifts. “The flashier the gift, the better. This year silver decoration pieces ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 and leather accessories from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 are high in demand,” adds Divya.
The gifts have become exotic and the bills heavier. Sibling are showering their loved ones with things like well-being beauty boxes, luxury home spas, holiday packages, manicure kits and personalised books amongst countless other things like watches, laptop bags, wallets, expensive pens, pen holders, belts, and handbags. But even if one wants to make it all about chocolates, cards and flowers an attractive packaging — that may cost from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 to make it jazzy with fresh flowers and candles — is a must, adds Divya.
Though just a show of money is not enough. Raksha Bandhan is the time to prove that you care and understands the needs of your sibling, says Nikita Tamra, a teacher, who was really touched by her brother’s choice of gift last Raksha Bandhan. “My brother is in the merchant navy and travels all around the world. Last year, he gave me an iPod from the USA. It was just the thing I’d been wanting to buy,” says Nikita, who says she has already chosen the right gift for her brother.
While the younger lot are getting branded as well as high-tech gifts, the little brothers are receiving nicely written personalised stories.
“Family members’ names are used as characters in the stories and photos are added to make the plot even more interesting. We also print a dedication page on behalf of the sister,” says Vivekta Gandharv who works on these personalised books costing from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000.
Money cannot buy love, we know but we can’t also deny the fact that there is more to the sibling bond than just the Rakhi thread and some sweets.