Our family consists of people who practice different faiths- Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity. Needless to say, our home is basically one endless holiday from October and onwards as every month there is at least one or two big celebrations occurring. While it can be hectic and a bit nutty at times, I love being able to expose my kids to a multitude of beliefs and traditions that fill their lives with the richness of their heritages.
And of course, I love all the shopping I get to do during this festive time of year! Finding gifts that are influenced by Indian culture, and that are also cool, modern and practical is my mission this year. I also love to support entrepreneurship by purchasing from small businesses and designers. Below is Generation Ginger’s holiday gift list- it’s filled with items we think are sure to be a hit under the tree, by the menorah or just because!
Holiday Cards
Celebrate this holiday season with beautiful greeting cards from 3 Bees Paperie! Gorgeous colors and patterns- these cards will let the people in your life know you are thinking about them with some style! Right now, 3 Bees is offering a holiday price- 25 cards for $32.00!
Picture Perfect
2012 Calendar by Gnaana, featuring work by acclaimed animator, Nina Paley
This bright and vivid calendar depicts the 10 avatars of Vishnu that is reminiscent of traditional Javanese shadow puppets. The calendar is also unique because it incorporates the holidays of the many cultures of the South Asian diaspora.
The calendar is available as a download ($10) or wall art. I purchased the wall art and the quality is fantastic- heavy card stock and impeccable printing.
The wall art is usually available for 29.50 USD, HOWEVER, Gnaana is offering a special holiday deal for the calendar of $24.50. Shipping is a flat rate of $9 for anywhere in the world, but if you are a U.S. resident and purchase 3 calendars, shipping is free anywhere in the continental U.S.
So, buy a few and send them as gifts- they are beautiful and practical; who doesn’t love that?
Generation Ginger Hindi Poster
These Hindi posters are designed with English speakers in mind! Generation Ginger adapted the phonetic sound for each character to fit the phonetic sounds of the English Language according to the Oxford English dictionary. The vibrant colors and design are reminiscent of traditional Indian aesthetic while delivering a modern and fresh appeal. The result is a Hindi poster that is useful for language education and beautiful enough to frame and hang in your living room. Originally $20, they will be on sale for $15 with free shipping through December 19th.
Exclusively In is a great site to find the latest Indian fashion designer clothing and accessories for men and women. Also on the site are great housewares such as pillows, coasters and beautiful wall art. I stumbled upon these super-cool vintage bollywood posters that are pretty much a ‘must-have’. So kitschy and hip they would swank up any wall. They are a little pricy ($90), but right now they are on sale- Buy 1 get one free! What a great gift for a couple of your friends…or your parents!
Fashionista
“Upcycling vintage Indian saris into modern apparel and accessories. Sustainability never looked so good.”
My sister-in-law brought Lallitara to my attention and now it is my new favorite site for purses and other hip accessories such as ties, clutches and scarves. Each item is unique and fashion forward. You can even buy the ties and clutches in matching sets for a stunning His&Her gift! Prices for the clutches start at $65, with a very decent discount if bought in sets of 5 (reduces the 
price to about $50 each) and the clutch/tie sets start at $120. Lallitara is relatively new tothefashion scene, so not only will you be one of the first to be sporting acool clutch or scarf, or be making an eco friendly purchase, you’d also be helping a new business grow…
…it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
The Red Sari is a socially responsible fashion design company with a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ approach. They work side-by-side with artisans and women’s handicraft groups in Nepal. SO cool right? I love when you know the purchase you are making is supporting the growth of others. You can find colorful woolen scarves and bags on the Red Sari website along with these unique scarf holders ($38.00 USD).
The word “pyjama” came from India, and Pajama Sutra has laid claim to this Indian etymology with flattering, fitted and cozy PJs made with eco-friendly fabrics that celebrate the beautiful, bold prints and colors that are reminiscent of Indian style. These PJs are made with women’s curves in mind and Pajama Sutra offers full PJ sets, ($98.00USD), adorable sleep shorts ($38.00USD) and elegant robes ($118.00) -crossing my fingers for one of these under my tree!
Book Worms
Looking for an entertaining holiday read or a way to connect to your teenage niece? Mindy Kaling’s new book, Is everybody Hanging Out With Me is the perfect fit. Mindy depicts her experience of as a South Asian American being in the “business” in an unassuming tone that is at once hilarious, smart and touching. This book will have you laughing out loud and also saying, “yeah, me too- I totally get that”. A great book for the gals in your life!
Dreams of Hope, a children’s lullaby, by Navjot Kaur
Dreams of Hope is a wonderful book to share with your little one; it provides a peaceful message of respecting the earth and encourages tolerance through its illustrations and words of a family from a background that is not often used in children’s books. The back of the book also contains a page where parents can write their dreams of hope for their little ones. A great find for your little one! Check out our review.
Foodies
These organic and authentic sauces come in several flavors- from vindaloo to coconut curry. The Simmer Sauces gift package comes with the following 4 tastes: Butter Masala, Tikka Masal, Kashmiri Curry, and Madras Curry. Rich and satisfying, Maya Kaimal sauces have been my saving grace for cooking quick and delicious Indian meals. This gift box is $29.00 and the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. While your at it, slip a bottle of her spicy ketchup in their stocking too!
Sweet Silk confections has been a favorite of mine for a couple of years with their fresh and modern take on delicious Indian mithai. However, this holiday season we get to enjoy something new- Sweet Silk truffles! Each adorable little red box comes decorated with a vintage gold adornment, holiday greeting card designed by okSheila and contains 4 pieces of the following (for the 16 count box: $34.00USD) scrumptious truffles: Almond Peppermint, Cranberry Orange, Hazelnut Ganache, and Fig Gingerbread. There are no additives, preservatives or eggs used in any of the truffles and all truffles are gluten free. Chocolate lovers will enjoy the more delicious things in life with this gift!
Music lovers
“Hi-fly” , Sachal Vasandani
Downbeat Magazine’s recent 3.5-star review described Sachal’s voice as “Clean and clear, it glides with an accessible assurance”. For any of those in your life that love jazz in the likes of Harry Connick Jr., they are sure to love the smooth voice of Sachal Vasandani. For a sample of his music and to buy his latest album, Hi-Fly, visit his website: http://www.sachalvasandani.com/
The band Goldspot, though not as well known as the beverage, is led by singer/songwriter Siddhartha Khosla. Influenced by the musical styles of distinct continents, Goldspot’s first album, Talley of the Yes Men, enjoyed great success on the alternative charts. This critically acclaimed debut was followed up with And the Elephant is Dancing. They continued to stay true to their roots by blending blend western music with eastern overtones. Great for Indie music lovers! Check out our review: http://www.generationginger.com/goldspot.php
Philanthropist
Make a donation in someone’s name or even make a group donation to an organization like the Thaakat Foundation. Thaakat Foundation specifically helps South Asian causes and communities both on local and global levels. Thaakat (meaning: Something or someone that gives one strength or is a source of power or encouragement) was founded by Uzma Bawany-Ali, and focuses on mobilizing the new generation of South Asian Americans to give through charitable donations and humanitarian work. Visit their website to find out about their current projects and how you can help!
