Diwali is that time of the year when you want to gift something to your loved ones and sweets are the first thing that comes to the mind. But why not try to be someone who gifts consciously and not mindlessly. Truth be told, not everyone likes to be given the same mithaai dabba and dry fruits every year.

Meaningful Spending

Just because it is Diwali, it does not mean you have to buy expensive gifts. True you do not want to land up at a dinner party empty-handed, and while it may be a personal choice as to what kind of gifting one wants to indulge in, it is also not necessary to indulge in costly gifts for the sake of it. A gift could be something as small as a planter or a plant even, or a box of incense sticks a thoughtful gift is always appreciated by the receiver. Conscious gifting shows you are respectful towards the choice of the person you are giving a gift rather than flaunt your own spending power.

Support Home-Grown, Local Businesses

Don't we all just love supporting our friends and family when they venture into something new However, it shouldn't just be limited to the people we know, but the support should be extended to anybody who is genuinely on a mission. You don't have to wait for the festive season to raise your support for them instead buy from organisations that make and sell eco-friendly products around the year. Achintya Anand, CEO and Founder of Krishi Cress, a farm based in Chattarpur, whose company offers homegrown produce that focuses on post-harvest handling, believes the festival season is an opportunity for consumers to divert their spending towards supporting homegrown small businesses. "At Krishi Cress, we've curated gift boxes with a wide price range and various combinations, including fresh fruits, dips, bread, cheeses, and Kombucha."

Say Yes To All Things Sustainable

Sustainability is the order of the day. Climate change poses a considerable risk to the planet. You could give your friends and family eco-friendly apparel or locally produced fruits and vegetables. There are many organisations which are producing eco-friendly products. Maybe you could choose products with the World Fair Trade logo which ensures the products are made by people from the economically weaker communities buying these products means you are helping them too.

So this festive season, ensure that your gifts bring a smile to all. Ditch those harmful plastics, and recycled mithaai dabbas, and say yes to mindful, conscious gifting.