As offices open and life resumes, complete with socializing and entertainment, here’s a gift guide to make the switch easy.
After two years of working from home and a long hiatus from entertaining, 2022 could be when the world gets comfortable with the new normal. Even when we plan to go back to the office (vaccinated and masked) and throw parties (socially distant), there are ways to make things easier for you. And the people in your life.
For coffee lovers, there’s a subscription to Bengaluru-based Seven Beans, a cup-growing collaboration between Indian farmers and Italian roasters (from ₹ 4,900 onwards). Mumbai-based Handpicked Wines delivers select bottles every month. Pandemic gardeners can find plant subscriptions in Ugaoo, starting at ₹ 7,499. And that is just the beginning.
Pineider X Carbon Dream
Forged Carbon LGB
Ten engineers worked on the design of this Italian pen to figure out how to mold it from forged carbon. The result is this beautiful addition to Pineider’s La Grande Bellezza collection. The swirling patterns give the body a luxurious and organic look. Choose from five variants of the ultra-flexible 14k gold nib. Approximately ₹ 77,300 at pineider.com.
Nappa dori
Attaché vintage leather case
Do you know someone who still carries a bulky backpack? Instead, this handcrafted piece will give your laptop a classy ride. Available in brown and black, it features two roomy compartments, a trolley cover and a detachable shoulder strap. ₹ 18,200 at nappadori.com
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Heads for tails
Custom Pet Portrait
For parents of pandemic pets, it’s doubly difficult to leave a fluffy new friend at home. Bring them into the office with a custom, realistic color sketch perfect for adorning a wall or desk. Add an additional pet to the image at ₹ 2,000 each. From ₹ 16,000 at headsupfortails.com
Breville
Barista Express espresso machine
This is for those who don’t have time to stop at Starbucks for their morning cup of tea. With the promise of “bean to espresso in less than a minute”, it allows users to grind their beans just before brewing. There is also a manual microfoam milk texturing option, for the complete barista experience. Approximately ₹ 54,000 at breville.com
Jungalow
Chaya Berry Rug
Who would say no to an ancient amulet that symbolizes protection, happiness, luck, health and good fortune? Especially considering the last few years! This Justina Blakeney X Loloi Hamsa Shaped Wool Rug comes in a variety of colors – berry with orange and ivory highlights is our pick. Approximately ₹ 17,600 at jungalow.com
Spring shadows
Designer Bouquet Subscription
The holiday collection of this Bengaluru outfit features an evergreen wreath filled with chypre, leather fern, pinecones, and fresh eucalyptus leaves (₹ 1,999). And for homeowners with busy schedules, a bouquet subscription can add long-term joy. Each surprise collection of 20-25 stems (including fillings) can be delivered weekly, biweekly or monthly. Just cut it out and place it in a vase. From ₹ 3,599 at shadesofspring.in
Lladró
Red toucan ice cube
A tropical statement piece that brings with it a fun Christmas vibe. Functional and decorative, the glass base is topped with a glazed porcelain toucan handcrafted in the Lladró workshops in Spain. ₹ 1.04,000 at luxury.tatacliq.com
Balboste
Personalized matcha chocolate fortune cookies
The Paris-based studio that creates eye-pleasing food combined with fine craftsmanship offers personalized fortune cookies (send a positive message or two). They are also dipped in marbled white chocolate and matcha. What’s not to love about this? Approximately ₹ 1,800 at shop.balboste.com
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Lai Designs
Qaleen Miniature Painting Earrings
Wearable art takes on a whole new meaning with these hand-painted earrings. Sterling silver is accented with enamels in a traditional style. surgery (carpet) design. Each piece is created in a home / studio in Rajasthan, using centuries-old techniques. ₹ 12,750 at in.lai-designs.com
Jewels Delights
Ravioli necklace
This 14k gold and diamond necklace isn’t just for the person in your life who truly loves pasta. According to the website, “Retribution is built in. This purchase provides 575 meals to help feed the hungry.” So far, the brand has worked with non-profit partners in Mexico, Minnesota and New York’s Chinatown to deliver more than 5.8 lakh of meals to the homeless. Approximately ₹ 1.4 lakh at delicaciesjewelry.com
Gucci
Broadway heart-shaped bag
Enamelled metal covered in red, blue and purple glass beads come together to create this piece of haunting anatomical precision. Beyoncé is already a fan – she wore the silver version of this eye-catching bag on a recent night out with Jay-Z. ₹ 6.5 lakh at gucci.com
Gopro
Hero10
The 23MP action camera is designed for that vacation you’ve spent the last two years planning. Waterproof to 33 feet and with improved low-light performance, it’s perfect for the adventurer. Shoot in Time Warp 3.0, 8x Slo Mo, or Liveburst that records 45 frames in 1.5 seconds. It is also connected to the cloud. ₹ 54,500 at croma.com
Beats
Fit Pro
A worthy alternative to Air Pods. These wireless noise-canceling headphones feature Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Delivers a truly immersive music, movie and gaming experience. Transparency mode lets you interact a little more with the world, without having to stop your podcast or remove your headphones. ₹ 18,557 at ubuy.co.in
Bell and Ross
BR 05 Horolum
Taking inspiration from the “minerality of concrete” and simplified contemporary architecture, this limited edition piece comes with a photoluminescent coating. No matter where in the urban jungle it is used, it retains its purpose: telling the time. Choose from a black rubber or sandblasted steel strap. 250 pieces only. ₹ 4.42 lakh at bellross.com
Rimowa
Blushed Aluminum Clutch
Honey, I shrunk the luggage! The brand’s iconic signature comes in a miniature size, made from the same lightweight aluminum. With enough room for a phone and lipstick, it also has a card slot. And a leather bracelet to wear it. ₹ 89,000 at net-a-porter.com
Lego
Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block
Millennials who go into a nostalgic flashback every time they hear Mario’s theme song, this collectible is for you. Open the yellow question box to reveal a world of details. Build Princess Peach’s castle and three additional levels. Look for surprise revelations and secrets, and enjoy iconic music and sounds. And of course there are 2,064 blocks. For people over 18 years old. Approximately 13,000 rupees on lego.com
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