Govardhan Puja is Tue, 10 Nov. Dates from Drik Panchang (New Delhi) — check your local panchang.
When to order
That date has passed — check with the seller before ordering. Allow about three weeks for making and delivery.
About a week ahead — sellers warn that festive weeks run slow.
Two to four days before Diwali reads as thoughtful; on the day or after reads as an afterthought.
Left it late? Diwali gifts you can get today →
Ideas for each person
At work, gifts go down or sideways — for a boss, a card or a small team gesture works better than a gift. For house help, drivers and guards, cash is almost always preferred over a wrapped gift.
Diwali gifts by budget
For Dhanteras: gold, silver and brass
Sweets and treats
Dessert boxes & cookies
Chocolate gift boxes
Dry fruit boxes
Tea & coffee gifts
Mithai & sweet boxes
Cookies & biscuits
Cheese & grazing boards
Cake combos & hampers
For the home and the puja
Desk plants & succulents
Indoor plants
Scented candles
Dinner & tea sets
Serveware & platters
Diyas & festive lamps
Pooja thalis
Idols & figurines
Lamps & lighting
Sculptures & showpieces
Vases & planters
Candle holders
Cushions & throws
Jewellery & trinket boxes
Incense & dhoop
Bonsai
To wear
Kurta sets & ethnic wear
Handloom sarees
Bangles & bangle boxes
Stoles & scarves
Cufflinks & ties
Hampers and vouchers
Customised hampers
Gourmet hampers
Corporate & festive client hampers
Gift cards & vouchers
Diwali hampers
Plant hampers
Tea & coffee hampers
For kids and family time
More Diwali ideas
Budgets by relationship, order-by dates for branded gifts, and the vendors who take bulk orders.
Plan work gifts →This year's festival dates, when gifts should arrive, what to spend at work, and what people say they actually want — from our own research.
Read the guide →Diwali gifting, answered
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sun, 8 Nov 2026. Dhanteras is Fri, 6 Nov, Govardhan Puja Tue, 10 Nov and Bhai Dooj Wed, 11 Nov — dates from Drik Panchang for New Delhi, so check your local panchang.
When should Diwali gifts arrive?
Two to four days before the festival — a gift that arrives on the day or after reads as an afterthought. This year, aim for Wed, 4 Nov.
What is bought or given on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is traditionally a day to buy gold, silver and new utensils, so silver coins, small gold pieces and brass or steel utensils are popular gifts that week.
What do people actually want for Diwali?
At work, a cash bonus was what employees wanted most in our study. Among family and friends, things that get used up — dry fruits, sweets, premium tea or coffee — and experiences land well; another god idol or photo frame usually doesn't, unless you know their taste.
How much should I spend on a Diwali gift at work?
The sweet spots in our study: ₹500–1,000 for vendors and minor partners, ₹1,500–3,000 for a standard client and ₹5,000–8,000 for a premium client or partner. Many companies cap what staff can accept, often around ₹2,000–5,000.