Gift IdeasRaksha Bandhan gift ideas
On Raksha Bandhan a sister ties a rakhi and a brother gives her a gift, traditionally money. Many sisters now give their brothers a gift too.
A framed photograph of the two of you
Choose a photo they have not seen for years. Print it larger than you think.
A box of their favourite sweets
Find out the exact shop and the exact sweet. Precision is the gift.
A bar of fine chocolate or a small chocolate box
A safe choice when you do not know someone well.
A keychain with a name or a small photo
Useful every day and impossible to have too many of.
A rakhi with sweets and a small gift
For brothers far away, post it two weeks early.
A cricket bat, football or badminton set
Outdoor toys get used the most. Check the right size for the child's age.
A school bag, bottle or lunch box they chose
Take the child along. Choosing is half the joy.
A shirt or kurta
Check the size from a shirt in his cupboard, not from memory.
Money in an envelope (shagun)
Welcome on almost every family occasion, and the giver never has to guess a size or a taste. By custom the amount ends in one.
A phone cover, stand or power bank
Check the phone model first.
A fitness band, skipping rope or yoga mat
Only for someone who has started exercising, never as a hint.
Sports gear for their game
A racket grip, a pair of gloves, a jersey of their team.
A grooming kit
A good razor, trimmer or a set of skin care basics.
A makeup or skin care set
Buy what she already uses. Shades and skin types are personal.
Earrings or a bracelet
Easier than a ring, because no size is needed.
A saree, suit piece or dupatta
If you do not know her taste, choose a classic colour and a fabric she already wears.
A handbag or wallet
Look at the one in use now, and choose the same style in better quality.
A wrist watch
A classic gift for a milestone: a first job, a wedding, a retirement.
A travel bag or backpack
For someone starting a new job, a new city or a long-planned journey.
Headphones or earphones
Find out whether they prefer wired or wireless, and what they listen on.
A first-job kit
A formal shirt, a good bag and a notebook for someone starting work.
A piece of gold or silver jewellery
Small and classic, such as earrings, a chain or a ring, is worn more often than large and elaborate.
No idea matches these choices. Set one of the boxes back to "Any".
Your shortlist
Choosing a Raksha Bandhan gift
- An envelope with a small personal gift is the usual combination.
- When the rakhi is sent by post, send the gift early or transfer it with a message on the day.
- Sisters giving to brothers: sweets with the rakhi are traditional, and a small useful gift is a welcome surprise.
About the spending levels
This site does not quote prices, because prices change with the city, the shop and the year. Each idea is marked with one of four levels instead:
- Token: A small gesture: the cost of a snack or a few cups of tea.
- Modest: An everyday gift for friends and family.
- Generous: A special gift for someone close or a big occasion.
- Grand: A once-in-years gift, often given by a family together.
Questions people ask
What is a good Raksha Bandhan gift?
An envelope with a small personal gift is the usual combination. Two ideas from this page: "A box of their favourite sweets" and "Sports gear for their game".
Is it fine to give money?
In India, money in an envelope is a normal and welcome gift on most family occasions, especially weddings and festivals. Add a line of blessing and your name. See our page on shagun.
Other occasions
Guides
- Shagun: giving moneyThe envelope, the extra rupee and how to decide the amount.
- Gifting etiquetteGiving, receiving, regifting and gifts to avoid.
- Return giftsIdeas for birthdays, weddings, pujas and housewarmings.
- Gift wrappingWrap a box neatly, or wrap without paper at all.
- Gift messagesShort lines to write on a tag or card, to copy.
- Secret Santa name drawerPair everyone for a gift exchange on one phone.