On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, as siblings come together to celebrate their bond, gifting is taking a more personal turn this year. Instead of simply picking up another present, many are looking for gifts that create memories — from curated hampers and hobby kits to meals, workshops and activities planned together. For Bengaluru siblings, the thought behind the gift is becoming as important as the gift itself. It could be a dinner, a short outing or even something connected to an interest we both enjoy. Years later, I may not remember what was in the gift box, but I will remember the day we spent together.”
Shruti Sharma, who is celebrating Rakhi with her brother today, says, “We have grown up sharing almost everything, so I feel the best gifts are the ones that create another memory for us.
Distance has made siblings crave an excuse for a whole evening, not a five-minute exchange,” says Nupur. The idea is to show that some thought has gone into choosing the gift. A brother who loves coffee could get a curated coffee set, while a sister who enjoys painting could receive an art workshop or a customised art hamper. Even childhood photographs, favourite snacks and a handwritten note can make a gift feel personal. For siblings, an experience does not necessarily have to be elaborate or expensive. A meal at a favourite restaurant, a pottery or baking workshop, a concert, a movie date, a short drive or simply spending an afternoon together can become the gift. Kshitij Sharma feels the experience matters more than the price tag. “With siblings, you already have years of memories to work with. So, I think the best gift is something that connects to those memories. This Rakhi, instead of just handing over a present, I would rather take my sister out, do something she enjoys and spend a few hours without worrying about work or our usual schedules,” he shares. For siblings who already seem to have everything, an experience can also take the pressure out of choosing a gift. It could be a meal, a workshop, a concert or simply a day planned around something the sibling loves. “If personalised products are one part of the story, shared experiences are the other. Nobody wants a generic thread anymore — they want ‘proof’ that they actually know the person. A single perfect gift is stressful to pick. A hamper takes that pressure off. This year, the ask is for things you do together, not just unwrap.