Last Minute Diwali Gift Ideas to Send to Your Family Overseas

Diwali is fast approaching, promising to be a grand celebration of new beginnings uniting Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists from all over the UK. However, whilst restrictions have been lifted, not everyone is able to celebrate Diwali with their loved ones this October.

Nevertheless, being separated from family won’t stop the celebrations. There is still time to organise a gift to send to your loved ones overseas to show them that you are thinking of them and to celebrate together from afar.
 
These days, Diwali gifts can either be traditionally associated with the holiday, or be more modern and creative. As they say, it’s the thought that counts!

Here are some online gift ideas to make the festival feel special and celebrate the optimism and prosperity of the future, wherever your loved ones may be.

1. Digital Gift Cards

Digital gift cards are a versatile and easy option that most major online retailers offer. In lieu of the traditional gift of new clothes, a gift card allows your loved one to pick out their own outfit for the celebrations. Two days before Diwali is Dhanteras, traditionally a day for buying gold and jewellery, so you could purchase a jewellery store gift card to help them complete their festive outfit.

2. Gift Hampers

Gift Hampers are widely available online and are easily customisable. Depending on who the hamper is for, it can be filled with delicious treats like chocolate, or Indian sweets like kaju katli and ladoo (laddu). If your recipient isn’t keen on sweets, fill it with tea, candle holders and diyas, or beauty and grooming products. With the holiday quickly approaching, make sure you find a hamper service that is local and offers fast delivery.

3. Airtime Top-Up

To avoid expensive roaming costs, many people travelling or working in India buy a local prepaid SIM card. Prepaid mobile phones require ‘credit’, ‘talktime’, or ‘airtime’ so they can be used. Once the airtime runs out, the user won’t be able to make calls, send texts or access the internet until it has been topped up again. As a unique gift, consider sending additional airtime to your loved one. This way, you can easily contact them during Diwali without feeling pressured to rush off the phone to save data or minutes. 90% of WorldRemit airtime transfers are received in less than 10 minutes and mobile airtime can be added instantly to phones in India on: Airtel, Aircel, BSNL, Idea, Loop, MTS, Reliance, Tata Docomo, Tata Indicom, Uninor, Videocon GSM, Vodafone, Dish, Sun Direct, Tata Sky, and MTNL.

4. Food from a local vendor

Buying food from your family’s favourite local vendor is a thoughtful Diwali gift and also supports the local community and its small businesses. If you can’t shop with a vendor directly, consider sending money to someone in-town via a money transfer so they can pick up the items in-time.

5. Money

Another simple and appreciated gift is money, ensuring your loved ones can celebrate the festival with ease. If doing so, make sure you check the best time to send money and that you have updated details for your intended recipient to make sure the money you send gets there in time for the festivities. In most cases, money transfers take just minutes, making it perfect for same-day delivery.