Unless you’re Scrooge himself, you cannot escape giving gifts this season. You may think festivals have become commercial, but the tradition of gifting, whatever newer forms it has taken over the years, is here to stay. No wonder, everyone loves the jolly old man with the frosty beard. For Santa is never empty handed!
But what happens when you’ve run through the gamut of airy vases, pretty figurines, delicate china, stuffed toys and candy heart? There must be something that’s snazzy and simple, yet fits into your budget and makes your loved ones gleam with joy — all at the same time. Tall order? Maybe, but visiting the annual Christmas Market put together by the Amicale de Pondicherry earlier this week, we found plenty of inspiration.
The Amicale, a network which essentially makes the French feel welcome in Puducherry, banks on Christmas cheer to raise funds for underprivileged children though the annual affair at Lycee Francais every year. Simultaneously the market drummed up support for home-based entrepreneurs, non-profit organisations and small-time local enterprises. Here are a few ideas we caught on to:
Handmade cards, planners
We in Puducherry love everything handmade — and the world knows it! From hand-rolled incense to crafted paper lanterns, the distinctive individual touch that comes with handmade fare is hard to replicate. Amandine Jeannette of Chickynette (visit her Facebook page) who makes cards for all occasions, exemplifies the town’s cultural mix best. Her themes are desi , inspired by Madhubani and Warli paintings, while the style is French. They are neatly done in Chinese black ink with paper sourced from the Ashram’s handmade paper factory. If you like to rope in a cause with a wish, then try the cards made by Santhosha Nanban. These are the creative labours of dozens of street children, who work on them after school hours. If you’re looking to get organised this New Year, what better way to ensure you stick to deadlines than an eye-catching planner? Handmade paper is bound in earthy shades that sport an elegant zari border.
Gift a recipe
What do organisers of local fetes and neighbourhood contests do when they run out of prize ideas? They turn to stainless steel dabbas. But SITA Kadai (22, Candappa Mudaliar Street) gives a culinary twist to this commonplace gift option. So you know a friend who hankers after Chicken Chettinad or Malabar fish curry? Gift them a stainless steel tiffin dabba which comes packed with the detailed recipe and every masala required to turn it into a dish.
Beauty in a box
Bow-tied boxes that promise bottled up beauty make for gifts that can move you up the popularity chart with the girls. Kriti Eco Boutique (Ambour Salai) taps the essence of lemongrass, honey and eucalyptus, from the Nilgiris and Himalayas into soaps, lotions and lip balms. “The products are prepared by tribal men and women across India,” says proprietor Dimple Chatterjee. Ayurvedic and beauty packages for radiant skin and glowing hair are wrapped in blouse bits that are cleverly turned into hand-stitched bags.
Bags for all
The best goodie bags can be the bags themselves. Pouches and purses turned out of cotton and dyed in bright colours, stitched by non-profit organisations such as Sharana and Volontariat, allow binging with a purpose. For retro style presents, try Nirvana’s flashy totes with Saroja Devi or MGR preening on the front. Looking for gifts for gadget lovers — vinyl covers printed with psychedelic designs are designed as Smartphone pouches, iPad covers and laptop bags by Vinil by Rochini at Auroville.
Kidding only
How to get kids to love clothes? Disguise them as toys, says Aicha Franck at Vysial Street. Soft cotton pyjamas and hand embroidered bibs are fitted onto stuffed toys, measuring two to four feet. Geraldine Humeau of Le bacilli d’amour at Rue Desbassyns de Richemont in White Town gives hand-woven Indian fabrics a European finish to turn out comfy kids clothing.
Pillows and prints
Have a friend on board who misses home? Usher in some holiday cheer with photographs capturing scenes of Indian life. Unframed photos by Yannick Cormier are reasonably priced and come in postcard sizes.
Know somebody who could do with some festive cheer at home? Lorene Monso of Living Fab (facebook page) effortlessly makes cushions into conversation pieces. With satin and silk rosettes, the cushions naturally jazz up interiors.
