Secret Santa at the office. Gifts for the neighbours. Something small for your child's teacher, your house help, your cousins. December's gift list gets long fast, and most of what's in the malls is plastic, mass-produced, and forgotten by January.
This year, give something handmade instead. Every gift below is under ₹1,500, made by small makers and artisans, and something people will actually use. Prices are correct at the time of writing. Most pieces are made in small batches, so stock is limited.
For the self-care lover
1. Luminous Glow Face/Body Oil – from ₹750
A lightweight herbal beauty oil that sinks right in and leaves skin with a healthy glow. It's one of the easiest gifts to give, because almost everyone loves a good face oil. Shop the Luminous Glow Oil.
2. Lavender Oil – ₹700
A calming body oil for the friend who's had a stressful year. It's perfect as a bedtime ritual gift. Shop the Lavender Oil.
3. Sandalwood & Turmeric Oil – ₹1,400
A classic Ayurvedic blend of soothing sandalwood and turmeric. It's a thoughtful, traditional gift for parents and grandparents. Shop the Sandalwood & Turmeric Oil.
4. Revitalisation Hair Oil (50ml) – ₹700
A nourishing head-massage oil, because a champi is the most Kerala gift of all. Shop the Revitalisation Hair Oil.
New to these oils? Our guide to natural skincare explains which one suits whom.
For the jewellery lover
5. Bali Marble Gold Earrings by Studio Baali – ₹1,050
Hand-poured polymer clay with a marbled gold finish. No two swirls are ever the same, and they're lightweight enough to wear all day. Shop the Bali Marble Gold Earrings.
6. Blue Floral Print Drop Earrings by Studio Baali – ₹1,050
Delicate everyday colour in a hand-shaped floral drop. They make a lovely Secret Santa pick. Shop the Blue Floral Drop Earrings. Read more about the craft in Polymer Clay Earrings 101.
7. Antique Gold Kemp Stone Ring – ₹1,350
An oval red kemp stone in a beaded pearl border on an antique gold-plated band. It's a statement piece with a traditional South Indian feel. Shop the Kemp Stone Ring.
8. Suvarna Meen Statement Ring – ₹1,250
"Meen" means fish. This adjustable ring has gold fin-shaped accents framing a grid of stones like shimmering scales, and because it's adjustable, you don't need to know their ring size. Shop the Suvarna Meen Ring.
For the home-maker
9. Swarna Nira Runners & Placemats – from ₹599
Red and gold floral motifs on a soft ivory base, made for festive dinners and Christmas lunch. It's a beautiful hostess gift. Shop Swarna Nira Runners & Placemats.
10. Striped Scorpion Cushion Cover – ₹890
Block-printed stripes and a screen-printed scorpion motif together on one cushion cover. It's a playful, conversation-starting gift for someone with a great eye for interiors. Shop the Cushion Cover.
Why give handmade this Christmas?
- It's personal. Handmade pieces have small variations that make each one unique, just like the person you're giving it to.
- It supports real people. Your gift supports artisans and small makers rather than a factory line.
- It lasts. Good oils, jewellery and textiles get used and loved long after the wrapping paper is gone.
Shop gifts in Kochi
Pick up gifts in person at our Panampilly Nagar boutique, or at our Fort Kochi store next to Lila Cafe on Ridsdale Road, where you'll find plenty more small gifts on the shelves. You can also shop our Skin Actives & Fragrances, earrings and accessories online. Planning a party too? See our Christmas and New Year outfit ideas.