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Time of India
07-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Last-Minute Raksha Bandhan Gifting Ideas That Feel Personal
With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, it's time to go beyond the standard mithai box and choose gifts that truly reflect the bond you share with your sibling. Whether you're shopping at the last minute or just looking for something more thoughtful, here's a curated guide to meaningful gifts — complete with expert-backed ideas that speak straight from the heart. Sweeten the Bond With a Box of Chocolates Nothing hits the nostalgia button quite like chocolate. It's indulgent, comforting, and always appreciated — especially when it's beautifully packed and thoughtfully selected. Whether you're picking classic truffles or artisanal blends, a chocolate hamper is a foolproof way to add sweetness to your relationship. "A chocolate hamper is more than a gift — it's a gesture of warmth, celebration, and the sweet bond shared on Rakshabandhan," says Executive Chef Anshul Dhyani, ITC Grand Central. Put Your Best Foot Forward With Sneakers Sneakers are no longer just a fashion statement — they're an extension of personality. Gifting your sibling a pair of sneakers is like saying, 'I know your vibe.' It's comfortable, functional, and effortlessly stylish. Choose from minimal designs for the understated sibling or bold, chunky styles for the one who likes to stand out. ' This Rakshabandhan, it's not about over-the-top gestures — it's about gifting with quiet confidence. Today's siblings know each other's vibe and want to gift pieces that feel personal and intentional. You're not just buying a product — you're saying, I see you, I get you .' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Local Summer Sale: 75% Off Installation in Far Rockaway LeafFilter Gutter Protection Learn More Undo says Abhinav Verma, Co-founder & CEO of ARKS. Brew Deeper Bonds With Coffee For siblings who connect over late-night conversations or quiet Sunday mornings, coffee makes a warm and personal gift. From curated blends to French presses and brew kits, coffee sets are great for those who appreciate both ritual and flavour. ' Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of bonds that feel like home — warm, familiar, and filled with shared memories. Including coffee in a Rakhi hamper adds a thoughtful, personal touch — one that helps brew lasting memories even after the festival ends ," says Akshat Arora, Marketing Director, Third Wave Coffee. Gift a Break With a Mini Staycation Some gifts can't be wrapped — like quality time. A short getaway or a staycation gives you and your sibling a chance to slow down, reconnect, and make fresh memories. Nature, vineyards, lake views, and spa time? It's the perfect pause button. ' Raksha Bandhan is about giving each other time. A staycation surrounded by nature offers the perfect setting to create memories, share conversations that matter, and truly unwind, ' says Gorakh Gaikwad, Chief Operations Officer at Sula Vineyards. Carry the Bond With a Timeless Bag A well-made bag is more than just an accessory — it's a piece of craftsmanship that your sibling will carry for years. From handcrafted leather totes to sleek workbags, this is a gift that combines style and utility with sentimental value. "When gifting a bag, think of it as gifting a piece of craftsmanship. Opt for something timeless, thoughtfully designed, and made to last — like a handcrafted leather bag. It's not just an accessory, but a keepsake that carries both form and function, and leaves a lasting impression ,' says Gautam Sinha, Founder, Nappa Dori. Say It With Scent: The Power of Perfume When it comes to perfume, the gift isn't just the bottle — it's the thought behind choosing the right one. A carefully selected fragrance reflects how well you know your sibling — their moods, preferences, and pace of life. Romantic florals, earthy woods, zesty citrus or compact on-the-go options — a scent can capture it all. ' When it comes to gifting a perfume, it's never just about the scent, it's about knowing the person. Thoughtful gifting begins with understanding who they are and choosing a scent that feels like it was made just for them ,' s ays Kanika Bhatia, Joon Perfumes. See the World Through Their Eyes (in Style) A stylish pair of sunglasses can instantly elevate any look — but the right pair also shows how well you know your sibling's taste and needs. Whether they're always driving, love the outdoors, or simply never step out without their sunnies, eyewear makes for a surprisingly personal and practical gift. ' This Rakshabandhan, when gifting eyewear, think beyond just style. Choose something that complements your sibling's personality, fits comfortably, and suits their daily lifestyle. A thoughtful pair shows you truly care and notice the little things that matter,' says Shobhit Bagga, Rosvin Bugs. Create a DIY Memory Box or Gift Coupons If you're short on time or prefer to keep things sentimental, a DIY gift can be just as impactful. Fill a box with childhood photos, hand-written notes, playlists, or simple 'gift coupons' your sibling can redeem — like 'movie night on me' or 'one heartfelt hug'. So whether your sibling is into fashion, food, or quiet moments, there's still time to find a gift that makes Raksha Bandhan feel special. After all, it's not about the price tag — it's about knowing what will make them smile.
News18
31-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News18
Rakshabandhan Feasts: Celebrate The Sweetest Bond With Modern Mithai Recipes
Last Updated: We've handpicked a curation of recipes from classic to contemporary that promise to make your Rakhi spread unforgettable, blending tradition with a dash of creativity Rakshabandhan, the cherished festival celebrating the sacred bond between siblings, is not just about the tying of a rakhi, it's a celebration woven with emotions, rituals, and indulgent feasting. As sisters prepare their thalis with love and brothers promise lifelong protection, food becomes the soul of the celebration, carrying forward traditions and memories. From time-honoured mithais like gulab jamun and barfi to contemporary fusion treats like paan barfi or rose kalakand cheesecake, Rakhi delicacies are an essential expression of affection. This festival calls for recipes that are both comforting and celebratory, rich in flavour, rooted in heritage, and often touched with a modern twist to suit today's palate. Whether you're reviving heirloom recipes from your grandmother's diary or exploring creative adaptations by master chefs, Rakshabandhan is the perfect occasion to sweeten the bond with dishes made from the heart. Think laddoos packed with nostalgia, crunchy sweet kachoris, festive chaats, and innovative Indian-style cheesecakes that bring two worlds together. Here, we've handpicked a curation of recipes from classic to contemporary that promise to make your Rakhi spread unforgettable, blending tradition with a dash of creativity. After all, nothing brings siblings closer than good food shared with laughter and love. Fusion Cheesecakes by Chef Amit Sharma, Co-Founder, Poetry by Love & Cheesecake Base: Crumbled vanilla sponge soaked in light sugar syrup Press into a ring mould and chill for 15–20 mins Cheesecake Layer: Whip cream cheese, fresh cream & condensed milk until smooth Fold in lightly drained sweet boondi Pour over base & set in fridge for 6–8 hours Topping: Halved or whole gulab jamun Saffron-cardamom reduction Garnish: gold leaf, pistachios, dried rose petals Base: Vanilla sponge soaked in sugar syrup Press into mould & chill Cheesecake Layer: Blend mascarpone, whipped cream & white chocolate Pour over base & set for 6–8 hours Topping: Rose petals Peda crumble or pistachio Base: Vanilla sponge soaked in rose sugar syrup Press & chill for 15–20 mins Cheesecake Layer: Mascarpone whipped with cream Fold in crumbled rose kalakand Pour & set overnight Topping: Crushed pistachios Edible rose petals Optional rose glaze Indian Mithai-Inspired Desserts Gulkand Paan Barfi By Chef Anshul Dhyani, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai Ingredients: Mawa, condensed milk, gulkand, fresh paan leaves, cardamom, optional coconut & green food colour Method: Cook mawa & condensed milk, mix in paan, gulkand & flavours, set in greased tray, garnish with silver varq & pistachios. 'Tradition meets indulgence in every bite." Sweet Kachori By Chef Anshul Dhyani Filling: Jaggery, khoya (optional), cardamom, chopped nuts Dough: Flour, ghee, salt, water Method: Prepare dough & filling, stuff & seal, deep fry till golden. Bhutte Ki Tikki By Chef Swapnadeep Mukherjee, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa Ingredients: Baby corn, pahari potato, ginger, green chilli, spices, coriander, olive oil Method: Mix all ingredients into dough, shape into tikkis, shallow fry, serve with chutney. Khatte Meethe Aloo By Chef Swapnadeep Mukherjee Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, desi ghee, cumin, turmeric, fresh anardana, green chilli, ginger, coriander, lemon juice Method: Temper spices in ghee, add potatoes, finish with anar & lemon juice. Sanjeev Kapoor's Healthy & Festive Sweets Lauki Ke Laddoo Ingredients: Grated lauki, ghee, edible gum (gond), mawa, Sugar Free Green Powder, nuts, melon seeds, coconut, cardamom, nutmeg Method: Cook lauki with ghee & mawa, add sweetener, mix with crushed gond & dry ingredients, shape into laddoos, garnish with gold varq. Khoya Kurmura Barfi Ingredients: Mawa, puffed rice, ghee, Sugar Free Green Powder, cardamom, nutmeg, cashew, pistachio, almond Method: Roast kurmura, cook mawa with sweetener, mix all, set in tray, garnish & cut into squares. Healthy Strawberry Crumble Ingredients: Strawberries, lemon juice, oats, wheat flour, cinnamon, walnuts, almonds, coconut oil, Sugar Free Green Powder Method: top videos View all Toss strawberries with lemon juice, top with oat-nut crumble mix, bake at 180°C for 35–40 mins. Garnish with halved strawberries. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 31, 2025, 11:03 IST News lifestyle » food Rakshabandhan Feasts: Celebrate The Sweetest Bond With Modern Mithai Recipes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
