32 Gift Ideas Just In Time For Diwali From South Asian–Owned Small Businesses

People usually exchange sweets, dry fruit, or other gift items during Diwali as a token of regard, and these shops might have just the gifts you're looking for.

Diwali, aka the Festival of Lights, is a holiday celebrated in India, where it's a shared holiday among Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists! It's also celebrated by the Indian diaspora, so several countries observe the fifth day of Diwali as a holiday. The holiday begins celebrations on Oct. 24, so here are some gift ideas that'll make your loved ones smile!

1. Amaaya Jewelry

Amaaya Jewelry

Amaaya Jewelry is a first-generation Indian-owned and Chicago-based jewelry brand created to offer one-of-a-kind designs that will surely make you stand out in the crowd and add variety to your closet at an affordable price. The brand's creator believes that "you're one of a kind and the jewelry you wear should be too," and they recently launched a Diwali Jewelry collection perfect for this holiday!

Check out all of their products on Amaaya Jewelry.

2. Kola Goodies

Kola Goodies

Kola Goodies, referring to greens or leaves, is a Sri Lankan brand that creates botanical-rich, Sri Lankan wellness remedies in convenient, powdered formats. They are sourced from fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients that come directly from South Asian farmer collectives. The delicious flavors include Sri Lankan Milk Tea, Oat Mylk Tea Latte, Super Green Latte, and Turmeric Latte. 

Check out all of their products at Kola Goodies. 

3. MOR Collections

MOR Collections

MOR Collections creates timeless, South Asian–inspired closet staples and statement pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits! Each piece can be worn not only to your next wedding or cultural event but also in your everyday life. The fashion label even offers complimentary tailoring so you can get the perfect fit.

Check out all of their products at MOR Collections.

4. Aavrani

Aavrani

Aavrani is an Indian-owned skincare brand that melds the founder Rooshy Roy's Indian roots with her American upbringing. Aavrani offers various products based on what your skin needs help with most, like acne, minimizing the appearance of pores, lightening dark spots, brightening dull skin, and rejuvenating and hydrating dry skin.

Check out all of their products at Aavrani.

5. Hyperbole Accessories

Hyperbole Accessories / Via hyperboleaccessories.com, Never Have I Ever / Netflix, Disney

Hyperbole Accessories is an Indian-owned, California- and India-based shop that handcrafts jewelry using recycled metal and semiprecious stones in order to create thoughtful and meaningful jewelry. As seen above, their jewelry was also featured in Never Have I Ever — with Nalini, played by Poorna Jagannathan, wearing the Barroco Danglers — and in Hocus Pocus 2, with Winifred, played by Bette Midler, wearing the Witchy Amethyst Halloween Earrings!

Check out all of their products at Hyperbole Accessories.

6. The Cumin Club

@the_cumin_club / Via instagram.com

The Cumin Club is a South Asian–founded, Chicago-based food startup that creates clean, authentic meal kits that bring the true local flavor of regional dishes all over India to your home and can be made in five minutes with just hot water! The brand offers 5, 10, or 20 meals in each plan to be delivered to your door every week, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your preference, AND you can customize each plan to your liking. 

Check out all of their products at the Cumin Club.

7. Every Girl Dolls

Every Girl Dolls

Every Girl Dolls creates affordable, fun dolls for kids to celebrate who they are! The founders' hope is that children can "see themselves in their play, celebrate their uniqueness, and share their culture with family, friends, and classmates." They have also created a Diwali Bundle that includes their Laila Doll dressed in her custom lengha, a 7" Rangoli/Mandala Puzzle with a set of three colored grains of sand, and a Chocolate Ladoo Recipe!

Check out all of their products at Every Girl Dolls.

8. GuruNanda

GuruNanda

GuruNanda is an Indian-owned brand that creates body care products inspired by Ayurveda, which is the ancient Indian system of holistic healing. Their humidifiers and diffusers give natural scents with moisturized air, their oral care products combine the best of Western and Ayurvedic oral care to help reveal your brightest smile and happiest mouth effortlessly, and their natural bath and beauty products will help you radiate your inner glow! 

Check out all of their products at GuruNanda.

9. HoliCHIC

@holichicbymegha / Via instagram.com

HoliCHIC is an Indian-owned, New York–based fashion brand that creates clothing and accessories inspired by Mumbai and New York City! Their clothing options include lenghas and saris, matching sets, swim- and resortwear, blazers and suits, bags and clutches, and more! They even have a men's clothing line with Indian wear, pants, blazers, and shirts. 

Check out all of their products at HoliCHIC.

10. Knead Some Love NY

@kneadsomeloveny / Via instagram.com

Knead Some Love NY creates delectable handcrafted donuts and treats inspired by Indian flavors and traditional American donuts! They ship nationwide, so you'll be able to try various treats, such as their Desi Rose Pistachio Donut (pictured above), Ras Malai Rabdi Donut, Gulab Jamun Donut, and so much more! 

DM or email Knead Some Love NY for more information on how to get these delicious treats for yourself or your loved ones! 

11. Mudita Earth

@mudita_earth / Via Instagram: @mudita_earth

Mudita Earth is an Indian-owned brand that creates skincare products using all-natural, plant-based ingredients that soothe sensitive and allergy-prone skin. They also use 100% recyclable packaging to reduce waste in each of their products, including their Blueberry & Papaya — Rejuvenating Serum, Pomegranate & Papaya Revitalizing Day Cream, and Bamboo Exfoliating Cleanser. 

Check out all of their products at Mudita Earth.

12. Scrumptious Wicks

@scrumptiouswicks / Via instagram.com

Scrumptious Wicks create vegan, handcrafted candles with scents inspired by South Asia, including Blooming Rose, Cinnamon Chai, Ginger and Saffron, Indian Monsoon, and their limited edition Happy Diwali candle! If you'd like to get multiple scents, Scrumptious Wicks offers bundles such as their Pick Any Two Jars Bundle. 

Check out all of their products at Scrumptious Wicks. 

13. Tanisi

Tanisi / Via alwaystanisi.com

Tanisi is an Indian-owned, Chicago-based, ethically produced fashion brand with designs from mother-daughter duo Shreya and Axi Patel. In addition to dresses, the brand also handcrafts tops and tunics, scarves and wraps, and dusters in order to keep traditional crafts alive; boasts grandeur, finesse, and unique aesthetic quality; and supports the livelihood of skilled artisans.

Check out all of their products at Tanisi.

14. Yai's Thai

Yai's Thai

Yai's Thai is a Thai-owned food brand that creates bold, Thai-flavored curry and sauces that are also paleo-friendly, gluten-free, vegan, and low in sodium. In addition to their individual curries and sauces, they offer a variety of bundles, including the Medium Spice Bundle, Mild Spice Bundle, and Spicy Bundle, so you can try multiple sauces with your favorite spice level at once!

Note: Diwali in Thailand is celebrated under the name "Loi Krathong."

Check out all of their products at Yai's Thai. 

15. MyDecorify

@mydecorify / Via instagram.com

MyDecorify is an Indian-owned shop that creates DIY kits for adult art projects and South Asian–inspired stationery, including stickers, notebooks, and art prints. They provide ideas and the exact amount of materials needed so you don't need to run to various craft stores or waste unused materials! 

Check out all of their products at MyDecorify. 

16. Amu Cherian

Amu Cherian

Amu Cherian is an Indian-owned home decor business that focuses on artisan woven textiles inspired by the color, minimalism, and influence of India and the Middle East. Founder Ammu Cherian embraces traditional techniques while bringing a modern and global take on each design. The current collections include Kasavu, which focuses on neutral gold colors, as well as Handloom and Bhujodi. 

Check out all of their products at Amu Cherian.

17. Desii Way

Desii Way / Etsy

Desii Way is a clothing and accessories line that represents South Asian Americans by fusing Western and Eastern cultures, with items that also serve as conversation starters about the founder Gemini Bhimani's beautiful roots. The shop has even created a Diwali Ugly Sweater, a Desi spin on the Christmas ugly sweater, to connect Gemini's culture and heritage with Western traditions and culture. 

Check out all of their products at Desii Way on Etsy.

18. Ahista Tea

@ahistatea / Via instagram.com

Ahista Tea hopes to elevate your tea and dining experience with ceramics tableware and tea blends that infuse tradition and innovation. Their premium tea collection can be purchased by type, region, and character. "Ahista," which means "at a slow pace," encourages taking a step back and savoring each moment with thoughtfulness and intention. And with Ahista Tea's quality ingredients, dedicated craftsmanship, and focus on the community and economic empowerment, these teas can help you do just that. 

Check out all of their products at Ahista Tea. 

19. Vichaar & Prem

@vichaar.and.prem / Via instagram.com

Vichaar & Prem, meaning "good thoughts and love," is a California-based company that creates art prints and learning products that blend the wisdom of Indian culture with a modern aesthetic to help children and adults connect with their Indian heritage. Their bestsellers include Being Hindu Learning Cards, which answer 50 commonly asked questions about Hinduism, along with Visual Stimulation Cards, a "You Are..." Poster Set, and so much more! 

Check out all of their products at Vichaar & Prem.

20. Masala Mama

@masalamamafoods / Via instagram.com

Masala Mama creates all-natural Indian simmer spices and plant-based, clean, and nourishing cooking sauces. They have a Hot Mama All-Stars Sampler for every sauce, including Tikka Masala, Coconut Curry, Vindaloo, Almond Korma, Boom Boom Curry, and Cashew Tikka, so you don't miss out on any of their delicious flavors. These flavor packs can be purchased individually and in packs of three, and you can even build your own three-pack, four-pack, or six-pack. And if you're wondering what you can make with these sauces, check out their recipes! 

Check out all of their products at Masala Mama and Umami Cart!

21. Infusion Candle Co.

@infusioncandleco / Via instagram.com

Infusion Candle Co. is a South Asian–owned brand that creates eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, hand-poured soy candles with scents that bring you back to your roots, while celebrating South Asian culture and heritage and encouraging cross-cultural bonds. Their scents include Jasmine Chai, Gooseberry, Sandalwood Rose, Spice, Darjeeling, and Cozy Cashmere. The shop also offers these scents in travel-size candles and in bundles! 

Check out all of their products at Infusion Candle.

22. DADA Eats

@dadaeats / Via instagram.com

Samah Dada is the author of the DADA Eats: Love to Cook It cookbook, which includes easy and fun plant-forward recipes for everyone at your table! This vegetarian cookbook features inventive takes on Indian dishes, desserts, and more using wholesome ingredients for maximum flavor and joy. Samah also provides some recipes at the DADA Eats website! 

Get the cookbook on Amazon for $16.79 or on Bookshop for $25.10, and check out more recipes at DADA Eats! 

23. House of Timepass

House of Timepass

House of Timepass is a family-run business passionate about spreading South Asian culture in a fun and interactive way. Desi Chaat is a game best played with family, friends, and sizzling hot samosas, where your team tries to guess words, songs, movies, and more. Not only will it be a great time, but it will also be a great way to pass down the culture!

Check out all of their products at House of Timepass.

24. Mango and Marigold Press

@mangoandmarigoldpress / Via Instagram: @mangoandmarigoldpress

Mango and Marigold Press is an Indian-owned, independent publishing house that focuses on sharing South Asian and multicultural stories, thus increasing diversity in children's libraries. To help celebrate the holiday, they recommend the Let’s Celebrate Diwali children’s book, which follows a young Hindu girl sharing her experience of the diversity of Diwali traditions among her Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist classmates.

Check out all of their products at Mango and Marigold Press. 

25. Desi Paws

Desi Paws / Etsy

Desi Paws is a California-based shop that creates pet products with a South Asian kick. Their adorable Mithai (Sweets) Box With Laddoos, Samosa, and Doggi chew toys are perfect for your favorite furry friend to try out your favorite foods in chew toy form!

Check out all of their products at Desi Paws at Etsy.

26. Brooklyn Delhi

@brooklyndelhi / Via instagram.com

Brooklyn Delhi creates condiments and sauces inspired by Indian culinary traditions with plant-based ingredients and "real-deal Indian flavors." Their products include various flavors of achaar, chutney, hot sauce, simmer sauce, and more! They also have a cookbook called Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes From Bangalore to Brooklyn, which focuses on the founder Chitra Agrawal's family recipes. 

Check out all of their products at Brooklyn Delhi, and get their Golden Coconut Curry Simmer Sauce exclusively at Umami Cart for $12.

27. In Kidz

@inkidzco / Via instagram.com

In Kidz creates kid-focused products about different regions and cultures to help break down stereotypes, close down cultural divides, and inspire the next generation of knowledgeable, accepting, and culturally aware citizens. Their current culture boxes include educational content about Nowruz (Persian New Year), Ukraine, Mexico, Guatemala, and more!

Check out all of their products at In Kidz.

28. Arjuna Design Studio

@arjunadesignstudio / Via instagram.com

Arjuna Design Studio creates luxury decor for the modern home infused with timeless South Asian elegance, with categories that include art, cushion covers, linens, dining, and kitchen. Founder and curator Sushmitha Pidatala hopes that adding these designs to your home will help "celebrate the present and remind you that you can always curate your life with the experiences and objects that make you happy and which elevate your everyday." 

Check out all of their products at Arjuna Design Studio.

29. Introspectively Styled

@introspectivelystyled / Via instagram.com

Introspectively Styled is a lifestyle apparel and home brand that creates collections based on South Asian culture, language, self-pyar (love) and mindfulness, and intent and inspiration. If you're looking for a unique Diwali gift, great options include the Inspired sweatshirt, Love My Culture sweatshirt, Shanti and Shakti cropped sweatshirt, and Journey Wall Canvas. A portion of the profits is also donated to South Asian women's nonprofit organizations for survivors of domestic violence! 

Check out all of their products at Introspectively Styled.

30. Kulture Khazana

Kulture Khazana

Kulture Khazana was created with the goal of using educational and play activities to share Indian cultural stories and help founder Akruti Babaria make her heritage and culture more accessible. For Diwali, the company has created a Diwali Celebration Kit, a Diwali Burst Fidget Toy, a Diwali Puja Kit, and more! They also offer free lessons for those who want to learn more about the culture. 

Check out all of their products at Kulture Khazana.

31. Diaspora Co.

@diasporaco / Via instagram.com

Diaspora Co. creates various spices sourced from 150 farms across India and Sri Lanka. Their current line consists of spices from root and barks, seeds and arils, fruits, chiles, and herbs and flowers. And if you're wondering what you can make with these sauces, check out their recipes!

Check out all of their products at Diaspora Co.

32. Modi Toys

Modi Toys

Modi Toys is an Indian-owned shop that offers Hindu-deity plush toys that sing mantras and have matching board books to tell each deity's story. In addition, the shop has faith-based accessories designed to spark curiosity about the culture, as well as a Diwali Bundle that includes any three mini Hindu-deity plush toys of your choice, three lotus tea light candleholders, three LED tea light candles, and one 4-by-6-inch Diwali-themed greeting card! 

Check out all of their products at Modi Toys.

See anything you like? Comment below, and feel free to give a shoutout to your favorite South Asian–owned small businesses for everyone to check out!