If another Rakhi gift guide tells you to buy chocolates, perfume or a coffee mug, perhaps it is time you start taking our advice. Ahmedabad has plenty of gift options with far more personality, than some generic off the shelf item. The city’s craft and food traditions can easily make Rakhi shopping interesting. These five Ahmedabad finds offer a better starting point than the usual last-minute gift hamper.
1. A Handwoven Bandhani Dupatta
Bandhani is one of Gujarat’s most recognisable textile traditions, and a good dupatta makes it considerably easier to gift than a full saree. The tied-and-dyed patterns can be worn with everyday Indian outfits, making this a gift that is likely to leave the cupboard. For something contemporary, Ahmedabad-based Angrasiyaa lists Bandhani-Ajrakh dupattas at around ₹2,774, while Rajendra Patola in Ambawadi stocks more elaborate Bandhani dupattas that can run into five figures.
Where to buy: Garvi Gurjari, Angrasiyaa, Rajendra Patola & Bandhej
Price: ₹2,700–₹10,000+, depending on fabric and craftsmanship
2. Gujarati Mirror-Work Jewellery
You can look for jewellery that draws from Gujarat’s textile vocabulary. Mirror work, fabric, beads and cowrie shells bring the colour and craft of Kutch to wearable pieces that complement both Indian and contemporary outfits. The intricate detailing and combinations make these accessories a distinctive Rakhi gift than conventional jewellery. Kutch is particularly known for its mirror-work embroidery, with different communities developing their own distinctive stitches, patterns and colour palettes over generations.
Where to buy: The Purna, Kalgi Jewellery, local markets
Price: ₹100–₹2,500
3. A Personalised Ceramic Keepsake
For siblings who prefer minimal interiors, go local with handmade ceramics. Clayventures, an Ahmedabad-based ceramic studio, hand-throws and fires its pieces in small batches, with mugs, bowls, vases and serveware available for gifting. Pick a mug for the sibling who lives on coffee, or a small vase or bowl for someone with a growing homeware obsession.
Where to buy: Clayventures, One Way Ceramic Studio
Price: ₹450–₹1,500
4. A Proper Gujarati Snack Hamper
Do not go for the chocolate hamper you see in almost every local shop. Build one around the things you sibling might actually reach for like the mouth-watering khakhra, gathiya, sev, mukhwas, thepla and regional snacks.Gharvié makes excellent hand-rolled Gujarati khakhra in Ahmedabad. Put together a few favourites in a box and you have a gift that is far more likely to disappear than a decorative hamper.
Where to buy: Gharvié Foods, Pinky Gruh Udhyog, Induben Khakhrawala
Price: ₹150–₹1,000+
5. Catch Vidit Sharma Live With Your Sibling
If your idea of a good evening involves humour, Vidit Sharma’s Namak Kam Hai is worth adding to your plans. The stand-up special centres on his short temper and the many things he finds wrong with the world, delivered in a mix of Hindi and English. It is a fun pick for siblings who would rather spend an evening laughing together.
BookMyShow
When: August 28 | 8:30 pm
Where: Mishty Studio, Memnagar
Price: ₹499 onwards
