Top 10 Diwali gifts to delight your employees in 2024

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, embodies joy, festivity, and thankfulness.As an employer, it’s the perfect occasion to show your employees your appreciation for their hard work throughout the year. Several firms in India have presented their staff with lavish gifts for Diwali.

• An IT firm in Chennai bestowed 100 Maruti Suzuki cars upon its workforce.
• An embroidery machine enterprise in Surat rewarded 35 of its staff with electric scooters.
• In 2021, a Playable NFT’s Gaming Universe company celebrated Diwali by giving its employees cryptocurrencies.
• Savji Dholakia, a diamond merchant from Surat, generously gifted Mercedes-Benz SUVs.

The magnitude of these gifts often mirrors the profitability of the company and the tangible contributions made by the employees towards its growth. The more significant the impact an employee has on a company’s success, the more generous the Diwali gift tends to be.

Here’s a curated list of the top 10 Diwali gifts that your employees will love:

1. Bonus or Cash Incentives:

Nothing speaks appreciation quite like a financial reward. A bonus can be an effective way to make your employees feel valued during this festive season.

When considering giving cash bonuses to employees in India, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

1. Motivation and Morale Boost: Cash bonuses can serve as strong motivators, boosting employees’ morale and encouraging them to perform better.
2. Retention: It can help in retaining valuable talent within the organization as employees often appreciate financial rewards.
3. Performance Improvement: Bonuses tied to performance can drive employees to excel and achieve their targets.
4. Tax Benefits: In some cases, bonuses can be structured to provide tax benefits for both the employer and the employee. Explore the article to learn more about the tax situation here

Cons:

1. Cost: Giving cash bonuses can be costly, especially if the company is not in a strong financial position.
2. Expectation: Employees may come to expect bonuses regularly, and failure to meet these expectations can lead to disappointment and reduced morale.
3. Fairness Concerns: If not distributed fairly, bonuses can lead to resentment among employees, potentially harming teamwork.
4. Short-term Focus: Bonuses can encourage short-term thinking and may not align with the long-term goals of the company.

While cash bonuses can be effective in motivating and retaining employees, they should be carefully planned and distributed to avoid potential drawbacks.

2. Sweets and Dry Fruits:

Traditional favorites such as kaju katli, soan papdi, and assorted dry fruits in decorative boxes are always well-received.

How to order corporate sweet boxes?

Prominent sweet-makers such as Anand Sweets provide an extensive range of corporate sweet boxes. They also accommodate customization based on specific requirements. For large-scale orders, consider discussing with their sales team for potential discounts or special offers.

3. Gift Cards

A versatile option, gift cards from popular e-commerce platforms or departmental stores allow employees to choose their own gifts.

4. Electronic Gadgets:

Consider useful items like power banks, wireless earbuds, or even tablets. These are both functional and trendy.

5. Home Appliances:

Kitchen appliances like air fryers, mixers, or coffee makers are practical gifts that many employees would appreciate.When considering giving home appliances as Diwali gifts to employees, there are pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

1. Utility: Home appliances are practical gifts that can be used daily, making them highly useful for employees and their families.
2. Cost-Efficient: Purchasing appliances in bulk may provide cost savings compared to other gift options.
3. Customizable: There’s a wide range of home appliances available, allowing you to tailor gifts to employees’ needs or preferences.
4. Long-lasting: Many appliances are durable and can last for years, serving as a lasting reminder of your appreciation.
5. Symbol of Prosperity: Diwali is a festival of prosperity, and home appliances symbolize improving one’s quality of life.

Cons:

1. Limited Personalization: While versatile, home appliances may lack the personal touch of more customized gifts.
2. Varying Preferences: Employees may have different preferences for brands and types of appliances, making it challenging to please everyone.
3. Logistical Challenges: Distributing and delivering appliances to employees can be logistically complex.
4. Budget Constraints: High-quality appliances can be expensive, and this approach may strain the budget if not planned carefully.
5. Maintenance: Employees may need to bear the maintenance and repair costs for these appliances.

Ultimately, the decision should consider your budget, employee preferences, and the message you want to convey during Diwali.

6. Customized Corporate Merchandise:

Personalized diaries, pens, mugs, or even laptop sleeves with your company’s logo can make for memorable gifts.

7. Gold or Silver Coins:

A symbol of prosperity and wealth, gifting a gold or silver coin is a deeply rooted tradition during Diwali.

8. Handcrafted Items:

Consider eco-friendly gifts like handcrafted lanterns, decorative lamps, or even handmade chocolates. These not only embrace the spirit of Diwali but also support local artisans.

9. Wellness Packages:

The gift of health is invaluable. Consider gifting gym memberships, spa vouchers, or wellness retreats.

10. Books:

A well-curated selection of books, based on self-improvement, industry insights, or even fiction can be an insightful gift for the avid readers in your team.

In conclusion, while the gift itself is important, it’s the gesture and the thought behind it that counts. Choose gifts that resonate with your employees’ preferences, and you’ll undoubtedly make their Diwali brighter and more memorable.