Five Meaningful and Budget-Friendly Diwali Gift Ideas for 2025
Key Takeaways
Traditional Gifts are Still Going Strong. Candles and fragrances are popular during Diwali and are also increasingly favoured for gifting in general. Surveys indicate that many look forward to receiving scented candles and similar items during celebrations like Christmas, Eid, and Chinese New Year.
Style Matters. Fashion accessories as gifts continue to be a reliable choice. Look for items that combine wearability with festive flair to make your gifts stand out.
Value in Thoughtful Touches. Small, meaningful gifts such as sweets, lanterns, incense, or stylish accessories can feel special without breaking the bank.
Savvy Shopping. Clever shopping tactics can make a significant difference. Utilise discount codes, seek deals, and plan your purchases to find premium or luxury-feeling gifts at budget-friendly prices.
Contents
- Popular Diwali Gifting Trends
- Affordable Diwali Sweets & Treats
- Exciting Diwali Chocolate Gifts You'll Love
- Scented Candles & Fragrances
- Eco-Friendly Diyas & Home Decor
- Clothing & Fashion
- Final Tips for Successful Diwali Gift Shopping
Popular Diwali Gifting Trends
Gifting habits can change from year to year, but some favourites consistently remain popular. A CNBC survey from 2024 indicates that 53% of people prefer sweets and chocolates as their gift of choice for Diwali. Similarly, candles, lamps, and fragrances continue to be well-received, with a LocalCircles survey revealing that one in four households chooses these items for the celebration.
Fashion also ranks among India's top categories for festive purchases, showing that people still enjoy gifting clothes and accessories during Diwali. Alongside traditional gifts, there is increasing interest in eco-friendly and practical options, such as reusable decorations. This suggests that while some staples in Diwali shopping endure, new generations' consumer priorities are evolving.
With rising prices and growing global environmental awareness, many households actively seek affordable and sustainable alternatives. Thoughtful gifts that embody the spirit of Diwali do not have to be expensive; in fact, meaningful and straightforward options often leave the most significant impact.
Affordable Diwali Sweets & Treats
Sweets are a delight during Diwali, bringing joy and tradition into every home! From delicious mithai to beloved nostalgic treats, these festive goodies make perfect and thoughtful gifts for our dear ones.
For great deals, you can find a fantastic selection of Diwali snacks at supermarkets, which often provide offers for members as well as deals on first orders. At supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, look for items like Bombay Mix, Besan Laddu, Softy Chakli, Jalebi, and Banana Chips in their Asian Food Cupboard or World Foods section. Plus, don’t forget to check out our Sainsbury’s discount code to help you save, especially when buying in bulk.
Another excellent tip is to explore stores like Morrisons, where their home-brand or seasonal products can be a treasure trove. They even slash prices on products like a Nutmeg Home large-jar candle, perfect for autumn. Pairing these candles with sweets in a charming little hamper makes for a delightful gift under £10! Find a Morrisons discount code to sweeten your savings even more.
Exciting Diwali Chocolate Gifts You'll Love
You’ll be thrilled that supermarkets have affordable chocolate boxes and hampers that are perfect for Diwali! Check out Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference collections, Tesco's Finest Belgian chocolates, or Waitrose’s assortments. With prices starting as low as £6–£12, you can indulge in premium treats that won’t stretch your budget. Plus, using our discount codes, you can snag even better deals.
Top tip: AliExpress can also be a fun option for novelty or international chocolate gift boxes you don’t usually find in the U.K. AliExpress often has promo codes throughout the year, with discounts ranging from 10% to 90% off your order. In the flash deals hub, new deals are added every 48 hours.
Scented Candles & Fragrances
No Diwali celebration is complete without the enchanting glow of candles brightening every home. These lights perfectly reflect the festival of lights and infuse your space with warmth and a delightful ambience.
Scented candles make perfect Diwali gifts - simple yet impactful additions that enhance any home's atmosphere. As you shop for the occasion, consider exploring budget-friendly options from popular supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, and Morrisons. For instance, the Blossom & Wood Bakery Candle from Boots or the Dr Oetker Party Candles from Ocado are great options at different price ranges. Also, keep your eyes peeled for multibuy deals or clearance sales.
Eco-Friendly Diyas & Home Decor
Diyas are more than traditional oil lamps; they symbolise the victory of light over darkness and the joy of the festival. Gifting decorative diyas or charming home accessories is an excellent way to embrace and honor this special occasion.
With various options, from painted clay diyas to stylish tealight holders, these gifts bring warmth, tradition, and a touch of elegance to any home. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, often available in sets for under £10.
For something different, consider eco-friendly diyas made from clay or terracotta, which are sustainable and deeply rooted in tradition.
Top tip: Supermarkets sometimes stock home décor or lighting, which can double as décor pieces or diya alternatives. Keep an eye on Sainsbury’s home section or Morrisons’ home-wares sale, and don’t forget to check our discount codes before you buy.
Clothing & Fashion
Clothing and fashion accessories continue to be highly favoured regarding Diwali gifting. According to a consumer report, fashion is among the top categories people plan to buy as Diwali gifts.
Brands like New Look provide a high-street fashion option. Our page offers a New Look discount code or multiple sales, often offering up to 25% off.
Affordable fashion gifts include scarves, jewellery, festive tops, and light knitwear. Alongside high-street names like New Look and Marks & Spencer, SHEIN is excellent for affordable accessories, jewellery, and festive outfits. All three are listed with frequent voucher codes and sometimes an exclusive discount code, often giving 20–60% off.
Final Tips for Successful Diwali Gift Shopping
As you gear up for Diwali, here are some final tips to ensure your gift shopping is meaningful and wallet-friendly:
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Start your shopping early! This approach allows you to snag the best deals, avoid rising prices, and avoid last-minute premiums.
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Setting a spending limit for each person or category keeps your budget on track and helps you make thoughtful choices.
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Always check for discount codes before purchasing - little savings make a big difference.
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Consider combining gifts for a personal touch. A lovely candle paired with sweets or a stylish scarf alongside a diya creates a thoughtful multi-item gift without breaking the bank.
Even with the rising cost of living, thoughtful gifting doesn’t have to be expensive. With some planning, clever shopping, and online vouchers or discounts, finding affordable gifts that feel personal is possible. You can make this Diwali memorable and budget-friendly for everyone you wish to celebrate with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a prominent religious festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists worldwide, including in the U.K. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrations often include lighting lamps and candles (diyas), decorating homes, exchanging gifts, feasting on sweets, and spending time with family and friends.
When is Diwali 2025?
This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, 20th October 2025. Local communities often hold events and gatherings on the weekend closest to the main day to allow families to celebrate together.
Is Diwali the same time every year?
Diwali follows the lunar calendar, so its date changes annually, usually between October and November. In the U.K., community centres and temples announce festival dates to coordinate local celebrations.
How long does Diwali last?
Diwali celebrations typically last five days, each with rituals and significance. U.K. families often celebrate with home decorations, lighting diyas, sweets, and smaller-scale cultural events.
Who celebrates Diwali in the U.K.?
Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists across the U.K. celebrate Diwali. Major celebrations occur in cities such as London, Leicester, Birmingham, and Manchester, featuring community events, firework displays, and cultural performances.