All the secrets to good gift giving you need

Gift giving of any kind can be a tricky thing. You want to give someone a present that he or she can truly cherish. Something that is meaningful, appropriate for the occasion and fits into your budget. But when special occasions, such as Eid, roll around, it's easy to feel overwhelmed trying to pick out gifts for all those near and dear to you. To help you, Ritesh Tilani and Alper Celen, founders of www.joigifts.com, have some suggestions. Whether it's choosing your perfect gift or making it yourself, here's all you need to know to ensure things are picked, packed and wrapped in time.

What is the real purpose behind gift giving during Eid?
Eid is a celebration that brings people closer to their loved ones. And gifts are a great way of showing your appreciation to those people and how much they mean to you. Eid gifts, also known as Eidi, are frequently given to children and immediate relatives.
Eid is also an opportunity to celebrate what we have, and many people choose to share some of that with those who don't have as much. They give gifts to charities and the less privileged as zakat, usually in the form of cash or staple food items. No matter what the gift or to whom it's going to, what's most important is that the gift puts a smile on the recipient's face.

What are the most popular gifts during this time of the year?
Eid quite often involves giving cash as gifts, especially to children. Sweets are quite popular as well, which is natural since they are an integral part of celebrating any joyous
occasion in the Middle East. Gift hampers centred on dates are also quite popular, as are trays with a luxurious mix of dates and gourmet chocolates.

If you could personally recommend one gift for Eid, what would it be and why?
Eid is a festival that involves decorations and creating sweet memories. I would gift my loved ones a bundle with an elegant arrangement of colourful flowers in a premium vase, along with a Godiva Luxury Tray of gourmet dates and chocolates.

What is the acceptable price range for gifts meant to be given to a close acquaintance?
People should spend as much as they would like to. There is no minimum or acceptable range per se. We see people spending anywhere from Dh100 on a box of sweets to Dh5,000 on a lavish arrangement of flowers. What matters the most is the sentiment behind the gift.

Are DIY/ homemade gifts also acceptable options for close friends and family?
Absolutely. The more thought that is put into a gift, the more meaningful it is, and the more the recipient would appreciate. One idea is to pick out your favourite picture with the recipient and put it in a frame. This is something that will stay with them for a long time and will remind them of you every day. We also recommend customised gifts, such as a stainless-steel locket with a picture of your choice, or handmade personalised bracelets with special messages on them.

Any last gift-related suggestion?
Giving Eid gifts is not about spending tonnes of money on someone. Being thoughtful is much more important. If you can find out what the recipient wants ahead of time (without giving them the hint that you're planning to get it for them), that will help you plan better and ensure you get something that is sure to put a smile on their face. Most importantly, when you get a gift from someone, make sure you show your appreciation. No matter how small or grand it is, each gift is given out of love.
- As told to Janice Rodrigues