Holiday Shopping Trends: Sweet Treats, Tech Gadgets, and Wellness Gifts Dominate Shoppers’ Choices This Season

diwali Spending Surges as Consumers Embrace Premium Gifts and Health-Focused Options

New Delhi – Diwali festivities are in full swing across India, and early indicators show a considerable increase in consumer spending. This year’s shopping season is being characterized by a penchant for higher-value items, a growing interest in wellness-related gifts, and the continued dominance of customary sweets, all fueled by a recent reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates.

Retailers Report Significant Footfall and sales Increases

Malls and markets are experiencing a significant influx of shoppers. Gulshan Group, operating a major mall in Noida, reported a 25 to 30 percent rise in foot traffic compared to last year. Yukti Nagpal, Director of gulshan Group, noted a 15 to 20 percent jump in high-value purchases directly attributable to the GST reduction on select lifestyle and electronic goods. This has transformed malls into focal points of social activity during the festive period.

The Impact of GST Reduction on consumer Behavior

The lowered GST rates are clearly influencing purchasing decisions. Shopper Pooja Sharma emphasized that items previously considered unaffordable are now within reach, even though the wide array of choices still presents a challenge. According to a report by RedSeer Strategic Consultants, released in early October 2025, online sales during Diwali are predicted to grow by 20-25% year-on-year, with a significant contribution from discount-driven purchases following the GST cuts.

Shifting gift Preferences: From Traditional to Modern

While traditional sweets remain popular – accounting for 60 to 70 percent of festive hampers at Khoya Mithai – a discernible shift toward personalized and fusion desserts is emerging. Bakingo, an online bakery, anticipates 20 to 30 percent growth by offering customized hampers that blend Indian flavors with international influences. Moreover, artisanal chocolates, like those from Manam Chocolate, are gaining traction as a refined gifting alternative.

A Snapshot of Popular Gift Categories

Here’s a comparison of popular gifting choices this Diwali:

Category	percentage of Spending (Estimate)	Year-over-Year Growth (Estimate)
Traditional Sweets & Dry Fruits	40%	5-10%
Electronics & Appliances	25%	30-40%
Personalized Gifts	15%	20-25%
Spiritual & Puja Items	10%	15-20%
Health & Wellness	10%	35-45%

The Rise of ‘Purposeful’ gifting and wellness

Beyond material possessions, consumers are increasingly opting for gifts that promote well-being. Fitness subscriptions, health gadgets, and wellness-focused products are experiencing a surge in demand. Sharp India reported a 131 percent increase in sales of health-related products like car air purifiers. FITTR, a fitness application, has seen growing interest in coaching subscriptions and smart rings. Jitendra chouksey, founder of FITTR, stated that consumers are now prioritizing long-term health and well-being when selecting gifts.

Premiumization and Experiential Gifting Take Center stage

A trend toward premiumization is also evident, with alcohol brands witnessing a 30 percent upswing in demand for luxury spirits. Limited-edition blends and curated cocktail kits are particularly popular, indicating a shift toward gifting experiences rather than mere transactions. PS Gill, CEO of Globus Spirits Ltd, noted that high-quality spirits are now viewed as a symbol of sophistication and warmth.

understanding Diwali’s Economic Impact

Diwali is one of the most significant economic indicators in India, impacting sectors from retail and manufacturing to transportation and hospitality. the festival generates an estimated $40-50 billion in sales annually, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The recent GST reductions and favorable economic conditions are expected to further boost consumer spending and drive economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Diwali Spending

What are your Diwali shopping plans this year? Do you see a shift toward more health-conscious or experiential gifting in your own circle?

How do current economic conditions influence the trend towards indulgent gifting, such as gourmet food gifts?

the Rise of Indulgent Gifting: Sweet Treats take Centre Stage

This holiday season, a noticeable shift towards experiential and indulgent gifts is emerging. While practical presents remain popular, consumers are increasingly seeking items that offer a moment of joy and self-care. Leading this trend is the surge in demand for gourmet food gifts, especially sweet treats.

* Artisanal Chocolates: Premium chocolate boxes and unique flavor combinations are experiencing significant growth.

* Gourmet Cookie Baskets: Personalized and beautifully packaged cookie assortments are a hit, especially for corporate gifting.

* Specialty food Hampers: Curated hampers featuring local delicacies, cheeses, and sweet spreads are gaining traction.

* Baking Kits: DIY baking kits,allowing recipients to create their own treats,are proving popular,tapping into the trend of at-home activities.

This trend reflects a desire for comfort and small luxuries during uncertain times. Holiday gift baskets are evolving beyond conventional fruit and nuts to include these more decadent options. Searches for “best chocolate gifts” and “gourmet food delivery” have increased by 35% compared to last year (according to Google Trends data as of October 2025).

Tech Gadgets: Beyond the Basics

Tech gifts consistently rank high on holiday wish lists,but the focus is shifting beyond the latest smartphones. Consumers are looking for innovative gadgets that enhance daily life and offer unique experiences.

* wearable Technology: smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices remain popular, with a growing emphasis on wellness features.

* Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Demand for high-quality noise-cancelling headphones continues to rise, driven by remote work and the need for focused environments.

* Smart Home Devices: Smart speakers, smart lighting, and security systems are becoming more accessible and integrated into everyday routines.

* Portable projectors: Compact and portable projectors are gaining popularity for home entertainment and outdoor movie nights.

* Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets: While still a niche market, VR headsets are attracting more attention as prices decrease and content options expand.

Holiday tech deals are crucial for driving sales in this category. Consumers are actively comparing prices and seeking out discounts on popular gadgets. Best tech gifts 2025 searches are peaking in early November, indicating a strong intent to purchase.

Wellness Gifts: Prioritizing Self-Care

The pandemic considerably heightened awareness of mental and physical well-being, and this has translated into a strong demand for wellness gifts. Consumers are prioritizing self-care and seeking products that promote relaxation, stress relief, and healthy living.

* Massage Devices: From handheld massagers to full-body massage chairs, these devices are popular for relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation.

* Aromatherapy Diffusers & Essential Oils: Essential oils and diffusers are used for aromatherapy, creating calming and therapeutic environments.

* Meditation & Mindfulness Apps Subscriptions: Subscriptions to meditation and mindfulness apps are gaining traction as people seek tools for managing stress and improving mental well-being.

* Luxury Bath Products: Bath bombs, bubble baths, and high-quality skincare products are popular for creating relaxing self-care rituals.

* Fitness & Yoga Accessories: Yoga mats, resistance bands, and other fitness accessories are popular for home workouts and active lifestyles.

Self-care gift ideas are trending on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, influencing purchasing decisions. The wellness industry is experiencing substantial growth, with a projected market size of $7 trillion globally by 2025 (Global Wellness Institute).

The Impact of Early Shopping & Online Retail

The trend of starting holiday shopping earlier continues to gain momentum. Retailers are responding by launching promotions and deals earlier in the season to capture early bird shoppers. Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday sales remain significant events,but their influence is spreading throughout November.

* online Shopping Dominance: E-commerce continues to dominate holiday sales, with consumers increasingly preferring the convenience of online shopping.

* Buy Now, pay Later (BNPL) Options: BNPL services are becoming increasingly popular, allowing consumers to spread the cost of their purchases over time.

* free Shipping & Returns: Free shipping and hassle-free returns are essential for attracting online shoppers.

* Personalized Recommendations: Retailers are leveraging data analytics to provide personalized product recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience.

Case Study: The Success of personalized Gift Boxes

One company, “Curated Comforts,” experienced a 40% increase in sales this year by focusing on personalized gift boxes. They allow customers to build their own boxes, selecting from a range of sweet treats, tech accessories, and wellness products. Their success highlights the growing demand for customized gifting experiences. They also implemented a robust social media marketing strategy, targeting specific demographics with tailored ads.

Practical Tips for Holiday Shoppers

* **Create a Budget