Gurgaon woman busts myth of ‘lavish corporate life’, says salary disappears after paydayA Gurgaon woman shared how bills and daily expenses left her with little of her salary soon after payday. Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 14:24:23 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
Who is Hannah Israel? Heartbroken owner speaks out after beloved donkey HeeHaw is killed by cop: ‘He was my son!’Hannah Israel, the owner of a donkey, HeeHaw, was left heartbroken after a Cedartown police officer allegedly shot the animal dead in Polk County. Published on: Sep 1, 2026
India is preparing a framework that would let AI agents make small digital payments without approval for every transaction, three sources familiar with the matter said, potentially making UPI one of the world's largest networks with agentic payments
Founder who survived on bread, water at 18 thinks everyone should go ‘completely broke’ onceA Mumbai-based founder claimed that surviving on bread and water at 18 removed his fear of startup failure and financial losses. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 22 states sued Amazon on Monday for allegedly "manipulating" online auctions for digital advertising, resulting in more than $20 billion in overcharges for 1.2 million customers. Amazon "has secretly and systematically overcharged its approximately 1
‘Prove my role, I’ll retire’: Karanataka minister Priyank Kharge challenges HD Kumaraswamy over KPSC rowKarnataka minister Priyank Kharge claimed Kumaraswamy was asked by the RSS or Amit Shah to target him. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026, 14:28:17 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
Always looking for a sweet treat after dinner? Fitness coach Eric Roberts shares 3 reasons for late-night sugar cravings Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 14:09:20 IST By Eshana Saha Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Read more to find out why your sugar cravings intensify at the end of the day!
3-year-old kidnapped from Delhi found 1,000 km away in Bihar; accused woman had 6 daughters, wanted a sonThe child went missing while he was playing near his mother, who had gone to the hospital to collect medicines, police said. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
Festive gifting guide 2025: Thoughtful picks for everyone on your list

The festive season is here, and it is time to think beyond the usual mithai boxes and cards. 2025 is all about gifts that feel personal, stylish, and a little indulgent.
Gift-giving has been growing as a festive trend over the past few years. Diwali party favours are becoming essential for hosts looking to impress guests, while Navratri hampers for kanjaks are gaining popularity as thoughtful, curated treats for young visitors. From housewarming gifts to celebration goodies, people are increasingly exploring creative ways to make every occasion memorable with a little extra flair.
We have rounded up the top five gifting ideas that will make your loved ones smile and your festive game flawless.
Candles are a vibe. Brass candles, in particular, bring a touch of sophistication to any space. They are the perfect way to elevate the festive mood and add grace and charm to your tables and nooks. Lighting a candle during celebrations creates warmth and a sense of ceremony, making it one of the easiest gifts to impress anyone.
A home that smells divine is always welcome. Aroma diffusers and wax melt diffusers are trending this year because they add a splash of luxury to everyday life. Every sniff becomes a little indulgence, and these gifts keep giving long after the festive lights have dimmed. Tiny bottles of joy for someone's personal space never go out of style.
Hampers are the ultimate way to show thoughtfulness. Shruti Agarwal, a gifting startup owner, shares, "People give us orders for hampers we curate as per their budget, but many also order empty hampers to fill at their own will. The festive season is huge for gifting, and everyone wants to match their Pinterest boards to perfection." You can mix candles, gourmet treats, quirky trinkets, or even a mini plant to create a gift that feels entirely customised.
Green is the new gold when it comes to thoughtful gifting. Curated plants, such as Jade or peace lilies, are perfect for a stylish and sustainable gesture. Pragya Mishra, founder of a nursery named Upvanam, says, "Plants make great gifts. We curate terrariums, designer pots with festive motifs, and even wine glass arrangements to create an eco-friendly gifting experience. One can never have too many plants." They add freshness, personality, and a touch of sustainability to any home.
Online gifting has made festive shopping effortless and fun. From the comfort of your home, you can explore countless unique items, compare options, and have gifts delivered ready to impress. The convenience also allows you to personalise choices and add quirky touches that make your presents memorable. Some top online gifting ideas this festive season include:
This festive season, pick gifts that balance style, function, and thoughtfulness. Every present is an opportunity to create joy. A flickering brass candle, a fragrant diffuser, a lush plant, a curated hamper, or a quirky online find can make celebrations feel special. Festive gifting is no longer just about ticking boxes; it is about creating moments that make your loved ones feel celebrated.
10 popular Indian art forms you can use in your home decor
Why vintage decor is making a comeback: Textile museum designer Ravisha Merchant weighs in
8 easy ways to use mirrors to make a small space look bigger
Colour theory for your home: How to set the mood with the right palette
The author of this article holds a Master's Degree in Interior Design and has spent over a decade in research, teaching, and designing homes from scratch.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Anita Hassanandani reveals getting ‘less than usual pay-per day’ after comeback India likely to see colder-than-usual winter Why it cannot be business as usual for Assam as it rebuilds from floods Festive Season Anxiety Is Real And More Common Than We Think Apple To Clock Record Sales In India During Festive Season- Details Here Survival before safety for Delhi's poor as temperatures hit 45C Red, Watery, And Itchy Eyes This Festive Season How Bollywood Is Celebrating Festive Season Traditional Lohri Recipes For The Festive Season Festive Season And Heart Health
63-year-old grandmother shares 1 exercise senior citizens must do to stay independent as they age: 'Knee pain is tricky' Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 14:05:05 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Think you should skip squats due to knee pain? This 63-year-old fitness coach says
1 days ago
India’s economy grew 7.8% year-on-year in the April-June quarter of FY27, significantly stronger than the market expectation of around 7.1% and above the Reserve Bank of India’s 7% projection. The latest number is particularly important because it came at a time when the global economy was
1 days ago
Like many Gen Zs in Kozhikode, Athira K.B. enjoys eating out and spends much of her free time watching short food videos on Instagram. “If a restaurant regularly pops up on my feed, I instantly feel like checking out what makes it so special,” the 22-year-old college student says
1 days ago
As Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Mohan Bhagwat took the stage at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday to deliver a message of “universal oneness”, a group of nearly 90 American politicians was preparing a different memo: they would not accept political contributions from entities
1 days ago
A five-member bench of the National Company Law Tribunal on Tuesday stayed the approval of a repayment plan under which media baron Subhash Chandra was allowed to pay Rs 6.2 crore to creditors against admitted claims of about Rs 22,006 crore in his personal insolvency resolution process
1 days ago
US President Donald Trump’s tenure has vindicated many in the Indian foreign policy establishment prone to reflexive anti-Americanism. However, the recent history of intensified engagement between India and the US, the ongoing bureaucratic collaboration
1 days ago
Sensex, Nifty open flat amid renewed crude oil price rally, global tensionsThe 30-share BSE Sensex declined 307.24 points, or 0.40 per cent, to close at 76,957.27 with 20 of its constituents ending lower and 10 with gains on Monday Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
1 days ago
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Monday (August 31, 2026) to hit Iran “hard” after the two foes traded fire for the first time in weeks, as his Treasury secretary vowed to keep up a pressure campaign aimed at hobbling Tehran’s economy. After six months of war
1 days ago
Step inside Mouni Roy’s beautiful 4 BHK apartment in Mumbai featuring minimal décor and a cosy library Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 11:30:03 IST By Anukriti Srivastava Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Mouni Roy gave a house tour of her Mumbai 4 BHK apartment
1 days ago
OpenAI denied Apple's allegations of trade secret theft on Monday, saying the iPhone maker failed to show any confidential information was stolen by former employees."This dispute is a mess of Apple's own making, and it is trying to blame everyone else
1 days ago
The toll in the flash flood and mudslide in Nepal and China, which occurred on August 26, rose to 1,003 on Tuesday. Of these, 987 deaths were reported in Nepal. The remaining 16 deaths were on the Chinese side of the border, AFP reported. More than 3
1 days ago
September 1, 2026, Birthday Horoscope: Don't let fear overpower you from experiencing something genuine todayYour birthday falls on September 1, 2026 here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 11:01:25 IST By Kishori Sud Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
1 days ago
Toxic worldwide box office collection day 6: Yash film crashes, crawls past ₹300 crore; yet to surpass Adipurush, PeddiToxic worldwide box office collection day 6: Yash's pan-India film is now earning less than ₹10 crore per day worldwide after bad word-of-mouth. Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
1 days ago
Naseeruddin Shah wishes 'more strength' to student protestorsFrom backing student protests to praising theatre behind bars, Naseeruddin Shah speaks up on protest, performance and the power of truth Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 11:33:59 IST By Aadrika Sominder Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
1 days ago
The families of more than 600 workers believed to be trapped in a vast network of mud-filled tunnels along Nepal's Trishuli River are clinging to hope their loved ones can be found alive. Rescuers continued battling to reach them on Monday, using explosives to blast into the hillside before pumping
1 days ago
Maharashtra, Assam, Bengal, Bihar join Centre in SC bid to quash FIRs against CJP protestersThe move came a day after the Centre moved the court seeking quashing of FIRs registered in connection with the CJP-led protests Updated on: Sep 1, 2026
1 days ago
European traveller says he was scared to visit India due to 'bad image, stereotypes': 'I found more kindness than chaos' Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 10:51:25 IST By Sanya Panwar Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Expecting chaos, he found kindness: Robert says India changed how he judges places
1 days ago
Over 200 Zomato employees in 'customer delight' section in Hyderabad to be laid offEmployees impacted by the layoffs will also be helped in their search for relevant opportunities. Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 09:36:24 IST By HT Business Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Zomato is expected
1 days ago
Refrain from sharing the Universal Account Number (UAN), password, One-Time Password (OTP), and Aadhaar details. New Delhi: EPFO has issued a cyber awareness advisory to stay alert against frauds. Cases of fraud are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly through digital modes
1 days ago
Meta is fixing a loophole that allowed wearers of its AI smart glasses to secretly record others without consent. Meta’s new AI smart glasses feature a white light sensor that starts blinking when the wearer is taking a photo or video through their device
1 days ago
‘Bengaluru Metro discipline deserves appreciation’: Woman praises commuters for orderly queues, offering seatsA woman lauded Bengaluru Metro commuters for disciplined boarding, respectful behaviour and offering seats to women. Published on: Sep 1, 2026
1 days ago
Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea in their bid to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez. In what is set to be one of the key narratives on transfer deadline day, City have set the wheels in motion towards what would be one of the most expensive deals of the summer
1 days ago
PM Modi hails ‘herculean feat’, Congress asks ‘where are jobs?’: GDP figures draw mixed responseTaking a jab at his critics, Modi said some people in India, “drowned in an atmosphere of despair”, were spreading “lies” across the country. Published on: Sep 1, 2026
1 days ago
The company said the move is aimed at strengthening transparency and food quality for consumers, and warned that restaurants failing to comply with its requirements could be removed from the platform. New Delhi: Food delivery platform Zomato on Monday said it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on
1 days ago
As Janmashtami approaches, homes begin to take on a festive glow. Laddu Gopal gets a new outfit, the little cradle is beautifully decorated, flowers are brought in and preparations begin for the midnight celebration. Amid all these preparations
1 days ago
The company said Shipsy Brain draws on data linked to more than five billion shipments. This includes more than 50 billion operational events, 1.5 billion automated and human decisions, 100 billion GPS pings and over 5,000 logistics workflows. Enterprise firm on September 1 launched in beta
1 days ago
A Singaporean diplomat who led the adoption of the UN Ocean Treaty, a Myanmar activist who put his freedom on the line for democracy, and a former Bangladeshi teacher who brought compassion to the poor were named on Monday as the winners of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awards
1 days ago