Pick Up Thoughtful Diwali Gifts From These NGOs & Non-Profit Orgs

A vocational training centre for the differently-abled, the Diya Foundation was set up in 1999 and has been equipping many with work skills and training, and employment opportunities to help them support themselves. The members of this charitable organisation are trained to make diyas, greeting cards, candles, paper bags and more that make the perfect gifts this festive season. You can buy them from their sister concern, Diya Innovations, where they also empower them through their employment program.

A platform that sells products sourced from over a hundred NGOs in the country that help people with physical and intellectual disabilities, GiftAbled is a social enterprise that helps the underprivileged bring their artistic talents to the forefront and helps them attain some level of financial stability. Their e-store features all kinds of goodies from pretty glass lanterns to jewellery made from silk, bamboo, and pebbles too. They have a special collection of gifts for Diwali too, where you can find candle stands, boxes of chocolates, snacks, and coffee too. You can even get these hampers in bulk. 

Blessdbuy is a social enterprise based out of Bangalore that creates products that are sustainable, functional and kitschy. They have special hampers curated for Diwali. Shop their artisanal chocolates or choose from their gift hampers and gift boxes. They also have candles, mandala wall hangers, dry fruit boxes, and handmade coasters that you can gift this Diwali to your loved ones. Blessdbuy works with self-help groups and NGOs across India, Kenya, Palestine, and Brazil.  

The Spastics Society of Karnataka has a unit called WE TREE, Centre for Creative Growth (Vocational Training Unit) where individuals from the society with developmental disabilities create and craft giftworthy products. As part of their efforts to train students in useful and important skills, find cute products like jute and cloth bags of all kinds, pen stands, coasters and trays, jewellery, and our favourite - block printed wrapping paper and handmade paper bags. You can either drop in to their Indiranagar office to pick up something or email them on products@spasticssocietyofkarnataka.org. They take custom orders in terms of specifications and quantity. 

A legit way to be a patron to the arts, and artisans is to directly compensate them. The Crafts Council of Karnataka features a range of traditional arts and crafts forms from Karnataka. Products are authentic, and you can be sure the money is going to the right hands. Also if you can get authentic handwoven Ilkal fabric, Mysore style paintings and art prints, Chittaras (Kodava style art) traditional gombe, and Channapatana toys among other things for gifting, why wouldn't you? Head to their Kamalini store in Malleshwaram to pick up your choice of gifts, decor, and accessories.