Here's Our Countdown To Christmas With The Ultimate Gifting Guide

It seems excessive until you consider that there are 12 months in a year and that we are currently experiencing our coldest weather. With Bangalore's fluctuating weather, there’s no point in buying any one type of bedding in bulk. You could go all out and get something basic or something handmade. Other ways to spruce up the bedroom could include cushions, rugs, and throws. If you can't decide, there's always this list.

Yes, of course, 11 at a time is not what we’re implying, but a few packs of cold brew or decoction, are a welcome addition to cold winter evenings and long days of Christmas prep. Of course, the more mindful among us would enjoy some filter coffee powder (or instant coffee, if that’s your preference), or learn to make barista-style coffee ourselves to brew that perfect cup...or many.

Okay, this is a bit of an easy one, but what’s life without snacks, eh? Though not a casual snack, your recipient will thank you for all the divine cheeses from Begum Victoria on their culinary and gastronomic adventures, and maybe some wine to go with it? Or get a pack of (healthy) chocolates or loose granola to help with that New Year’s resolution. If you (and the recipient) don't mind, just get them cookies from Love and Crumble Co.

We will never, ever discourage people from buying knick knacks! Be it for your home, room, office desk or just to uplift your spirits. If budget is a constraint, we have a host of Japanese-inspired stores in town to buy knick-knacks (and useful stuff too)! For the more traditional ones, check out an emporium for Indian handicrafts. Know someone into quirky stuff? Check out Gemkilp for the more artsy kind. If you’ve a friend who is, or you are, setting up a home, use this opportunity to combine a tasteful housewarming present with some cool home decor. It also isn't Christmas if you don't shop for Christmas decor!

There's nothing like gifting an everyday essential that your friend will use for years to come. If they are trying to make the switch from plastic, we've got a great list of products that you can consider gifting for those trying to live a plastic-free life. For those who love their mugs and want to keep their kitchen neat and organised, check out Mahaveer Glass and Crockery. You can also visit The Organic World for bamboo toothbrushes and all-natural everyday products. 

For the stationery fiends, boy do we have a great many stores and brands in Bangalore. Start with The Reliance Stationery Mart, which is a haven for all the artists in town.  Alicia Souza and Ink Trails have great merch for doodle lovers. And if you are looking to gift fancy-schmancy stationery, notebooks and office utilities, there's always Muji. For the notebook aficionados, check out LBB's stationery section. Here, you will also find planners, to-do lists and postcards!

LBB Tip: Here's a list of the most artistic 2023 planners and calendars that make for the perfect gifts.

Great skin is a gift (with constant maintenance), and au naturel is the way to go as far as ingredients are concerned. Pick up a hamper for your friend obsessed with Korean skin care, or just keep it natural. If you’re unsure of what they really like, there’s nothing like a fresh-scented, cold-processed soap, or even dessert-themed soaps. You can appease your 420-friendly friend too (legally, of course).

The season for catching the glimmer and magic of Christmas cannot be complete without some bling. Get a new piercing or maybe to add to it, or find yourself something wearable sans piercings. Get something engraved on metal for that special someone or someones for a super personalised present. For your more hipster friends, get something edgy and exclusive or chunky and extravagant. Or play it safe, and get pieces for work wear and Indo Western occasion wear. 

This year has been all about nurturing some green friends at home. Plants, planters, pots and greenscaping  are all worthy contenders for gifting, and, luckily, there’s an abundance of options. Everything from exotic orchids to cute planters for party-favour plants and even entire small biospheres at home (which could also work as home decor). If not the plants themselves, pick up some gardening accessories, or pay it forward while gifting your friend something green.

Now what's Christmas without a symbolic Christmas tree? One of our favourite things about it is decorating the tree (and the space around it) for all the presents you've bought. Be it for the office Secret Santa or for home, pick up some cute options from Varnam. DIYers hit up Party Mania for something more versatile (yet appropriately festive). For those of you who are on a budget, Commercial Street will be always be a friend. Alternatively, you could check out one of these places.

We realise that road trips and picnics around Bangalore aren't exactly presents, but we also think the best gift you can give someone (especially if they mean something to you) is a good time. Take those friends who aren't up for a break away from city to picnic spots in town! After all, this is the new way to hang out with your buddies—in an outdoorsy, socially distanced environment. Of course, if you have time to spare but not too much, and still want a trek-like experience, there’s a fort just a few kilometres shy of the airport.

There are many many festive things (mass to meals) happening in town, where you can get inspiration for decor, buy last-minute presents or just treat yourself. Worst-case scenario, LBB's shop section will have you buying presents for everyone and yourself, because let's face it, it's  been a tough year and there's nothing like retail therapy to usher in some festive cheer!