We Got Your Back: Last Minute Gifting Options For The Lazy You

If you live in or around Bandra, Cheap Jack is your quintessential store to pick a nice gift. Whether it’s wind chimes, incense sticks, bulb-shaped glasses, colourful water bottles, a lace-clad mason jar, or a set of wine glasses, they have everything stacked in racks under one roof. From kitchen ware to decor and everything in between, this store really has you covered. And, if you're looking for gifts here, ask them to show you their packaging - from tin boxes to handmade paper bags and even cool wrapping paper - they're here to tease the inner DIY lover in you. 

Shell Out: INR 100 onward 

The CultR Story was started off by Reza Shariffi (famed Bollywood costume designer) and his partner, Chirag. It’s a store selling all things beautiful and Pinterest-y, straight out of Brooklyn streets where vintage stuff is the norm. They have the most beautiful home decor pieces, accessories, dream catchers, old-vintage furniture, plants, pots and so much more. Every piece is personally sourced and picked up by Reza from across the world and then brought to the store where they add their own personal touch to it.

Shell Out: INR 650 onward

If your BFF is a sucker for books, then they are going to love Title Waves, which in our opinion is one of the better independent bookstores in the city. They also have a dedicated shelf for poetry and comic books which is super amazing. The collection of books is pretty good- you can get your hands on almost all Haruki Murakami and Milan Kundera books (#FTW). Not just this, they also host a lot of authors here, so keep your eyes open and follow them on social media. 

Shell Out: Price of books is as per the MRP

Readers and writers know how precious a vintage typewriter is. They have a special place in our hearts. You can find amazing vintage typewriters in working condition at Audio Electronics in Chor Bazaar. And If your friend is into all things rustic and old-school, this is going to be the best gift ever.

Shell Out: INR 2,000 onward

Freedom Tree is a standalone store in Bandra West run by Latika Khosla, along with a collective of designers. The quirky colour-led lifestyle brand has everything designed and made in-house. From ceramics and textiles to lighting and furniture. There are rugs in bright colours, sober colours and prints that’ll leave you spellbound. Lamp shades are sold separately too. 

Shell Out: INR 1,500 onward

Maati makes hand-crafted and hand-woven products for women, and their designs are an eclectic mix of traditional styling with Mughal-inspired anarkalis and long kurtas. Their store in Powai Plaza has a range of Mughal-style kurtis, Ajrakh print stoles, dresses, and shoes. They've also got clutches and baskets and other ceramic decor pieces for you. 

Shell Out: INR 1,000 onward

Nirmitee in Dadar is a beautiful shop and art gallery which stocks and displays beautiful Indian handicrafts items from across the country. The patrons can expect all sorts of traditional or even folk art like the Warli paintings at display or Madhubani from Bihar, papier mache shikaara and bells from Kashmir, and Kalamkari artefacts from Andhra Pradesh.

Shell Out: INR 500 onward

Tucked away in a tiny corner of Kandivali, Whishbox is truly a hidden gem. An artist-led retail store, Whishbox houses was started a few years back by college friends who decided to 'jam' with their designs. Expect cool and funky stuff like scratch world maps, superhero-themed stationery, pop art, home decor, stationery, and a lot more. 

Shell Out: INR 300 onward

Remember when Archies was our go-to store for any of our friend’s birthday? From greeting cards to photo frames, it was the best collection in town. And now, with Desi Archies, you're really spoilt for choice. They have a super lit collection of handicrafts, home décor, kitchen & dining items, tea sets and cushions, fashion accessories, stationery, incredible collection of storage and barware, and so much more, all with a desi twist. 

Shell Out: INR 250 onward