Quirky rakhis, personalised gifts lift Raksha Bandhan spirit

Cashing in on the increased demand for online sales, craft makers have developed different types of rakhis according to the needs of the customers. Siblings Isha and Viveka S Jain, who make customised gifts, have come up with quirky-themed rakhis related to the current situation. “For the past few years, customised gifting has become a huge trend. This year, since it is lockdown and people spent more time at home, we decided to follow a theme that many could relate with. We are selling masks, food and game design rakhis. These aren’t expensive gifts. Apart from these quirky rakhis, we do have traditional designer rakhis as well. For children, we have made reusable rakhis – a hairpin will be attached to the thread. Later, they can use it as a hairpin. Initially, we thought we won’t be getting any orders for rakhis because of the cash crunch. But from last week onwards, we have been getting a lot of orders from Chennaiites,” says Isha.

 Rupal Gulecha of The Box Company opines that to avoid physical contact, people are opting for gift boxes this Raksha Bandhan. “Because of quarantine and other restrictions, people are very careful regarding the celebrations. Daily, I am getting 40-50 orders for personalised gift boxes. This year, a lot of people are giving bath products as gifts. We have a gift box called corona care kit that includes sanitisers, bath products, and other personalised gifts,” shares Rupal.

 Mary Flory, a home baker from the city, has been receiving orders for eggless desserts. “I am making caramel slices, quiches and cream cakes for Raksha Bandhan. I make desserts according to the need of the customer. Since Sunday is a complete lockdown, people are picking up the orders on Saturday itself. Some people decide to celebrate such occasions at the last minute; so, I make sure that I have all the ingredients ready at home,” smiles Mary.