The dates
Diwali (Deepavali) is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, according to the central government's list of 2026 holidays (Department of Personnel and Training memorandum dated 3 July 2025). The memorandum adds that in some states the practice is to mark it a day earlier, on Naraka Chaturdasi.
For the other fixed dates of next year, see our marketing calendar for 2027.
Our rule of thumb, not a rule from anyone else: have gifts at your office a week or more before Diwali, so you can pack, check and send in time. Count backwards from there, and ask each supplier for dates in writing.
Step 1: Build the list
- Write down every person or company you want to thank.
- Sort them into groups: clients, partners and dealers, staff, vendors.
- Mark the top few in each group who need something more personal.
- Collect correct names, addresses and phone numbers now. Wrong addresses waste gifts.
Step 2: Set one budget per group
Decide a total first. Then split it by group, and by how important each group is to your business.
A made-up example, to show the sums. A company has 20 key clients, 30 dealers and 50 staff. It sets ₹3,000 for each key client, ₹1,500 for each dealer and ₹1,000 for each staff member. The total is 20 × ₹3,000 + 30 × ₹1,500 + 50 × ₹1,000 = ₹60,000 + ₹45,000 + ₹50,000 = ₹1,55,000. Add packing, delivery and tax. All figures are made up.
Note who you gifted and what happened after: a call returned, a meeting held, an order placed. Next year's list will be better.
Step 3: Choose gifts people use
- Useful beats flashy. A good diary, a bottle, a desk item or a hamper gets used.
- Think about the receiver's home, not only their desk.
- Sweets and dry fruit are common. Check dietary needs, and use a seller with a food licence for anything eaten.
- Skip alcohol, and skip cash. Some receivers and some companies cannot accept either.
- Pick packaging that looks good when opened, not just on a shelf.
Some employers, and government offices, do not allow staff to accept gifts. Ask first, or send a simple greeting card.
Step 4: Keep the branding light
A small logo and a short, personal note feel warm. A huge logo feels like an advertisement. Print the note by hand for your top clients if you can.
If you want help sourcing and branding gifts, see our merchandising and corporate gifting service. For branded items such as diaries, bottles and desk sets, see promotional products.
Packaging and delivery tips
- Choose a box that is strong enough to travel and good enough to keep.
- Add a printed card with a short, personal line and a name, not only the company logo.
- Send gifts to offices and homes by tested couriers, and ask for a tracking number.
- Pack sweets and food items so they stay fresh, and mark them clearly.
- Keep a few spare gifts for people you forgot, and for any that arrive damaged.
Plan who signs the card and who follows up with a call or message. A short call a few days after delivery shows you care.
Tax and GST
Gifts can have GST and income-tax effects for the giver and the receiver. Check with your CA before you finalise the budget.
Mistakes we see
- Ordering too late, then paying for rush delivery.
- One gift for everyone, with no thought for the receiver.
- A wrong name or address on a high-value gift.
- No check on food licences, allergies or company gift rules.
- No record of who got what, so the same gift repeats next year.
Questions to ask a gift supplier
- What is the last date to order for delivery before 8 November?
- How many rounds of artwork changes do I get?
- Can I see a sample, and can I send gifts to several addresses?
- Who packs and delivers, and what if something arrives damaged?
- Is there a food licence for edible items?
