What are some good gifts/souvenirs to buy in India?

Question

I am an American and don't want to buy a whole bunch of snow globes or Taj Mahal keychains. I guess, my question is: what kind of Made in India items would be nice gifts for friends and family in the US.

Answer 1

You can buy lovely handicraft items in South India.

Answer 2

There are sandlewood handicrafts you can gift, they smell good & have a variety of statues.

India is also popular for rugs, so you can buy some hand-loom comforters.

There are also Rajastani paintings.

Basically, in every nook & corner of India you will find a worthy gift.

Answer 3

Pearls n pearl sets r advisable.

Answer 4

Curry

Answer 5

how abt carrying a indian bride for your son ?

Answer 6

Buy ethnic dresswear.Go to the ordinary shops(not the ones for tourists,they'll fleece you) and you'll find good stuff.Each state has it's own dress wear,and that can be exciting to try out!

Also,try carpets or handloom items.

Answer 7

By handi crafts of diferent states of India. Where ever you are in India you would find at least one state handicraft emporium of that state. Visit Cauvery or Kavery - Karnataka Emporium.

1. Sandalwood crafts

2. Stone models - Elephant in a Elephant

3. Terracota works

4. Kerala mirrors - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranmula_ka...

5. Handloom sarees

Answer 8

get an outfit hand made while you are there.

it is a wonderful experience along with being the most amazing souvenier

a handmade out fit just for you!

they turn out AMAZING

i got 3 made!

and the total for 2 outfits top and bottom was well under $50.

if you are going to the Calcutta area i can recommend someone.

otherwise you'll find people everywhere.

also your photos will be way better souveniers.

Answer 9

images of nature of India

Answer 10

1. JEWELRY .

2. HAND CARVED ITEMS .

3. SILK / WOOLEN CLOTHING .

4. CARPETS .

5. BEADED CUSHIONS .

6. GLASS / MARBLE INLAYED OBJECTS IE BOOK ENDS.

7. BRASS UTENSILS .

Answer 11

oil lamps, they can be small or big....

Answer 12

hi,

Can purchase shawl, cotton handicrafts,watches

akb

Answer 13

It very much depends on which state you are currently visiting or will visit. Every state has a specialty to take back as souvenier.

A general tip is ethnic textile in the form of garments or wall hangings don't buy it from the shops your tour operator takes you to but from the local market. And hindu idols in terracota earth or metal(again depends on the state). Ethnic  jewellry and cloth puppets if in Gujarat or Rajasthan.

Best bet: if you are in New Delhi visit the Dilli Hut for gifts and souveniers, all states of India are represented here. Outside the New Delhi Railway Station in Paharganj, adjacent footpaths have an interesting array of shops selling terracota earth items from west Bengal.

Answer 14

www.incredibleindia.org