Key facts for India
Christmas is a public holiday, but Diwali is the main corporate gifting season.
How companies in India give year-end gifts
In India, Diwali is the peak of corporate gifting. In the weeks before the festival, companies send sweets, dry fruits, hampers and branded gifts to clients, distributors and partners, and give gifts or bonuses to employees. Christmas is a public holiday and is used for year-end greetings, especially by multinationals, IT and services companies and in regions with larger Christian communities, but it rarely replaces the Diwali gift. Eid and regional festivals such as Pongal and Onam also matter in some contexts. Many recipients are vegetarian, so check ingredients, and avoid beef-derived products and leather for Hindu recipients and pork and alcohol for Muslim recipients. Gifts are given with the right hand or both hands. Indian anti-corruption law and many company policies limit gifts to public officials and employees of state-owned companies.
Gift occasions in India
Diwali
main season for corporate gifts to clients, partners and staff
Christmas
public holiday; year-end gifts in international firms
New Year
year-end greetings
Eid al-Fitr
main occasion for greetings and gifts to clients and staff
Good practice
- Prioritize Diwali for major client gifts; use Christmas for international greetings.
- Prefer vegetarian food and state ingredients clearly.
- Use English cards; they are standard in business.
Avoid
- Avoid leather and beef-derived ingredients for Hindu recipients.
- Avoid alcohol unless you know the recipient's preferences; rules vary by state.
- Do not gift public officials.
Design and wording
'Season's Greetings' suits mixed audiences; Christmas designs suit international teams.
Gift policies
The Prevention of Corruption Act restricts gifts to public servants; many companies cap the value of gifts employees may accept.
Delivery to India
Ships from Poland by courier; customs duties and IGST apply and can be significant. Food imports require FSSAI-compliant labeling and an importer, so non-food gifts are simpler.
Planning dates for India
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for India
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in India?
Yes. 25 December is a public holiday, but Diwali is the main corporate gifting season.
Can we send chocolate to India?
Food imports require FSSAI-compliant labeling and an importer; duties can be significant. Non-food gifts are simpler.
What should we consider for food gifts in India?
Many recipients are vegetarian. State ingredients clearly and avoid beef-derived gelatin.