In its special Diwali gifting series, The Mint focused on families giving away some unique Diwali gifts for friends and relatives. Anindita Ghose in an essay made mention of such off-beat gifting ideas. 

“What do you gift those who almost have everything they might need?” the writer asked, referring to the Sharmas - Jyotsana and Arjun – who decided to buy potted basil plants in lemon, camphor and tulsi varieties as Diwali gifts.

Their festive gifting plans reflect the austerity debate. But for them it’s more a practical option since the two increasingly find extravagant gifting a pointless exercise. Jyotsana testifies to the undesirable phenomenon of gift recycling. One gift she would though, never pass on is an orchid a friend gifted her. Nurturing it has become an engaging experience, which is why she chose to the green gifting idea.

She approached a local herb store to source their plants from a wide range of medicinal and exotic herbs. The couple opted for basil for its sociological ties with Indian tradition. In fact, the family has almost done away with the whole concept of gifting since the last couple of years. Instead it donates to charitable foundation.

Diwali is an occasion that prompts more donations, which would go to each family member’s chosen charity. Arjun supports Chintan, an NGO that is part of Project Arman. His mother, a doctor by profession, manages a charitable dispensary. Wife Jyotsana supports two animal shelters. A foundation named after Arjun’s father funds a hospital, temple and school in their native village. Every year, the dotting donors throw a party for the rag picking children after Diwali.

Instead of lavish gifting, the family tries to revive the tradition of get-togethers to strengthen the bonds of love. The message here is that, you can celebrate Diwali not just by splurging, but also by donating to charities, and going green. 

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Diwali’s around the corner and pepsi is making sure that they aren’t left behind.
This year Pepsi has launched 19 festive packs to celebrate the occasion of Diwali which consumers can buy and gift.. not only that they have also roped in their employees to participate in the occasion.

Pepsi will be conducting an internal contest for the employees wherein they will have to sell PepsiCo gift packs to their family members, friends. Now that’s a different approach to selling!! Not only that pepsi is also giving Rs2 from every gift pack that is sold which will be donated to charity to the NGO “CRY” which will be a part of their Diwali celebration.
The festive packs comprise an assortment of brands - Pepsi, 7UP and Mirinda and Mountain Dew along with Tropicana juice and juice based drink Slice.
What Pepsi is doing is that’s its making their employees a part of the Diwali process and by making it a contest they are also ensuring that sales take place. Also what it does is it creates goodwill for the company through the employees as employees will promote the activity as they are a part of it. And in the bargain they are also doing charity which without saying is a very noble cause.

Its not a corporate gift to their employees but it still does the work ie brand promotion. The problem arrives when companies expect a lot from their employees and force them to make sales.

Remember employees talk, even if u may have achieved your sales target, you have lost out on something more precious and that ie employee goodwill and satisfaction.

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