Six South Asian Brands You Can Support While Choosing A Diwali Gift!

With Diwali round the corner, we are all looking for gifting options. The expectations are high, so we know the pressure is on. From skincare products, flowers, bronze sculptures, diyas, there is something for everyone in the family. While you are looking for gifts, why don't you take it a notch higher and support South Asian brands in North America? Here is a list of brands you can check for some amazing gifting options:

1. Banglez 

This Toronto-based business is more than just bangles. They have everything desi - from jhumkas, kadas, and necklaces. Whether you are looking to buy them for yourself or for your loved ones, this store established in 2006 has a variety of sizes and designs which are perfect for all occasions. The necklace and earring set will make for great gift. We also specifically like the nose ring, kundan earrings, and pearl chandbalis. They also have specific statement pieces that will make heads turn thanks to the intricate design and mirror, kundan work on the pieces. Whether you are looking for something bridal, casual for a party, customizing a design, or just fancy earrings, they have got it all covered for you.

2. Love Closely:

This youthful brand started by Taha Yousuf is all about people pursuing their creative passions by creating designs that combine tradition and Middle Eastern messaging with modern street wear. Tracksuits, hoodies and sweatpants - all of these but a lot trendier and cooler! Absolutely comfortable and chic, support this brand that's a favourite even for rapper Roy Woods. We absolutely love the Arabic phrases written that's part of the design! We absolutely love their unisex jacket which is made with 100% up-cycled fabrics, repurposed from waste production. This particular piece has all edges and hems raw and unfinished. As for the verse used in this one - the imagery has been inspired by the Persian fable, "Conference of the Birds". The Arabic love poem used is self-written used serves as the theme of all our collections to date: "my moon, love of my heart, you are my soul, I have dissolved into you".

3. Visha Skincare:

Skincare products make for great gift. If you are looking for brands, try Visha Skincare that has everything from eye creams to cleansers. Looking for a gift for a new mommy? Then checkout their line made for new-mothers. What makes this brand special is that the products are all dermatologist formulated/patented intentional skincare without the bad stuff. The products are all safe and effective and are for all skin types, and genders.

4. House of Bargello:

Is someone you know looking for a lehenga? Then this is the store that will fulfill all your lehenga dreams. What makes them unique? They mix modern prints into the traditional wear which makes the lehenga suave. Most of their lehengas are not heavy because they use lightweight fabric that are comfortable and give a nice flow to the overall outfit. The designs are fresh and colourful - in fact; we absolutely love the lehenga with floral prints. Some of their lehengas also have exquisite mirror work that makes the outfit all the more rich and pretty.

5. Lark Adventurewear:

If you know someone who has kids, then this is the perfect gift for them. We absolutely love their baby products as they are high on functionality. Their baby clothes are made with sun-safe bamboo essentials aka UPF 50+ sun safe to protect skin. They are basically play clothes that transition perfectly from outdoors to indoors making it extremely soft and comfortable for the baby. Their knit will keep the little one cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold. Now the baby is happy and so are the parents. Their overalls are the cutest with some amazing prints on them making the kids look like angles.

6. Live Tinted:

Here's a skincare brand that makes vegan products for different kinds of skin type. Embrace the different brown skins with products that will only enhance your skin. From lipsticks to SPF varieties, to their super popular Rays Copper Eye Masks - their brands are a class apart. We especially love their eye mask that is made with triple complex of copper peptides, banana extract, and bakuchiol. The idea behind this mask was to reduce under eye puffiness and the appearance of fine lines, while cooling hydrogel soothes, brightens and nourishes. Now isn't that a cool gift?