Too many Diwali gifts? Sell them, say millenials

Now that Deepavali celebrations are coming to an end, most of us are getting back to our daily fitness routine in order to lose that extra pound gained in the last week, thanks to the festival food and sweets. And most of us while unpacking the gifts, would be wondering what to do with the excess amount of goodies. 

Various city-based bloggers and influencers are planning to give away gifts through social media. Also, one of the city’s well-known sustainability enthusiasts organised a Deepavali sale at a store in Egmore. The idea was to bring together like-minded millennials to step out of the conventional way of celebration and find happiness in alternate forms that are exciting, responsible and that support local people. In other words, gift and uplift.

Says Veena Balakrishnan, “The ‘Alternate to’ sale was our way to set an example on how one can strike a balance between fun, sanctity and mindfulness and celebrate the occasion consciously. We brought together local entrepreneurs, who make sustainable products. Second-hand sales are a great way to reuse and reduce while actually giving the buyer a sense of acquiring something new. While it is largely practiced around the world, India trails behind in following this concept and we want to make it a practice and revive it.”

City-based fashion blogger-influencer Noopur Kalra, who received a lot of goodies during the festival, is planning for a giveaway. “This is one of the best ways to promote sustainability. Rather than throwing them in the dust bin, I prefer to give away the PR kits and goodies I receive to my followers on Instagram. This way, you not only reuse gifts but also save money in the process. I make sure to inform the buyers about the products in details — like the name of the brand, the actual cost, whether it is used or not, etc.,” shares the youngster. 

Singer Vandana Srinivasan has been giving away various accessories and pieces of jewellery from her collection. “I did a giveaway where I posted about 19 pieces from my collection. Prior to that, I had asked my followers on Instagram about the sale prospects and I received a positive response. I managed to sell 90 per cent from the first batch of sale and I am giving away the second batch now of accessories now,” she says.

She travels a lot and gets to buy jewellery and accessories from various parts of the world. “Though there is no harm in repeating the accessories for music shows and events, I try not to repeat them at least for three months. So, I have a lot of jewellery in my collection that I prefer to give away. Also, this is the best way to promote sustainable fashion and introducing people to conscious living and a mindful lifestyle,” remarks Vandana.