Reddit Reveals Diwali Gifting Trends in Indian Companies

At TapWell, we are always on the lookout for what makes corporate gifting truly special. And what better place to explore real employee voices than Reddit? 

Our research team sat down and scrolled through countless threads, reading over 3,000 comments and more than a hundred posts to see what India’s top firms are giving their employees this Diwali. From sweet boxes and gadgets to vouchers and home appliances, the posts gave us a window into the Diwali gifts that sparked joy and the ones that left employees wanting more.

Some shared their excitement over thoughtful surprises, while others laughed or even complained about missing hampers. 

Taken together, it paints a candid picture of how companies approach festive gifting. 

If you are an organization looking for inspiration, this roundup will help you see what employees really notice.

Popular Diwali Gift Ideas Trending on Reddit

Based on what we found while scrolling through Reddit, here are the main types of Diwali gifts employees say they received. These categories show how companies are mixing tradition with practical and modern choices.

1. The Sweet & Mithai Brigade

Diwali is incomplete without a mithai box. And no, we are not talking about the endless stock of soan papdi that keeps circulating from house to house. 

Many employees on Reddit confirmed that their companies still go with the classic choice. Mithai boxes, laddoos, chocolates, and dry fruits were some of the most common gifts mentioned.

It may not always feel exciting, but there is something about getting a festive treat that instantly sets the mood. One Redditor shared how their company organized a kala jamun distribution along with a traditional dress day, which felt more like an event than just a gift. 

Take this Redditor’s example, where an employee received a sweets and snacks box and a power bank as their Diwali gift:

2. The Cash & Card Crew

Some companies believe the best gift is the one that lets employees choose for themselves. Cash bonuses and gift cards showed up often in Reddit comments. From Amazon and Paytm vouchers to direct envelopes of cash, this category had a clear fan following.

One Redditor mentioned their manager handed out ₹2,100 in cash along with a box of sweets, which felt like the perfect mix of tradition and practicality. 

Another joked that gift cards are HR’s way of saying, “We trust you more than our procurement team.” Either way, employees seemed happy with the freedom to buy exactly what they wanted.

Here’s an user sharing experience on Reddit about receiving a cash bonus and a Diwali gift card:

Also Read: Diwali Corporate Gifts to Avoid (With Better Alternatives) 

3. The Gadget & Utility Gang

Some organizations decided to move past the usual sweets and vouchers, handing out gadgets and practical items instead. Reddit users mentioned everything from air fryers and blenders to Bluetooth speakers and headphones. These gifts might not have the traditional festive feel, but they definitely scored points for usefulness.

One employee said their entire team got air fryers, joking that the company clearly wanted them to snack smarter. 

Another shared that a mixer grinder showed up in their hamper, not glamorous, but something that would actually get used every day. Utility gifts like these might not make for Instagram-worthy Diwali posts, but they do end up staying in the kitchen or on the desk long after the holiday lights are packed away.

4. The Voucher & Bonus Bunch

Some lucky employees hit the jackpot this Diwali with hefty bonuses and high-value vouchers. Others on Reddit admitted they were a little jealous when they saw posts about colleagues getting shopping credits worth thousands. In a few cases, employees even reported vouchers as high as ₹10,000.

Most mentions were about Amazon, Flipkart, and lifestyle brand gift cards, which gave people the freedom to buy exactly what they wanted. One user wrote that nothing beats a bonus because it feels like “extra Diwali pocket money for adults.” It’s clear that when vouchers or cash rewards are on the table, excitement levels rise quickly in the office.

5. The Party & Pooja Pack

Not every company went the hamper route. Some chose to celebrate by bringing people together. On Reddit, employees shared how their offices arranged Diwali lunches, themed dress days, or even virtual poojas. It was less about the gift and more about the festive vibe at work.

One employee said their team got a small bonus of sweets along with a grand party that included music, food, and dancing. 

Another wrote that their company organized a traditional pooja on Zoom, which felt odd at first but ended up being a fun story to share. These celebrations might not fit inside a box, but they left employees with memories that lasted longer than any dry fruit packet.

5. The Email & Empty Box Club

Many unlucky ones on Reddit shared that their Diwali gift was nothing more than a “Happy Diwali” email. Some laughed it off, saying at least the font was festive. Others joked that their only bonus was extra workload before the holidays.

It became a running theme in the thread, with employees comparing notes on who got the least. One even wrote that their company “gifted” them a tighter deadline. 

Haha, these organizations should definitely consider joining the corporate gifting trend next year because a greeting in the inbox does not exactly light up Diwali.

👉 Find 20+ corporate gifting email templates for employees and clients

What This Tells Us About Corporate Gifting in India

India is a country where festivals like Diwali are celebrated with unmatched energy, and corporate gifting has become a big part of that culture. There are thousands of companies across industries, and every company has its own way of celebrating with employees. 

But when you look closely, most gifts fall into 5–6 major categories, including sweets, cash or vouchers, gadgets, utility items, celebrations, or nothing at all.

The most important thing we noticed while reading through Reddit is how excited people were to share about their gifts. At the same time, some also felt left out or demotivated when there was nothing. It shows that no matter the size, every gift matters, and it plays a role in how employees feel valued. 

And if you are a company looking to plan your gifting more smartly, you can connect with TapWell. 

We are one of the top corporate gifting companies in India, having helped over 1,000 leading brands plan their Diwali gift hampers and delivered more than 10 lakh corporate gifts so far.