Emerging Trends in the Gifting Industry at Gifts World Expo Bengaluru
Since its inception in 2014, PhotoSparks has been a platform that highlights creativity and innovation through photography. This week’s feature reflects on the vibrant and thoughtful changes in the gifting industry, showcased at the Gifts World Expo in Bengaluru.
According to exhibitors, the gifting landscape is evolving to become more personalized and environmentally friendly. This creates exciting possibilities for Indian brands that can blend excellent design with meaningful storytelling. The expo, organized by MEX Exhibitions and Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings, brought together a variety of exhibitors, including eco-friendly brands like Coconut Sugar, EcoCradle, Haath ka Bana, and Smartivity.
Roshan Ray, founder of Seed Paper India, emphasizes that the gifting industry is undergoing a significant transformation. He states that it’s no longer just about the gift itself but what it represents about the giver. His business focuses on sustainability, turning waste materials into valuable products. Ray highlights how their products can even grow into plants when planted, making sustainability more engaging for customers.
Similarly, other exhibitors note a shift towards gifts that strongly reflect brand values rather than simple branded items. Companies are now leaning towards premium, functional, and tech-oriented products as corporate gifts. Ravi Lalwani, head of corporate communications at XECH, points out that contemporary corporate gifting trends signal a move away from traditional merchandise.
According to Dhruv Natani, founder of RAAAG, personal experiences are becoming more valued over physical items. This includes celebrating milestones such as work anniversaries and personal achievements. Natani asserts that buyers now focus on emotional connections with gifts rather than just transactional exchanges.
Cultural relevance in gifting is also gaining importance. Natani explains that gifts aligned with the recipient’s culture resonate more than generic options. He advises that for corporate gifts, different approaches should be employed depending on the occasion to create a more meaningful experience.
In terms of design, simplicity and functionality are preferred. Kanika Agarwal, co-founder of Gulaab Jaipur, stresses the importance of matching gift designs with corporate identity and customer expectations. Simple designs with eco-friendly packaging are highly valued.
For those looking to enter the gifting sector, experts like Ray offer critical advice: view gifting as a way to sell emotions and experiences, not just products. It is essential to differentiate your offerings in a crowded market and understand your customers’ needs.
As gifting continues to evolve into a more personalized and experience-based market, speakers at the expo remind us that the key is to connect emotionally with recipients. Furthermore, they emphasize that successful gifting strategies should maintain honesty in the blend of technology and human craftsmanship to earn buyer trust.
As we reflect on these insights, it’s clear that the future of gifting holds great promise for creativity and connection, aligning deeply with the values of sustainability and personalization. Whether it’s for a holiday, a personal milestone, or a corporate event, the way we gift is transforming for the better.
