Diwali has a funny way of turning even the most sensible of us into enthusiastic shoppers. There’s the annual mithai exchange, the obligatory box of dry fruits, the beautifully wrapped something that gets opened, admired and promptly forgotten. And then there’s the gift that gets used every single day. The one that makes someone think of you long after the diyas have been put away.
That’s the kind of gifting we’re interested in this year.
At Exhibit Magazine, we spend an unreasonable amount of time around gadgets, gadgets that promise to make life easier, speakers that make a room feel different, phones that become an extension of their owners and little everyday things that turn out to be surprisingly useful. So, for Diwali 2026, we’ve put together a selection that goes beyond the usual festive hamper.
Whether you’re shopping for the person who always has a new phone on their wishlist, the friend who treats music like a personality trait, the parent who has thousands of photographs buried in their gallery or someone who simply deserves something nice, there’s a little something here for them.
And yes, there’s a bottle for the friend who would rather have a good evening than another gadget.
Because the best Diwali gift doesn’t have to be extravagant. It just has to feel like you actually know the person you’re giving it to.
Here are our picks for Diwali 2026.
vivo T5
For the person who wants their next phone to feel like a proper upgrade.
A phone is probably the most personal piece of technology we own. It goes everywhere, remembers everything and somehow manages to be the first thing we reach for in the morning. The vivo T5 makes a compelling gift for someone ready to upgrade their everyday companion. Its AMOLED display, high refresh rate and capable camera setup make it a good fit for people who enjoy their entertainment as much as their photography. There’s also a sizeable battery to keep things going through a long day. For someone who’s been nursing an ageing smartphone, this is a rather satisfying way to make their Diwali.
Ai+ Nova 2 Power 5G
For the person whose phone battery is always on its last breath
We all know someone who spends half their day looking for a charging cable. They leave home at 100 per cent and somehow return with a phone that’s practically asking for help. The Ai+ Nova 2 Power 5G is designed for precisely that kind of everyday reality. Its 7,000mAh battery is the headline feature, backed by 33W charging and a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor. The 120Hz display and 5G connectivity round out a package aimed at people who want their phone to keep up without constantly thinking about the next charging point. It’s a practical gift, and sometimes that’s exactly what someone needs.
ZigZag Vodka
For the friend who knows how to turn an evening into an occasion
Some people bring the playlist. Others bring the snacks. And then there’s that friend who arrives with a bottle and somehow makes the evening feel like it has a plan. ZigZag Vodka is a festive gifting option for the grown-up in your circle who enjoys experimenting with cocktails and trying something beyond the familiar. The brand offers Original alongside flavour variants including Green Apple, Orange and Lemon. Its vodka is distilled five times and filtered four times using carbon, silver, platinum and gold. A bottle makes a thoughtful addition to a celebration, particularly when you know the recipient enjoys a good cocktail. Please gift and enjoy responsibly, and only to adults of legal drinking age.
XElectron Luminex Whale OS Smart Projector 4K Ultra HD
For the person who thinks every evening deserves a movie
There are people who watch films on their phones, and then there are people who insist that a movie night deserves the entire living room. The XElectron Luminex Whale OS Smart Projector is for the latter. It supports 4K content while offering native Full HD resolution, with a claimed screen size of up to 250 inches. Android 13 and Whale OS bring streaming apps into the experience, while Wi-Fi screen mirroring makes it easier to share content from compatible devices. Auto focus and auto keystone help with setup. It’s a gift that can turn an ordinary wall into the centre of a proper movie night.
U&i Wireless Sunglasses (UiGD 3663)
For the friend who takes their music everywhere
Somewhere between sunglasses and wireless earbuds, there’s a rather interesting little gadget for people who like their music close but don’t necessarily want something sitting inside their ears. U&i’s UiGD 3663 Wireless Sunglasses combine everyday eyewear with built-in audio. They support Bluetooth 5.6, music playback and hands-free calling, with up to five hours of battery life and IPX5 water resistance. The idea is simple: listen to music or take a call while keeping your ears open to the world around you. It’s an unusual gift for someone who enjoys trying accessories that do a little more than expected.
XElectron 15.6-Inch Large Digital Photo Frame
For the people whose best memories are trapped inside their phones
We take thousands of photographs of the people we love, then leave them sitting in a gallery alongside screenshots, receipts and pictures of things we were supposed to remember buying. The XElectron 15.6-inch Digital Photo Frame gives those memories a place outside the phone. Its Full HD IPS touchscreen displays photographs at 1920 × 1080 resolution, while Wi-Fi and the Frameo app allow family and friends to send pictures remotely. With 32GB of storage and a wooden-look bezel, it can sit comfortably in a living room or on a desk. It’s a particularly lovely gift for parents or grandparents who enjoy seeing family moments.
Oral-B iO Series 9 Ultimate Clean
For the person who takes their morning routine seriously
A toothbrush might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re shopping for a Diwali gift. But then, neither is a good night’s sleep, until someone gives you something that makes it better. The Oral-B iO Series 9 Ultimate Clean brings a more considered approach to everyday brushing. Its electric brushing system is designed to combine effective cleaning with a guided routine, while smart feedback helps users understand where they might be missing areas. It’s a premium personal-care gift for someone who enjoys investing in their health and daily habits. Just make sure you know the recipient well enough before gifting something quite this personal.
boltt Ace 5G
For the person who wants a capable phone without spending flagship money
Not everyone needs a smartphone that costs as much as a weekend getaway. Sometimes, what matters is having a dependable device for calls, messages, photographs, streaming and the usual daily chaos. The boltt Ace 5G is built around that idea. It offers a 6.79-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 64MP main camera and a 6,000mAh battery. The Unisoc T8200 processor and Android 16 support everyday smartphone use, while 5G connectivity makes it ready for newer networks. It’s a sensible gift for someone upgrading from an older phone or looking for a straightforward introduction to 5G.
iQOO 15
For the person who treats their smartphone like a performance machine
There are smartphone users who simply want to get through the day, and then there are those who notice every frame, every loading screen and every little performance hiccup. The iQOO 15 belongs on the wishlist of the latter. iQOO’s flagship series has built its identity around performance-led hardware, gaming and displays that make demanding content feel smooth. For someone who spends their downtime gaming, watching videos or pushing their phone through demanding applications, a flagship iQOO makes an exciting upgrade. It’s the kind of gift that will probably be researched, compared and discussed long before the wrapping paper comes off.
MIVI One 5G
For the person who likes their technology made closer to home
There’s something nice about giving a product from a brand that’s trying to build its place in India’s technology ecosystem. The MIVI One 5G is a smartphone designed around everyday essentials, with a 6.75-inch HD+ display, a 120Hz refresh rate and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. Its 6,000mAh battery is built for long days, while the 50MP main camera handles everyday photographs. The phone also supports expandable storage, which is useful for anyone who refuses to delete old pictures. It’s a practical festive upgrade for someone who wants a modern smartphone without chasing the most expensive specifications.
LG xboom Bounce by will.i.am
For the friend who can turn a quiet room into a party
Some speakers are bought for the sound. Others are bought because they become part of the atmosphere. The LG xboom Bounce by will.i.am manages to bring both ideas together. Tuned with the musician and producer, it features dual dome tweeters, dual passive radiators and AI Sound, with lighting that adds a little personality to the listening experience. Its rugged design carries an IP67 rating, while the battery is rated for up to 30 hours of playback. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity and multipoint pairing. For someone who enjoys music at home, outdoors or during a weekend gathering, this is a gift that invites people to press play.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro
For the person who disappears into their own soundtrack
There’s a particular kind of person who puts on headphones and immediately becomes unavailable to the rest of the world. They’re commuting, working, travelling or simply trying to get through a noisy afternoon with a little peace. Nothing’s Headphone (1) Pro is a premium over-ear option for them. Its three-driver audio system combines dynamic, precision and xMEMS drivers, while adaptive noise cancellation is rated at up to 46dB. Spatial audio with head tracking adds another layer to supported content. With long battery life and a distinctive design, it’s a gift for someone who appreciates both their music and the hardware delivering it.
Infinix NOTE 60 Pro
For the person who wants their phone to do a little more
A smartphone upgrade is always a safe bet when you know someone has been putting off replacing their old device. The Infinix NOTE 60 Pro is worth considering for someone who wants a phone that looks and feels like a step forward. The NOTE series has traditionally focused on bringing large displays, useful everyday features and capable hardware into a more accessible segment. It’s the sort of device that suits someone who spends plenty of time watching videos, scrolling through photographs and staying connected throughout the day. Before buying, check the exact Indian variant and its specifications, particularly if you’re comparing it with other phones on the wishlist.
Swiss Military Defender Hardtop Trolley
For the person who is always planning their next escape
Some people start planning their next holiday before they’ve unpacked from the last one. For them, a good suitcase is less of an accessory and more of a travelling companion. The Swiss Military Defender Hardtop Trolley is a thoughtful gift for someone who spends a fair amount of time moving between airports, hotels and road trips. Its hard-shell construction is designed to protect belongings during travel, while the trolley format makes it easier to move through busy terminals. It’s a gift that comes into its own when the next trip arrives. And unlike a holiday souvenir, this one gets to be part of the journey.