Move Over Material Gifts, Travel And Togetherness Are The New Celebrations

For many, the festive season has long meant boxes wrapped in ribbons, exchanged with smiles and stored away soon after. But this year, India’s celebrations are taking a more meaningful turn. Instead of

buying things, people are choosing to gift time – moments of connection, travel, and shared joy. From curated getaways to immersive stays, gifting is becoming less about what’s unwrapped and more about what’s felt.

The Rise Of Experience Gifting

“Celebratory giving in India is shifting away from material possessions towards shared experiences. Individuals are opting to offer time and experiences like journeys, excursions, or activities rather than gifts,” says Pranav Dangi, CEO and Founder of Hosteller.

Dangi explains that this marks a deeper cultural shift – one where the true value of a gift lies not in its price tag but in the memories it creates. Younger adults are leading this change. They prefer gifting experiences that allow them to spend time with loved ones – be it a spontaneous weekend getaway, a scenic trek, or a cosy boutique stay. “Experience gifting is convenient, intimate, and perceived as more thoughtful since it is personalized to the recipient’s lifestyle,” Dangi adds.

Luxury That Lasts Beyond The Moment

The hospitality industry has been quick to embrace this shift. “We’re witnessing a beautiful evolution in how people express love and celebration. There’s a growing recognition that the most cherished gifts aren’t things we unwrap, but moments we share together,” says Anjali Mehra, Executive Vice President – Brand and Communications at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

To meet this sentiment, The Leela introduced Moments by The Leela, elegant e-gift cards designed to let people gift experiences – from palatial stays to signature dining and rejuvenating spa rituals.

Cruises And Curated Travel Take Centre Stage

The trend extends far beyond land. “People today are changing the way they celebrate festivals. Instead of traditional gifts, they want to invest in travel to spend beautiful time with family and friends,” says Vinu Vijay, Co-Founder and Head of Operations at Int2Cruises.

Cruise vacations, in particular, are becoming a favourite for Diwali, Christmas, and New Year celebrations. According to Vijay, cruise sailings offer the perfect blend of adventure and luxury — with curated events, festive decor, and themed celebrations at sea. “Cruises allow people to celebrate in a way that blends adventure, luxury, and meaningful connection, making the journey itself part of the gift,” he adds.

The New Meaning Of Celebration

As the world slows down to embrace presence over possessions, the festive spirit too is evolving. Gifting a memory – a shared sunset, a heartfelt meal, a weekend of laughter – is becoming the new language of love. This shift from consumption to connection signals something beautiful: that the best gifts don’t gather dust, they gather stories.