The UAE is a melting pot of innovations, festivities, new businesses, and everything in between. With Christmas just around the corner, what’s one thing that comes to mind? Offices lit up with Secret Santa plans, while businesses get into the mode of creating red and green-themed hampers. Here’s a look at how UAE business owners are adding a touch of sustainability, introducing new trends, and bringing a wholesome twist to gifting this year
Ayushi Mehta, Founder & Director of Curate And Wrap, highlighted how she kicked off this business in her own home in the month of June this year and how the response in the market just shot to rise: “The last six months have been so overwhelming with the response that we received from Dubai; it’s been exceptionally great. People have been very kind. And it’s really good to know that, you know, people appreciate these small details that we try to add in our hampers.”
UAE residents have become even more particular about the gifting tradition, especially since many of them are expats. Be it Eid, Diwali, Christmas, or any festival in between, they take joy in gifting.
“UAE people have a strong sense of understanding of how the gifting tradition, in general, has evolved from just being simple chocolate boxes or mid-high boxes to these beautiful hampers that we create, where we put our hearts in understanding what the other person wants,” she said.
Ayushi also highlighted a few trends that are getting popular. “If I talk about what’s popular in Christmas gifting, there are few items which are, you know, which are creating a lot of demand, things like hand crafted candles, baked goods and premium chocolates. So these are few, few items are super hit in terms of in terms of the inclusions that we’re doing in our hampers. I hope we keep getting the kind of love that we have received so far in the future as well, and we keep innovating, and we keep curating beautiful hampers to give beautiful memories to people.”
With so much decor available in markets, UAE people still seek detailed personalization. Backing this, Afeefa & Afreena, Founders of The Makers, said, “All that we’ve aimed for so far, be it anniversaries, festivals, or events, a gift is a mandate. The smile and joy that people see when they receive these gifts is incredible.”
Afeefa further highlighted the thoughtfulness of sustainability that individuals consider when thinking of gifting: “Sustainability is becoming a key consideration, with many businesses focusing on eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced products. Moreover, the influence of multiculturalism in the UAE means that gifting traditions are diverse.”
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