Owning the gift-exchange game

A big bouquet of flowers, a lovable stuffed toy, a card with a wish full of blessings — these are often the elements that instantly pop in one's mind when thinking of Eid gifts, of course apart from the obvious clothes and shoes. There are also the options of stationery, cosmetics, bags and little knick knacks. 

Needless to say, considering the significance of the occasion, exchanging gifts is a ritual that is of paramount importance to most people, each family and friend circle having their unique tradition of gift exchanging. 

Generic gifts can be easily forgotten and do not do much to make you stand out. The present that you may have in mind for your loved ones should always have some meaning. 

The best gifts are made of thoughtfulness. Infusing your story or something that means a lot to the two of you into a present is definitely the best way to make it stand out. 

While handcrafted gifts are always invaluable and clearly portray the amount of effort you put in, getting your gifts customised from a number of shops is also a great idea when you have a lot on your plate. 

Art War 

Initiated by Saomun Zaman in October, 2014 as a small-scale customised posters business, Art War has expanded with time and now makes all kinds of customised imprints including laptop stickers, PlayStation 4 skins mugs, wooden engravings, HD/PVC posters, JDM Stickers for cars, MacBook decal, notebooks, phone laser covers as well as birthday themed posters. 

Customers can choose their own image/design of their desired colour and size, and shoot them a message on Facebook after which the order may be placed. Coming to quality, imported vinyl papers are used for laptop, PS4 and car stickers. HD posters are made using high quality inkjet papers and for PVC posters, banner cloth is used. The product delivery takes 3-4 business days and costs Tk 50 in delivery charge. 

The prices range from Tk 250 to Tk 1100, depending on the type of product but interestingly, there is no extra cost added on the personalisation of the item. 

For more info, log onto: facebook.com/artwar007. Or call 01709331533.    

Woodpecker

All things wooden and much more – Woodpecker is the pioneer of its kind. It specialises in making personalised wooden notebooks, phone covers, phone stands, key rings, photo frames, etc. You can also send them your most favourite picture and have it etched for life on a block of wooden board. 

Prices differ from product to product and depend mostly on the dimensions and the type of wood used. 

For more info, log onto: facebook.com/woodpeckeronline.   

Newton's Archive

We all have some songs that speak to us in a way we find unique, and almost every relationship can have such a song linked to it. Imagine having those soulful lyrics inscribed in calligraphy across a hand painted galaxy on a canvas hanging in your room. 

A collaborative approach by four young, talented artistic minds —Sabrina, Aurni, Ishmam and Rahnuma — Newton's Archive sells a versatile range of exotically scented candles and canvassed art, all of which are hand-made. 

The scented candles poured in fancy mason jars are labelled with the coolest quotes from your all time favourite TV shows, starting from Harry Potter to the Game of Thrones. 

Although one cannot exactly customise the candle scents, but you can add your own hand written message on the tags attached to the jars. 

Customisation of canvas paintings is much more flexible and you can message them on Facebook to explain your requirements. 

The scented candles are the perfect present to soothe a person's mood after a long stressful day. 

For more info, log onto:facebook.com/newtonsarchive. Or call 01675831716.

The Square Bar by Mahi A

The Square Bar is your stop if you are looking for the finest embellishments to go with a fashion favouring man. Mahi Anjum Lisa, the brain behind the business, began with a motive to provide high end men's fashion products to the Bangladeshi men who are becoming more and more fashion conscious and trying to adapt to the world fashion scene every day. 

The product line includes lapel pins, pocket squares and Victorian ascots made of silk, cotton and even wool. Customers can personalise their orders according to their preferred colour scheme to go with their outfits and prices range from Tk 350 for pocket squares up to Tk 1500 for a set of Victorian ascot and pocket square. 

For more info, log onto:facebook.com/thedhakasquares.   

European Sports Shop 

Know any diehard football fan? Say Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona or Real Madrid? Any football club for the matter? European Sports Shop is your go-to place to get grade-A customised jerseys with the name of the footy-fan at the back for only about Tk 1500. Besides these, they sell football club themed hoodies, readymade jerseys and radium superhero logo T-shirts as well. 

For more info, log onto: facebook.com/ess.com.bd. Or call —+88017088786937.  

Tee World

Casual tees for daily wear are always in and you can customise a unique T-shirt for your partner in A3 or A4 sized designs at Tk 350 to Tk 450 per shirt only. Six base colours for the T-shirts have been provided on the page and you can pick literally any picture or design and get it imprinted on a shirt that you can make a cherished present of. 

For more info, log onto: facebook.com/teeworldbd. Or call — 01765665553.

Besides ordering customised goods from various shops, you can always indulge in a bit of DIY craft and come up with the most unique gifts with a personal touch. 

At the end of the day, the greatest gift you can give to your loved ones is your precious time. 

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed