Gift GIVING is My Love Language

Since we are officially deep into 🎵 The Holiday Season 🎵, I can really let my gift giving flag fly. The process of finding something fit for the giftee is my all time favourite research project. I'm a (self-proclaimed) expert gift-giver and over the years, I’ve developed a simple formula: Budget + Thoughtfulness + Packaging = the PERFECT gift. How many times can I say gift? 

The Science behind the "Perfect Gift Formula™"

Budget:

Let’s face it—holiday shopping can get pretty overwhelming, and it’s easy to overspend! Before you begin, take a moment to figure out how much you want to spend on each person/gift. Having a clear budget will help you narrow your options and ensure you’re not feeling stressed once the season ends. Whether it’s a small token or a lavish surprise, knowing your limit allows you to focus on finding something meaningful within your means.

*HOT TIP* Whenever you're searching online for something specific, be sure to use helpful search filters to stay within your budget. Most websites will have "price low to high" or "price high to low" filters or even a sliding scale to pick your exact spending range. 

Thoughtfulness:

This is where the ✨magic✨ happens. A thoughtful gift shows that you’ve truly considered the person receiving it and TRUST when I say it makes all the difference. Like I said, this is a research project!

If you know them well, think about their hobbies, interests, or a specific need they’ve mentioned and note them down, keep an ear out during your next convo. Maybe your best friend is always cold in the winter—a cozy wool scarf could be perfect. Perhaps your sibling loves baking, and a set of artisanal vanilla extracts would make their day. Maybe your significant other has been quite stressed and they're in dire need of a spa day. 

If you DON'T know them well, gifting something you personally love can be equally meaningful. Share a piece of yourself—a hand cream you can’t live without, a novel that left you inspired, or a locally made product that you adore.

Packaging:

First impressions matter, and a well-wrapped gift can add a lot of charm to the experience. It's also fun to get a little creative and slap a bow on something! You can also get really into it and look for budget-friendly and sustainable options like reusable fabric wraps, recycled paper, or upcycled packaging materials. For an extra personal touch, include a handwritten note explaining why you picked this gift:

• “I know you’ve been searching for [insert gift here], so I hope you love this one!”
• “This hand cream is my saviour every winter! I think you’ll really enjoy it!”

Let them know you care!

Studio Dialectica Gift Guide - under $100

Looking for the perfect affordable yet responsibly made gift this season? Our accessories and art prints are thoughtfully designed, sustainable, and stylish—perfect for anyone on your list. I may be biased but here are my top five picks: 

Saree Silk Tote Bags
$80 - regular tote bag
$65 - mini tote bag 

Made from luxurious upcycled silk sarees, these tote bags are as functional as they are beautiful. They're quilted for extra strength and easily hold a laptop (The mini tote can accomodate a 14" laptop). Available in two sizes, they make the perfect gift for anyone who loves a versatile, eco-friendly accessory. 

Adjustable Saree Silk Crossbody Bags 
$90

These upcycled bags are made from silk sarees, previously owned fabrics, and production off cuts. Please note these bags are not available on our website at the moment. Please contact us if you would like to see a selection of them OR find them at our in-person events. 

Saree Silk Scarves
$75

 

We gave these unworn 100% silk sarees a new life by adding our original prints to them. They make stunning statement accessories - the perfect luxurious gift without breaking the bank! 

Upcycled Bucket Hats
$50

These bucket hats are not just trendy but also sustainable with upcycled fabrics! A perfect gift for that 90s and Y2K obsessed friend.

9"x12" Art Prints 
$30 

 

For that person in your life that's curating a gallery wall full of original art, swipe up one of these art prints! Whether they love colour, a bold message, or lean more minimalist, we've got it all. We create these artworks in-house digitally, through analog mediums, and from our very own textile prints! 

*HOT TIP* Get an art print for FREE when you spend $100 CAD during our Nov 29-Dec 2 BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

That's all for now, happy gifting and good luck with your search :)

Until next month - ahem excuse me - until NEXT YEAR (!!!), 
Arushi
Founder, Studio Dialectica 

CREDITS

Image 1 by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash

Image 3 by Jess Bailey on Unsplash 

Banner image + images 2 & 4:

Photography by Pranavan Suhindan at Euphoric Expressions
Assisted by Arthanaa Ganendran 

Makeup and Hair by Madhavi Sapkota

Models:
Shraddha Shah
Jazz Virk