Holiday gift pairings to delight your heart!
Editor’s note: This holiday guide is a sneak peek of Souk—the next, most amazing thing from splainer. We did a fab Secret Santa guide earlier this month. This one is for the special person in your life—including you!! The Souk team’s ‘perfect pairings’ offer a twist on the usual, ho-hum holiday gift. Of course, you can treat yourself to both—or just buy one. More the merrier—ho, ho, ho etc. etc.
PS: I'm as excited about this as when we launched splainer. Souk will do the exact same thing as we have done for news... except for shopping. We're cutting out the noise and hype to make it effortless for you to discover lovely, useful, quality products and brands—that are worth your attention and money.
Curated by: The dedicated Souk team
Every year, as winter approaches, you’re studiously eyeing every holiday-themed film, outfit, playlist, and recipe. It's time to enjoy thousand-calorie dinners, delicious wine and the company of your loved ones… and buy the perfect gift—be it for the hostess of a dinner party or to surprise someone on the big day. Scrambling for a last-minute bouquet or a bottle of chewy cabernet is completely acceptable, might we add—but it’s so last season! Souk is here to make sure you turn up with gorgeous finds and thoughtful gifts—perfectly paired! Admittedly, they’re a bit spendy, but it’s the end of the year, so splurge a little—especially on yourself! :)
Museum Bums X Love Handles Vase: We came across ‘Museum Bums’ in a 2023 gifting guide by The Hindu, and couldn’t help but laugh—it’s smart, quirky, and a little bit cheeky. The book started as a viral Twitter page by Mark Small and Jack Shoulder, and when you pair it with the Love Handles vase (an unofficial take on Anissa Kermiche’s viral design), you've got something that adds both style and humour to any space. A fun treat for yourself or someone who enjoys a good conversation piece. Price: Rs 1,381 | Rs 799
Luxury Candle Care Kit X Aventurine Candle: This hand-crafted Aventurine candle is infused with a crystal that’s said to bring serendipity and luck. Once the candle’s burned down, the crystal becomes a keepsake (or used for a little meditation, if that’s your thing). With the candle care kit—complete with a snuffer for safely putting out the flame and a wick trimmer for a clean burn—this is an easy way to keep the glow going, whether it's for you or someone else. Price: Rs 1,400 | Rs 2,627
Early Bird Oval Plate X Double Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies: This oval plate from Japanese tableware maker Marumitsu Poterie caught our eye with its delicate design, and when paired with Manam’s Double Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, it feels like a treat for any occasion. Perfect for yourself, or as a gift to someone who loves a sweet touch to their table. Price: Rs 2,599 | Rs 475
Recipe Cocktail Shaker X Pistola Agave Spirit: This cocktail shaker is a great pick whether you're hosting or just want to up your drink game. With eight classic cocktail recipes etched right into it, it's practical and fun. When paired with Pistola Agave Spirit—an award wining liquor from the Deccan Plateau—you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your favourite drinks, on your own or with a fellow cocktail lover. Price: Rs 1,890 | Price on request
Tea Lovers Calendar X Gül Mugs: If you know someone who loves tea (it could be you), this calendar is such a fun way to count down the days. With 24 different teas to enjoy, it's a little moment of joy every day. Paired with these floral mugs, it’s perfect for your own tea ritual or as a thoughtful gift for someone else. You’ve got a perfect match for cosy afternoons basking under the winter sun. Price: Rs 1,650 | Rs 1,050
Avoca Avacado Oil X Zest Kitchen Towel Set: If you like simple, versatile ingredients, this avocado oil could be just what you need. It’s great for drizzling on salads and using in marinades, it has a high smoking point, so it’s good for cooking at higher temperatures without losing nutrients. After seeing how much you all loved the tea towels from our Secret Santa guide, we had to add these lemony towels from the same brand. They’re the kind of cheerful detail that makes any kitchen feel a little brighter. Price: Rs 2,090 | Rs 450
Serapheena Cake Mix X Flower Wooden Cake Stand: Serapheena’s cake mix takes the stress out of baking, whether you’re going eggless or sticking to the traditional recipe. It even comes with four holiday-themed sprinkles to add a festive touch. Plus, the mix includes options like gluten-free and keto, made with jowar, sweet potato, or almond flour. When you pair it with the scalloped cake stand from Pastiche, it’s not just about the cake—it’s about making the whole experience a little more fun. Pastiche is a home-grown, woman-led brand that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Price: Rs 423 | Rs 1,050
Silver Cheese Knife Set X Fleur D’or Platter With Glass Cloche: This platter with a glass cloche is something you don’t come across every day. It keeps your cheese fresh while adding a little flair to the table. Paired with the silver cheese knives, it’s a combo that feels both useful and a bit celebratory. Both pieces come from the same brand, so it’s an easy set to grab together, and they’ll elevate any cheese spread with a touch of elegance. Price: Rs 1,750 | Rs 2,450
