Top Raksha Bandhan Gifts for 2025: Thoughtful Rakhi Gifts for Brother and Sister
⏱ 7 min read
Raksha Bandhan has always been one of my favorite festivals — mostly because it’s such a sweet excuse to show love through Raksha Bandhan gifts (and also because my brothers have no option but to pamper me). It’s that one time in the year when siblings pause the teasing and actually express love. And let’s be honest — Raksha Bandhan gifts totally add to the fun.
But here’s the thing: I don’t always believe in going super fancy or ultra personal. Thoughtful doesn’t always have to mean expensive or over-the-top. Sometimes, a simple gift card or even a well-scented candle makes a bigger impact than a custom mug with your face on it (just saying…).
So in this blog, I’m sharing not only Raksha Bandhan gift ideas that are trending in 2025, but also a few rakhi gifts I’ve personally tried, bought, and loved giving. Whether you’re shopping for your techy brother or your newly married sister, you’ll find something here that actually works.
My Favourite Raksha Bandhan Gift Picks (Tried & Tested)
Every year, I face the same question: “What do I even gift?” And over time, I’ve found a few go-to options that never disappoint. Here are six Raksha Bandhan gifts I’ve either given myself or seen go really well among my cousins:
1. Candles
A good candle, especially with calming scents like lavender or vanilla, is honestly one of the most underrated gifts. I am going to gift one to my cousin sisters this year.
Buy Candles (This is an Amazon affiliate link — it won’t cost you anything extra, but I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.)
2. Gift Cards
Let me admit this straight: I find it really hard to shop for my brothers. Their choices change like the weather. So gift cards — Zara, Bershka, Myntra — have saved me every single year. Practical, simple, and no complaints later.
3. Hobbies Kit / DIY Kit
If your sibling enjoys hands-on activities like painting, crafting, or journaling, hobby kits make super cool rakhi gifts. I once gifted a DIY candle kit to my cousin sister and we ended up doing it together — super fun!
Also, I genuinely love DIY kits. Last year, I even bought one for myself from Hamleys — just to nurture my inner child and spending adult money. Totally worth it!
Buy DIY Kit (This is an Amazon affiliate link — it won’t cost you anything extra, but I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.)
4. Perfume
Perfume feels personal and luxurious without being overly sentimental. Also, in my blog on Essential Fashion Accessories, I’ve mentioned how much I love perfumes — especially Burberry Goddess. It’s my all-time favorite and honestly, it’s the perfect Raksha Bandhan gift for your sister if she’s into elegant and soft fragrances.
5. Money Envelope
Sometimes, when you’re really out of time (or just unsure), nothing beats the good old money envelope. I like to jazz it up with a cute card or a little note inside.
Also, because of a money envelope, I actually started believing that God exists. It’s a little miracle that happened to me around Raksha Bandhan — and I’ve written all about it in this blog: Raksha Bandhan Miracle – A Spiritual Experience.
6. Personalised Gift Basket
Last year my bhabhi made a gift basket for me and it was truly amazing! She included some skincare, a bit of makeup, scented candles, chocolates, a handwritten card, and even a gua sha. It looked Pinterest-worthy, felt super personal, and genuinely made the gift so memorable.
You can go a little extra and can make a custom basket. For your sister you can include: face masks, scrunchies, makeup miniatures. If gifting personalised gift basket to your brother you can include: men’s grooming kit, body spray, and chocolates. It’s thoughtful without going too “Pinterest-perfect.”
Also, I’ve written a blog on the Top 10 Things You Should Not Spend Your Money On and seriously, don’t waste your money on such products.
Trending Raksha Bandhan 2025 Gift Categories
A. Experience-Based Gifts
One of my cousins booked an art workshop for his sister — and she loved it! These make great Raksha Bandhan gifts:
- Weekend getaways
- Pottery or baking classes
- Spa vouchers
- Curated subscription boxes (books, coffee, beauty)
B. Tech & Gadgets
For those gadget-loving siblings:
- Smartwatches or fitness bands
- Bluetooth speakers or earbuds
- Smart notebooks or productivity tools
- Gaming gear for the obsessed brother
C. Fashion & Accessories
If your sibling loves looking stylish (my sister definitely does!):
- Trendy t-shirts, cozy hoodies, ethnic wear
- Handbags, sunglasses, belts
- Name pendants, zodiac jewelry, evil eye charms
D. Wellness & Lifestyle
Mindful rakhi gifts never go out of trend:
- Indoor plants and eco hampers
- Scented candles, essential oils, crystals
- Kindle, premium pens, guided journals
- Gym membership, yoga class, or even sign them up for a marathon walk.
Gift Ideas for Brother: Tailored Suggestions
- For the Techie Bhai: Smartwatch or portable charger
- For the Foodie Bhai: Gourmet chocolate box or snack kit
- For the Stylish Bhai: Wallet, perfume, grooming kit
- For the Adventurous Bhai: Skydiving voucher or hike trip
- For the Office Bhai: Sleek desk accessories or engraved pen
When in doubt? Just go for a raksha bandhan gift for bhai that matches his vibe — or hand him a gift card like I do!
Gift Ideas for Sister: Thoughtful Selections
- For the Glam Sister: Makeup basket, earrings, hair clips
- For the Chill Sister: Spa day voucher or candle set
- For the Creative Sister: DIY kits, art journals
- For the Travel Junkie: Travel planner or mini steamer
- For the Newly Married Sister: Couple getaway or classy home decor
Budget-Friendly Rakhi Gift Ideas
- Handmade cards or baked treats
- Cute personalized keychains
- Stationery kits or simple books
- Watch a movie together or cook at home
Some of my favorite moments with my siblings have been those low-key celebrations not the fancy ones.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rakhi Gift
- Think about what makes them them — hobbies, style, mood
- Don’t go overboard — thoughtful > expensive
- Wrap it up with a handwritten note — trust me, it adds magic
- If you’re going personalized, plan at least 1-2 weeks early
How I Celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about the gifts — it’s also about how we celebrate together. In my case, I usually celebrate Rakhi with my cousins. As a sister, I go to my brother’s house in the morning. We start the day with a small aarti ceremony, and since I’m the youngest, I always touch their feet first.
After that, I make them eat sweets (and they do the same for me), and then comes the fun part — gifts! I also tie a lumba rakhi to my bhabhi, which is like a pretty bracelet-style rakhi for sisters-in-law. It’s become one of my favorite moments.
We all sit together for lunch — usually a full family spread with lots of laughter and food. And in the evening, we all head out for a movie. It’s simple, wholesome, and honestly one of the best traditions I look forward to every year.
My Thoughts
Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about the rakhi gifts — it’s about showing up for your sibling in a way only you can. Whether you buy a perfume, plan a mini getaway, or simply hand them a gift card, it’s the gesture that makes it memorable.
Also planning to take your sister out on that day? Check out the best cafes in Bandra and maybe avoid taking your siblings to the overhyped cafes in Bandra!
This 2025, go for Raksha Bandhan gifts that feel like you. Add a note. Make them smile. And most importantly, make time to be together. Happy Rakhi!
