When I travel to India, it’s usually to visit my family. One of my biggest concerns when planning my trip is what gifts to bring from the USA for my relatives in India. However, deciding is becoming increasingly difficult because most things are now available in India.
Furthermore, it doesn’t make sense to bring bulky items due to baggage limitations with most airlines. Domestic flights within India typically have lower baggage allowances than international flights, and paying extra fees for excess luggage can be quite costly.
Here is the list of things you can buy from USA to India. I created this list based on what I bring from the USA to India. I typically buy these things from retailers such as Costco or Amazon.
Electronics
Electronics are one of the most popular items to purchase in the USA. The prices of electronics in the USA are lower compared to India for the same brand and model. Additionally, you may find a wider selection of products, including the latest models.
Laptops/iPad/Notebooks Laptops or Notepads are always popular among college students and make great gifts. I purchased them from either Costco or an electronic store. You can compare the prices here. Compare here
Phones In the past, Samsung phones were more commonly found in India. However, in recent years, iPhones have also gained popularity. Some of our friends have even taken gently used iPhones in mint condition.
Fitbit/Smartwatch It’s useful for young people and seniors, tracking physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and other health-related data. Check Here
Bluetooth Speakers I found a much wider variety of Bluetooth speakers and options available here in the USA. On my last trip, I brought a Bose speaker, which everyone loved for its high-quality sound. Check Here
Other electronic items you can take to India are a Camera, Hard disk, and headphones.
Food items
Alcohol Scotch and whisky are more popular in India as compared to wine. Popular brands to take are Jack Daniels, Markers’ Mark, and Johnnie Walker. You are allowed to take 2 liters per person. Costco and duty-free shops are excellent places to buy.
Chocolate Chocolates are always loved by kids and grown-ups alike. Hersey’s, Godiva, Lindt, and Ferrero Rocher are good choices. Costco is an excellent place to buy, but it has bigger packets. Chocolate filled with liqueur is fantastic and available in Costco during holiday time. Check it here
Nuts I take almonds, pistachio, and pine nuts. Nuts in the USA are of better quality as compared to India. You can buy from Costco or can compare prices here .
Dried Fruits You can also take dry fruits, which are healthier without the added sugar. Check it out here.
Seniors/Parents/Mom/Dad
BP Monitor/Diabetics If any of your family members has a BP or Diabetics problem, you can take a BP Monitor for them. Check Here, or Diabetics testing kit Check Here.
Cold & Heat therapy Socks I took these for my parents as they get a burning sensation in their feet. It works for both cold and heat therapy and is very comfortable. Check here
Vitamins and supplements Other items to consider are Vitamins and supplements. Any health-related products are suitable for mom and dad. I also realized that even if everything is available in India, our parents needed to become more familiar with it, and when we took it from here for them, they bought it locally when they needed it the next time.
I hope it helps you determine the gifts for Indian moms from the USA.
Household items
Lint roller It is advertised as removing pet hair here in the USA but is helpful to remove dirt, debris, and hairs. Check Here.
Lint remover It is helpful to remove fuzz balls from sweaters and make them like new. Check it here
Candles I took Yankee candles a couple of times, but they get heavy, so limit to 1 or 2. I bought it from the Yankee store. Check here.
Other household items are a food chopper, measuring scale, and storage container.
Personal Care
Perfumes All my family members always love perfumes. I took some Men’s and women’s fragrances to give to my relatives as needed. I took some from Nautica. I also took Versace, a pack of 5; it was sample size but smelled good. Check here. You can also buy regular-size bottles.
Some other perfumes to consider are Adidas and Britney
Cosmetics You can also take lipstick, nail polish, and other makeup from American brands. It doesn’t take much space in luggage and can make mix-and-match gift sets for your mom, sister, and relatives.
Creams/ moisturizers /soaps There are many options for creams, moisturizers, and soaps which you can take for moms and sisters.
Check here for cracked hands or feet cream, which is helpful for moms.
Clothes
Jackets Fall jackets work well for Indian winters. They are lightweight and warmer here in the USA. Sweatshirts also work great for winter in India. Check it out here.
Thermals I like 32-degree inners which are lightweight and warm. It works for seniors too. You can buy it in Costco in winter or Check it out here.
Branded clothes/purses If your family is into branded clothes, you can buy authentic brands here in the USA.
T-shirts work well as a gift for kids. Cotton shirts are wrinkle-free and much more comfortable.
Kids clothes I buy Carter’s clothes which are good quality and last longer.
Men’s Wallet One of my favorite is Calvin Klein Bifold. It has a lot of credit card slots and doesn’t get bulky.
Toys
There are so many options for toys for all ages and all budgets. I usually pick the ones which take up less space in luggage. Check it here to see the options to buy toys from the USA to India.
Electrical appliances
NOTE: The voltage in the US is 110 V, while it is 220 V in India. If you plan to take any electrical or electronic items from the USA to India, take the Travel Adapter. I use it myself on all our International Travels.
Some other options include an electric toothbrush, tortilla maker, Electric Kettle, and similar items.
Travel
Luggage Scale I bought this one for myself, and it was helpful to check the bag’s weight before the flight.
Anti-Theft Travel Purse is one of the best purses to carry when traveling in a crowded space to prevent pickpocketers. I use this one for myself while traveling.
I hope this list helps you decide what to buy for your relatives in India.
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If you have any suggestions regarding gifts for the family in India, please feel free to leave comments below.