Splurge On

Kavad,a painted storytelling box from Chittor,Rs 3120,Dastkari Haat
Add a touch of magic and brighten up your kid’s room instantly with this unique story telling box,painted by master craftsmen. Made in various shapes and sizes,the box available at Dastkari Haat is a mini wooden painted temple,with panels and secret compartments that fold out to tell the story of the Manthan,the churning of ocean by Gods and demons culminating with a moving image of a blue necked Shiva. A wonderful tool to brighten up your kid’s history lessons.

Art mart
If you’re looking to spend this Diwali,gifting art by artists—both senior and upcoming,is actually a possibility. With the market slow down,many galleries are pricing paintings at affordable rates,so the customer is king. For some Diwali themed art,check out the online exhibition being hosted by Red Earth at http://www.redearthindia.com/art/exhib/artfordiwali09/artfordiwali09.html. Featuring names like Minal Damani,Waswo X Waswo,Rajendra Kapse and Nitin Mukul,the exhibition provides a jocular take on the festival of light. An artist named Arjuna has rendered a funky image of Lakshmi (see right),whom he has been focusing on in her different avatars. The work is priced at an affordable Rs 28,000.

Gagan Vij’s metal sculpture is an arty take on a candle stand,his sculpture of marching minions holding aloft candles is priced at a mere three lakhs.

If your budget constraints do not include originals,one can always pick up a nice serigraph at the serigraphy studio,which can also be accessed online at http://www.serigraphstudio.com.

Limited edition pens from Lamborghini,starting at Rs 2,77,200,Exclusive Motors Pvt Ltd,Samrat Hotel
They are known for their mean machines,but automobile giant Lamborghini has now come up with a new range of accessories,including limited edition pens.

Craft boxes,Rs 430,Dastkari Haat
Made out of recycled craft maps,the boxes,available in three different sizes with sturdy paper lids,come handy in storing items.