Rakhi is just around the corner, on 18th August to be precise. And most brothers and sisters are surely gearing up to it. The popular notion of Rakhi being symbolic of a brother taking a vow to protect the sister, always came across as a little sexist to me and also, not having a brother, I always questioned why it was celebrated only between a brother and a sister and not siblings or friends in general. You know, the kind of promise to have each other’s back, between friends, irrespective of gender or blood-relationships? That’s the kind of thing that always attracted me way more. But let’s not forget that celebration of Rakhi in Bengal was introduced by none other than our coolest Bong ever, Rabindranath Tagore, as a festival of unity, harmony and friendship. So for me Rakhi was always more of a desi Friendship Day and I tied the thread to my sister and closest friends. And, of course eagerly waited for the gifts!

When it comes to gifts, I think edible gifting solutions are a brilliant idea. Specially with things like cookies and brownies, which can be stored even without a refrigerator for a few days. You can go wrong with the colour or size of clothes, you can go wrong with the books one would want to read, but you can hardly ever go wrong with sweet edibles. So here’s a few places in Kolkata which are offering Rakhi Gifts and Hampers, to make the day sweeter!

1. Melete –

This is one brand which takes the concept of edible gifting seriously. They make customized hampers for almost all occasions, and Rakhi is no exception. They home-deliver across the city, so that’s a big plus for me. I personally recommend their hand-made chocolates and also their brownies, of which they have quite a few varieties. It’s even perfect for the health-conscious ones, as Melete has an entire line of diabetic-friendly, low-calorie products.

Where: 603/1B, Block O, New Alipore, Kolkata

Cost: According to customizations.

2. Little Pleasures –

Little Pleasures is offering Rakhi desserts are customized to the needs and requirements of its patrons and their Rakhi specials menu includes a range of chocolatey as well as non-chocolate surprises. On one hand there are the Triple Chocolate Mousse with its beautiful layers and the Warm Molten Brownie Pie, which is as rich and comforting in taste, as it sounds. One can also try the Amaretti Crumble – their very own eggless, a biscuit-based rich, chocolate cake with crunchy praline and toasted almond flakes. For those like me, who love fruity desserts, there is the Lemon Meringue Pie, Peach Flan and Orange & Chocolate Marble Cake. Other innovative pleasures on offer which sound really tempting are the Profiterole Pyramid and the Rose/Pistachio & Raspberry Cake.

Where: 1st Floor, 8/1, Loudon Street,Loudon Street Area, Kolkata

Cost: Rs. 1250/- per pound of cake, approximately.

3. Mushq World – 

They have a range of platters, hampers, cakes and jar desserts up for grabs this rakhi, at a price range of 350-750 INR. One of their platters priced at Rs. 600/- includes one jar dessert, 3 adorable rakhi themed cupcakes, a small bag of cookies and also assorted chocolates. The orders for these however, have to be placed on or before 16th of this month and one can either pick them up or get them home delivered.

Where: To order, one can just call them up at +91 8100802810.

4. Batcaves Gourmet Popcorn – 

Gone are the days when popcorn was meant as a movie-munch on. It is not just the oh-so-healthy snack, but the oh-so-fancy too right now. With a plethora of enticing flavours to choose from, it’s definitely the snack of the hour. Batcaves Gourmet Popcorn  offers small, medium and large tins prices for which start at Rs. 150, Rs. 200 and Rs. 310 respectively and are the perfect gifts for rakhi. Some of the flavours on offer are Chilli Caramel, Strawberry, Nutty Mocha, Mango, Nacho Mexican and Sour Cream and Onion.

Where: Currently they are available at  Starmark – Quest Mall, Starmark – South City Mall, Candelicious – Forum Mall, and they are coming up very soon at Alipore too!

So have a great Rakhi peeps, and be ready with the coolest hampers!