The end of the holy month of Ramadan marks the start of the Eid-Al Fitr festival and celebrations which are often highlighted by the exchange of gifts amongst close family members and children. Buying children gifts instead of the traditional token money is the latest rage in the Kingdom and in other Muslim countries, and shopping malls are choked these days with last-minute shoppers. “I don't give my sister token money anymore; prior to Eid, I take her out shopping and buy her whatever she likes, according to my budget: an elegant dress, some bangles or a traditional pair of shoes,” said Mohammed Kamran, a Pakistani expatriate in Jeddah. “As soon as the Shawwal moon is sighted, I drive my mother to our relatives' home where she distributes gifts to the children including dolls for girls and batter-operated toy cars for the boys.” He added that the gifts are usually bought during the last week of Ramadan so that they can be gifted on time. In part, this change of tradition has come about by the miss-use of token money by children too young to spend the money properly. “It is much wiser to buy suitable gifts like stuffed toys, clothes, video games and books rather than gifting money,” remarked Saeed Fathy, a Saudi resident of Jeddah. “We can buy gifts and then give a small amount of token money on the actual day as well.” The possibilities for gift-buying are endless with men being able to buy exclusive jewelry and accessories for their wife, mother and sister; a pair of gold earrings or small necklace is always a good option, but with rising prices and the availability of highly attractive artificial jewelry, there are cheaper alternatives to making a loved one feel good as well. A number of jewelry stores are, therefore, offering a number of special offers. “We are offering an Eid special offer of artificial jewelry consisting of a wrist watch, ing, pair of earrings and necklace of a certain brand between the range of 100 and 120 Saudi riyals,” stated Abdul Haq, the salesman at a local jewelry store in Andalus Mall, Jeddah. A similar gift package for men is also offered, including a wrist watch, pen, key ring and a pair of cuff studs for approximately SR160. Another good idea is to purchase aromatic perfumes and exotic oils, available at nominal prices at most perfume stores everywhere. “A special Eid offer for ladies is a gift box comprising of four different bottle of perfume costing SR180, and one bottle of perfume can cost as low as SR99” said Mohammed Khalil, a salesman at a health and beauty store in Jeddah. Many such gift packs also include shower gels, soaps, body lotions and bath oils, available for both men and women. There are pricier perfume options as well with most branded perfumes costing SR150 to SR350. Clothes make another excellent present, since everyone wants to wear new clothes in Eid, particularly if the gift receiver is a close relative or friend whose preferences are known in advance and can be splurged on. If one is feeling particularly indulgent then electronic gadgets like mobile phones, laptops, gaming consoles and music players these days make apt gifts. If really stumped for an idea, gift shops are always a good place to find a diverse variety of products catering to all ages and types of people. Many of these shops offer items for as little as SR10 to SR1,000. Since Eid is an occasion of celebration, it is nearly impossible to assume that sweets will not be linked to festivities. in this respect, it is always a good idea to buy gift boxes comprising of traditional sweets, nuts and chocolates. Arab specialities like baklava and kunafa as well as those from the Subcontinent, are also make an excellent present for loved ones. “During the first three days of Eid, we are prepared to receive dozens of orders which we get from customers who opt to carry these delicious gifts to their loved ones,” said Saleem Jamshaid, a Pakistani shop owner of a sweet shop in Jeddah.
