Rakhi Gifts That Actually Get Used: A Quadis Guide for Brothers and Sisters

Raksha Bandhan falls on Friday 28 August this year. The thread goes on the wrist in the morning — the gift is the other half of the ritual.

The trouble with rakhi gifts is that so many of them are opened once and then live in a drawer. The ones that land are the ones that get used: something someone reaches for on an ordinary Tuesday, thinks of you for a second, and finishes. That is the whole brief for this guide.

Everything below is in stock as we publish, and everything is something a person actually uses up.

For your brother

The safest gift for a man who has never bought skincare is a set, because it removes every decision. The safest gift for one who already has a routine is either a tool or a fragrance — the two things people rarely buy for themselves.

The Man Company Men’s Vitamin C Glow Set
A whole routine in one box — cleanse, serum, moisturise. The safe answer when you don't know what he already owns.

The Man Company Beard Oil — Almond & Thyme 30ml
Almond and thyme soften wiry hair and calm the itch underneath. A few drops through a damp beard.

The Man Company Oud Eau De Parfum 100ml
Warm, resinous, holds all day in the heat. For when the gift should feel like an occasion.

Slick Gorilla Hair Styling Powder
A pinch at the roots for texture and lift, no wet look, no crunch.

The Man Company Derma Roller — for Scalp & Beard
For the brother already deep in a routine and hard to buy for.

If he is particular about how he looks but vague about products, hair is the easiest win — it is visible, he will use it daily, and nobody is precious about receiving it. Browse the whole shelf under For Men.

For your sister

Brothers give gifts at Raksha Bandhan too, and the same rule holds: a set beats a single item when you are guessing, because it lets her find the one she likes rather than politely tolerating the one you chose.

Mamaearth Me Rice Facial Kit 60g (6-Step)
Six steps in one box, rice-water based and gentle enough for a first at-home facial.

Mamaearth Ubtan Facial Kit 60g (6-Step)
The classic turmeric-and-saffron ubtan ritual, portioned into six steps.

Revolution Jelly Blush & Highlighter Set
Jelly blush and highlighter together — buildable, and forgiving on every skin tone.

Aqualogica Refresh+ Perfume Body Mist on the Go Set of 3
Three mists small enough to live in a handbag, gym bag and desk drawer.

I Heart Revolution Butter Express Body Butter Trio
Three body butters to try before committing to a full size.

Revolution Cherry Icon Eye Shadow Palette and Brush Set
A palette that covers everyday and going-out, with the brush included.

A facial kit is the closest thing to giving someone an afternoon to themselves. A makeup set is the closest thing to giving them permission to experiment. Both are on the Gifting shelf, along with plenty more.

If you genuinely have no idea

Three honest fallbacks, in order:

1. A set, not a single product. Sets forgive a wrong guess — there is always something in the box that suits.
2. Something scented. Body mists and fragrance get used daily and nobody minds owning two.
3. Come and ask us. Our shops are staffed by people who do this every day. Tell them who it is for and roughly what you want to spend, and they will put something together.

Ordering in time for the 28th

Rakhi is a Friday this year, which gives you a comfortable week — but the last few days before any festival are the busy ones, so a little early is a lot calmer.

• Delivery in Mauritius generally arrives within 48 hours, Sundays and public holidays aside. Ordering by Tuesday 25 August leaves room for the unexpected.
• Click & Collect is free at any Quadis shop and is usually ready within 48 hours — the best option if you are cutting it fine, or if you would rather wrap it yourself.
• Rodrigues takes longer, by air or by sea. If the gift is crossing the water, order now rather than next week.

Full details are on our shipping policy page.

Happy Raksha Bandhan from all of us at Quadis — island-wide delivery, or free Click & Collect at our shops.