Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette



No matter when you step out after sunset, the city’s roads are jam packed; restaurants, malls are overcrowded and souks are looking at their best days in business. End of Ramadan brings us to the joy of Eid and there’s nothing better than Eidiya, or well Eid gifts. In case you’re looking for distinctive options and moving away from monotonous choices we maybe making every year, here is a round up of exciting gifts for your loved ones.



Eid at Home



Desert Designs in Al Khobar have a collection of home items and decor that’s a mix of ancient and modern Arab design and art that is part of every Saudi household. From tables to home decor pieces, rugs, their new brand HAMSA’s products, Moroccon mosaic ceramic pots and even tea sets, they have an exclusive set of gift ideas to choose from this Eid. Similarly, you can get customized candle holders with your name in Arabic engraved on the stands in calligraphy from Haute Arabia. Hindana also does ready-made orders of colored letter blocks and designs decor boxes (with wood and steel options). Mashareq KSA offers handcrafted furniture and home accessories by Middle Eastern artisans. You can call in and order their hand painted vases, tiles and shisha sets.

Arabic Art Accessories



Fatma AlMulla has a great floral oud collection, even her hot pink greeting cards with qahwa and arabesque prints are beautiful to gift. Art pieces inspired by vintage play on films and contemporary designs by Ahmed AlGhanim from Kuwait are available at S*uce loves boutique. OTT has some beautiful skirts out for girls from their new collection, a must for your inner diva. Mochi has pencil skirts stacked in vibrant hues at the Store in Jeddah. But don’t forget those who raised you. Ideal gifts available upstairs at Moja Majka where you can get your hands on the Kabah Tesbih Sobha/rosaries for your grand parents and relatives.



Fashion Trends



Modern interpretations of fine jewelry pieces from Al Abbar Designs with the ‘Allah’ pendant are available at Symphony Boutique in Dubai Mall. Yataghan designer Sarah Abudawood has created beautiful pieces crafted out of diamonds and gold with a selection of rings, bracelets and necklaces for her trademarked line with ‘Allah’ designs. If you are looking for cool concepts for guys, check out wrist-wear Sabastory accessories at Pop Up Concepts paired with Mukhi Sisters. Don’t forget Lomar’s new Rula Dashisha collection, you can gift your dad, husband or brother. Lomar has also introduced the playful kicks with Shib Shib shoes (designed like Shib Shib but developed into a shape like Toms, have a look.) Dolce and Gabbana has some outstanding dresses in playful colors for D&G junior princesses. For the young boys, head over to Toby and help them learn the ropes of fashion with Hatem Akeel designs.



Different and the Same



Don’t forget to head down to Balad — the heart of Jeddah and soak in the Saudi culture along with a few handicrafts only available at their souks. Perfumes are always a great idea. For Saudi men, Ajmal gets the constant approval, but try the new Terre d’Hermès Eau Très Fraîche, which is an essential and you can also indulge in the luxurious ‘H’ The Exclusive Oud by Roja Parfums. For women, Maison Martin Margiela’s?’Replica’ beach walk and Tom Ford’s Black Orchid for the infusion and luxury of sultry woods and rich fruit accords.



Sweet Eid



Pick up a few dates and Arabic sweets from Salheya, Tamraty, Bateel, Kingdom of Dates and Talah offering an assortment of nuts, biscuits, fruits and chocolate infused delights. Munch bakery is doing some fantastic blends — with kunafa and nutella’s marriage, there are great Arabic desserts to gift and serve at home. Pink Camel that has launched at Rubaiyat’s new departmental store at Stars Avenue is also serving a newly launched range like gluten free chocolate cheesecake with layers of dark chocolate with new macaroon flavors.