Diwali shopping guide: What to buy, what to avoid and how to stay within budget – CNBC TV18

Lifestyle
By:CNBCTV18.comNovember 2, 2026 | 16:40 IST

• Edited bySudarsanan M
• Published OnNov 2, 2026 | 16:40 IST
• Last Updated OnNov 2, 2026 | 16:40 IST

The first thing to do before shopping is decide how much money you can spend. Set a total budget and divide it into categories such as decorations, puja items, sweets, clothes and gifts. This will help you keep track of your expenses. (Image AI generated)
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Festive shopping brings heavy discounts and temptation, making it easy to overshoot your spending limits on impulse buys and redundant decorations. Setting a strict category budget and auditing leftovers from previous years can protect your wallet

Diwali is a time for shopping, decorating homes, buying sweets and exchanging gifts. From diyas and puja items to clothes and home decorations, there are many things to buy before the festival. However, it is easy to go over budget with so many festive offers and options in the market

A little planning can help you buy what you need without spending too much. Here is a simple guide on what to buy, what to avoid and how to manage your Diwali shopping budget

Here are some simple things to keep in mind while shopping for Diwali 2026

What to buy this Diwali

Start yourDiwali shopping with the basic things you need for the festival. Diyas, puja items, sweets, snacks, decorations and gifts are some of the common items on most shopping lists

Earthen diyas are a popular choice for Diwali. You can also buy brass diyas, candles, LED lights and decorative lamps. If you already have diyas and lights from last year, check whether they are still in good condition before buying new ones. Remember to purchase cotton wicks, oil or ghee if you plan to light traditional diyas

For Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, keep items such as idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, kumkum, haldi, roli, rice, incense sticks, camphor, flowers, fruits, a kalash and a puja thali ready

For home decoration, you can buy fairy lights, lanterns, torans, rangoli colours and flower garlands. Marigold flowers, earthen decorations and handmade wall hangings can also make your home look festive. For sweets and snacks, you can buy kaju katli, besan laddoo, gulab jamun, soan papdi and coconut barfi. You can also buy dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, pistachios and raisins

What to avoid while shopping

One of the biggest mistakes people make duringDiwali is buying things simply because they are available at a discount. Offers such as Buy 1 Get 1 Free and flat 50% off can look attractive, but that does not mean every product is worth buying

Avoid purchasing things that you do not need. Check your old decorations, lights and diyas before spending money on new ones. Do not buy sweets, snacks and dry fruits in large quantities just because shops are offering festive discounts. Check the expiry date, packaging and freshness before purchasing food items

Avoid buying gifts at the last minute. Also, do not choose expensive gifts just to impress someone. A simple and useful gift can be just as thoughtful. Be careful with credit card offers and cashback deals. Spending more than you can repay just to earn reward points can lead to unnecessary expenses later

Instead of buying disposable plastic decorations every year, consider reusable items such as fabric torans, brass diyas and handmade decorations

Things to keep in mind to stay within budget

The first thing to do before shopping is decide how much money you can spend. Set a total budget and divide it into categories such as decorations, puja items, sweets, clothes and gifts. This will help you keep track of your expenses

Make a shopping list before leaving home or opening an online shopping app. Check what you already have and write down only the things you need. Try not to add extra items while browsing through shops or websites

Compare prices before making a purchase. Check both online platforms and local markets, as prices can vary. While some electronic items and clothes may be cheaper online, decorative items, flowers and rangoli supplies may be available at better prices in local markets

If you have several people to gift, consider buying dry-fruit boxes or sweet hampers in bulk. You can also prepare snacks such as mathri, namak para and chivda at home instead of purchasing everything from shops

Diwali is about celebrating with family and friends, not about how much money you spend. A little planning can help you enjoy the festival, buy everything you need and avoid financial stress after the celebrations

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//Diwali shopping guide: What to buy, what to avoid and how to stay within budget