Here are some ideas to help you think innovatively: but before you start choosing do keep the person for who it is meant in mind. Your innovation begins from there.

Now, look for:

• Fruit hammocks. You will find them in lifestyle stores or gift shops or in flea markets. Coloured glass candles or aromatic candles fitted in stained glass bowls look breathtaking.
  
  
• Look for unusual lanterns and lamps. In wrought iron, in cane, in recyclable paper, in beaded rope etc. Most would cost you under Rs 400.
  
  
• These days terracotta is hip and happening. And there are jewellery pieces, candles covers, coasters and lovely floaters to choose from. Idea: stay away from the usual, but look for something traditional. They come in reasonable prices as well.
  
  
• Herbal beauty companies like Shahnaz Husain's, Blossom Kochhar and Biotique have great gift packs, which come with small, attractive looking baskets and carry shampoos, moisturisers, body lotions, creams and face packs in one. (decide according to your budget) Any bride would be thrilled to own them. Of course you could go in for a Revlon or an Oriflame gift pack, now available at retail outlets in India, but with herbal cosmetics you make a statement.
  
  
• Go for a set of cushions. Four to six. Choose a mix and match style of cushion covers. You could go for combinations of red and gold. Blue and yellow. Beige and white. Or you can pick and choose from the embroidered variety, patchwork as long as you connect a theme or a colour scheme.
  
  
• Have you seen some of the throw rugs you get in ethnic markets? Priced between Rs 70 to Rs 1000, throw rugs come in different motifs--animals, flowers, stripes and checks. Look out for one that can be also used as a wall-hanging for a change.

Keep checking this column for more on innovative gift ideas.