7 stunning gift stores we bet even Santa Claus can’t beat

Is thoughtful gift-giving your love language as well? Do you also enjoy walking into a store in search of the perfect gift and indulging in some retail therapy? We’ve got just the right places for you! This festive season, ELLE DECOR India assembles a trove of design-forward gift stores in India, setting the bar high as immersive concept stores.

Bombay Sweet Shop, Mumbai

Amidst the bustling galleries, offices and shops of Kala Ghoda, when you stumble upon a sign saying “In a world full of cupcakes, be a laddoo”, you’ve ended up at the right spot! Blending traditional flavours with a modern twist since its inception, Bombay Sweet Shop has swept into the streets of this historical neighbourhood in Mumbai. The store features a bright yellow façade with a display window showcasing an array of gift hampers and colourful mithai boxes. Designed by Founder and Principal Designer Shonan Purie Trehan of Language.Architecture.Body, the store’s design and decor represent the neighbourhood’s artistic soul and vibrant spirit.

Éntisi Chocolatier, Pune 

Spanning across 2,000 sq ft, this store’s design by STanD Design is as indulgent as the chocolate by Éntisi Chocolatier. Step into a minimalist Wonka’s World– an immersive, multisensory experience that gives you a glimpse into artisanal chocolate making. The interiors, adorned with Omani Beige Marble, brass inlays, and lime-washed walls, exude a warm elegance that reflects Éntisi’s craftsmanship. This sophisticated blend invites guests into a rich sensory experience, seamlessly merging luxury with artisanal charm. The glass-enclosed live chocolate tempering room lets customers witness the artistry of chocolate making, offering an interactive and memorable behind-the-scenes experience.

General Items Store, Bengaluru

Deriving its name from its original identity as a school provisions store in Ulsoor, Bengaluru the General Items store has transformed into an artistic haven. Tiipoi’s Spandana Gopal alongside Malini Malik has designed this 300 sq ft modern-industrial space to double up as an art gallery as well. Paying homage to craftsmanship and our emotional relationship with everyday objects, the design transpires as luxury within simplicity.

Khoya Mithai, Dubai

A sugary sanctuary spread across 1,500 sq ft, this neutral-hued haven of handcrafted mithai goes by Khoya Mithai in Dubai by founder and director Sid Mathur. Picture this—piping hot teas and crunchy nuts inside a sleek space basking in warm light. But the real charm? Pomegranate molasses top their signature chaats and an Emirati-inspired essence, Khoya redefines plush mithai one at a time. At the same time, they’re perfectly poised for a delectable global conquest!

Kapoor Optical, Ludhiana

Spanning 1,200 sq ft, the Kapoor Optical store by Design i.O in Ludhiana, with its cool-toned materials, balanced with the warmth of wood, steps away from the mundane. The optical store’s interiors embrace angular geometries that create a dynamic visual experience with futuristic and dynamic interiors. Angular mirrors are strategically placed throughout the store, with the addition of plush rugs and lounge chairs. An immersive, cosy and luxurious atmosphere emerges, inviting customers to relax and enjoy their shopping experience.

Manam Chocolate Karkhana, Hyderabad 

Inspired by the native elements of the West Godavari regions, this chocolate Karkhana by I’m D’sign immerses visitors in the essence of cacao. From the moment you step through the façade, designed to echo the brand’s Origin Tablets, you’re connected to the heart of Manam Chocolate. The store’s fluid forms mirror the smoothness of chocolate, guiding you through the retail area where the chocolate-making process unfolds. The journey culminates in a café that evokes the ambience of a farm, featuring tactile materials, hand-crafted furniture, and thoughtfully chosen lighting. At the centre, a cacao tree stands as a gathering point, inviting customers to savour their hot chocolate in a setting that celebrates the raw beauty and artistry of chocolate-making.

Makaibari, Taj Bengal Kolkata

A verdant shade of green, as if plucked straight from a tea bush, wraps the interiors of Makaibari’s newest outpost. Dubbed the Makaibari Bungalow, the 1,527 sq ft store has been crafted by Pallavi Nopany and Angelique Dhama. Brewing within Taj Bengal, Kolkata, is an amalgamation of vintage-inspired furniture, carpets no less than a work of art and a mind-boggling variety of tea in canisters. Touch, and you’ll be surprised to find that they spin — a fun feature inspired by Buddhist prayer wheels!

If you’re stumped by the wide variety of tea choices at hand, here’s a recommendation. Rudra Chatterjee, the chairperson of Makaibaari’s parent company Luxmi Tea, shares, “The Silver Tips Imperial by Makaibari — it is the best cup of tea I’ve ever had and I luckily get to have it every day!”  

The Bombay Lettering Company, Mumbai

Wish to take your gift up a notch? Get your wine and perfume bottles engraved — or add a gift tag with beautiful calligraphy! At The Bombay Lettering Company, step into a serene haven where earthy, warm tones blend with light wooden floors, crafting an inviting and inspiring atmosphere. This thoughtfully designed workspace, curated by Founder Sanjana Chatlani, is adorned with her cherished collectables, captivating artworks and motivational quotes that fuel the team’s creativity. Every detail, from the harmonious colour palette to the meticulous layout, is a testament to elegance and precision, effortlessly merging functionality with aesthetic beauty. This space is not just a place to work; it’s a sanctuary where creativity thrives and elegance reigns supreme.

Now Read: 9 exquisite stores for a design enthusiast’s dream shopping spree