There's a reason shawls have been given as gifts in this part of the world for centuries. A good shawl is personal without being intimate, useful without being ordinary, and it lasts for years. Every time someone wraps it around their shoulders, they think of you.
But choosing one for someone else can feel tricky. Here's how to get it right.
Three questions to ask first
- How will they wear it? Every day, or only on special occasions?
- What do they usually wear? Bright colours or neutrals? Traditional or western clothes?
- What's the occasion? A wedding, Eid, a birthday, a thank-you, or just because?
The answers will point you in the right direction almost every time.
For your mother
Mothers tend to wear a good shawl for years, often every day in winter. Choose something warm, soft and dignified.
- Colours: mushki, maroon, navy, deep green, charcoal, or ivory.
- Style: a hand-embroidered Swati shahtoosh is perfect for everyday warmth. For a special gift, a Kashmiri pashmina with sozni embroidery or a plain Palladar ring shawl will become the one she saves for weddings.
- Tip: if she already has a favourite shawl, notice its colour. Give her the same feel in a different shade.
For your wife
Think about what makes her feel special, not just warm.
- Colours: her favourite colour, or the colour she wears most at weddings.
- Style: a Kani shawl with a rich pattern, or a fine ring shawl if her style is understated and elegant.
- Tip: a shawl that matches a particular outfit, perhaps for an upcoming wedding, shows you've been paying attention.
For your sister or daughter
Younger women often want something they can wear with both traditional and western clothes.
- Colours: rust, mustard, emerald, blush, grey or white.
- Style: a lighter embroidered shawl that works over a kurta or a coat.
- Tip: neutrals like grey or taupe can be worn with jeans as easily as with shalwar kameez.
For your father, grandfather or husband
Men's shawls are usually larger and simpler, with the focus on the quality of the cloth.
- Colours: brown, mushki, charcoal, navy, grey, camel or black.
- Style: plain or with a subtle border. A fine pashmina shawl is a classic gift for elders.
- Tip: men's shawls are cut bigger, around 45" × 90" compared to about 40" × 80" for women's, so they can be wrapped fully around the shoulders. Read our full guide to men's shawls or browse the men's collection.
For your in-laws
A shawl is one of the most respectful gifts you can give your in-laws, especially at a wedding or on your first Eid together.
- Colours: classic and safe. Maroon, ivory, mushki, navy or black.
- Style: traditional. Kashmiri pashmina with Kani or sozni work is always appreciated.
- Tip: if you're gifting several family members at the same event, choose similar quality for everyone, in different colours.
For a bride
- Colours: ivory, red, maroon or gold for the wedding itself. Soft pastels for the walima.
- Style: a zari piece or a rich Kani. Something she'll keep forever.
- See our guide to choosing a wedding shawl and our Wedding Shawls collection.
For a friend, colleague or teacher
- Colours: versatile neutrals like grey, taupe, black or navy.
- Style: an everyday Swati shawl is warm, practical and a lovely gesture.
- Tip: you can't go wrong with something they'll actually wear on a cold morning.
When you're not sure
- Go neutral. Mushki, black, navy, grey and ivory suit almost everyone.
- Choose quality over pattern. A beautifully made plain shawl is safer than a busy pattern they may not love.
- Don't worry about size. Women's shawls are a standard size, so there's no fitting to get wrong.
- Ask us. Tell us who it's for and what they like, and we'll suggest a few options on WhatsApp.
Presentation matters
Our shawls are packed in a branded gift box with a thank-you card, wrapped in branded paper, ready to hand over. (Everyday Khadi pieces ship in a simpler mailer.)
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Our Gifts collection brings together shawls that make especially good presents, and our Best Sellers show what other customers love most.
The best gift isn't the most expensive one. It's the one they'll wear every winter and think of you.