Suggestions- should we give cash bonus or gifts for Diwali

I need ur valuable guidance. For many years we have been providing the staff with cash along with the bonus at Diwali. This year, I am planning to provide some gift-(something which can be of some use to the staff members).
Am I thinking in the right direction or should I continue with previous system?
The budget for the gifts is around-
for old staff (1000-1100)
new(500-600)
workers(300-350)
Can you please make some suggestions on what gifts I could buy, as well.

For old staff u can present them silver items / coin worth of Rs.1000/- ,
Target their family members also by presenting them sarees / house hold item etc.

hi neeru
1st i want to clear - ur company planning to give cash + gift as a bonus?
what i feel is - if u provide any gift to employee not everyone will like it as liking differ from person to person.
u should give coupons of big bazar or apna bazar (put amt which u want) so employee can purchase what they want. and keep 6 months duration validity of that coupon.
it is win win situation from both side.

Hi Neeru,
You can also try giving a set of crakers worth the specified amount to employees on the occasion of diwali.
Vamsi

HI Neeru,
I think coupons of Big Bazaar / Sodexho / Shoppers Stop for senior people will be a better idea and save you from many hassles of deciding on gifts.
riyaz

The Idea of Coupons from any hyper market or bachat bazar is really good. Infact we have practiced this 15 day before on the occasion of RAMADAN to all of our non management staff by giving them a bag of Rs. 700/- which contains, bottle of juice, plain floor 5 kg, date 500gms, different pulses, gram flour, litter bottle of cooking oil.

Hi,
It is a very good idea. I do agree with the suggestions of coupons. However you can also give sweet boxes / box of dry fruits, if it goes out of budget. Do let us know ur decision.
Regards
SDB

Hi,
what u r going to give them it might be happen some people dont like it.
Bcoz liking differ frm person to person so u do 1thing for workers u can give hosehold item, for new employee dress material, n 4 old gud quality of dress material.

Hi, you can also give some momentos alongwith sweets or dryfruits pack. Momento could be something which will give them the feel of a company as well. I think any pen stand or bag or T-shirt or cup with Company's logo with individual's name will give strong bonding between company and its employees.
Secondly, coupen as all HR friends suggested is also a good option. Accor and Sodexho provides meal tickets and complimentary tickets that may range from 100 to ur choice which may fall well in to ur budget.
Lastly, try to give 2-3 things at different levels which are useful and much to the liking of all like - steam press, dinner set, tea set, hand bag, nonstick cookware, kettle, pudding set, paintings, etc.
Regards
Pratibha

Hi Neeru,I would suggest you to give them gift vouchers/ gift passes which would help them buy their own gifts as per their choice and thereby have a good time with their family members. They may purchase clothes, swetts and crackers for Diwali and thank Neeru for such a good idea.warm regards,Swaminath Adabala