Dashain & Tihar Gift Guide 2026: Best Gifts to Send Home to Nepal

Dashain tika is 21 October and Bhai Tika is 11 November 2026. Send meaningful gifts to family in Nepal, delivered in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and nationwide.

Dashain is Nepal’s biggest festival, and this year Vijaya Dashami (tika day) falls on 21 October 2026, with Ghatasthapana beginning on 11 October. Two weeks later, Tihar lights up the country from 7–11 November, with Bhai Tika on 11 November. If you cannot be home this festival season, a thoughtfully chosen gift delivered to your family’s door is the next best thing to being there.

At Merobora, we deliver gifts across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, Chitwan, Biratnagar and cities nationwide — and we make it easy for Nepalis living in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, India and the UAE to send love home. This guide breaks down what to gift, who to gift it to, and exactly when to order so it arrives on time.

Dates follow the 2026 Nepali calendar. Always cross-check the official calendar for the final public-holiday schedule.

Why festivals are the most important time to send a gift

For Nepali families abroad, Dashain and Tihar are not just holidays. They are the emotional anchor of the year. Elders wait to give tika and jamara to every family member. Sisters prepare saptarangi tika and a makhamali mala for their brothers on Bhai Tika. When you cannot attend, a delivered gift does three things:

It tells them you remembered the exact day, not just the festival in general.

It arrives while the family is together, so your gift becomes part of the celebration rather than an afterthought.

It replaces the dakshina or return-gift you would have given in person — especially meaningful on Bhai Tika, when brothers traditionally give their sisters a gift in return for the tika.

Best Dashain gifts for parents, elders and the whole household

Elders appreciate warm, practical and respectful gifts. Skip the trendy toys for buwa and ama. Choose something they will use daily and display with pride.

A soft glowing night lamp or 3D crystal lamp for their bedroom. Many parents keep a light on at night. A warm, dimmable lamp is both useful and a constant reminder of you.

A cozy plush throw or huggable cushion for the living room. Practical comfort they will use every evening during the holidays.

A curated gift hamper. Combine a keepsake with tea, dry fruits or premium chocolates — a single, complete gift the whole household can share.

A handmade crochet flower bouquet. Unlike fresh flowers that wilt within days, a crochet bouquet stays on their altar or shelf for years. It is a natural fit for the Dashain puja corner.

Browse Dashain gift hampers and keepsakes.

Bhai Tika gifts: what brothers should send sisters (and vice versa)

Bhai Tika is the one Nepali festival where gift-giving flows specifically between siblings. Sisters give their brothers the seven-colour tika, a makhamali mala, and shagun. Brothers return the gesture with a gift. If you are a brother abroad, sending your sister a gift timed for 11 November matters — and it does not have to be expensive.

For sisters: a cute aromatherapy humidifier for her desk, a soft plushie, a personalized keepsake, or a set of cute stationery and desk accessories.

For brothers, from sisters: a minimalist night lamp, a quality plush cushion for his room, or a fun cute item that breaks the usual serious-gift mould.

For siblings of any age: a matching pair of small gifts — one for each brother and sister — so nobody feels left out when the family photo is taken.

See Bhai Tika gift ideas for sisters and brothers.

Gifts for kids and teenagers during Dashain and Tihar

Children are the heart of festival joy: kites, new clothes and, of course, dakshina from elders. A physical gift makes the day unforgettable.

Huggable plushies, from Hello Kitty and teddy bears to unicorns, are the single most popular children’s gift on Merobora. They are soft, safe, and kept for years.

Silicone night lamps in animal shapes make a cute companion that doubles as a nightlight, perfect for younger kids.

Cute desk items and productivity gifts suit teenagers studying for SEE or +2. A nice lamp or desk organiser shows you support their goals.

Shop plushies and kids’ gifts.

Order deadlines for Dashain and Tihar 2026

Festival season is the busiest time for gift delivery in Nepal. To arrive on time, order by these dates.

Dashain tika (Vijaya Dashami) is 21 October 2026. Order by 18 October if you are in Nepal, or by 15 October if you are ordering from abroad.

Tihar and Laxmi Puja fall on 8–9 November 2026. Order by 5 November locally, or by 2 November from abroad.

Bhai Tika is 11 November 2026. Order by 8 November locally, or by 5 November from abroad.

Inside Kathmandu Valley — Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur — we offer same-day and express delivery when you order early in the day.

Outside the valley, including Pokhara, Chitwan, Biratnagar, Butwal, Dharan and other cities, allow 2–3 extra days. Courier networks slow down during the holiday week itself.

Diaspora tip: because of the time difference, an order placed at night in Sydney or New York is daytime in Nepal. Payment and confirmation can still take a few hours, so do not order on the morning of the festival from abroad. The how to send gifts to Nepal from abroad walks through the steps.

Add a personal message — it matters more than the gift

Every Merobora order includes a free handwritten gift message. During Dashain and Tihar, a short personal note turns a parcel into a moment. Write something specific: mention the tika, name the person, recall a memory.

“Aama, wish I could be there for tika this year. This lamp is for your room so you always have light. Happy Dashain — see you soon.”

Frequently asked questions

What are the dates for Dashain and Tihar in 2026?

Dashain 2026 runs from Ghatasthapana on 11 October to Kojagrat Purnima on 25 October, with the main tika day (Vijaya Dashami) on 21 October. Tihar 2026 runs 7–11 November, with Laxmi Puja around 8–9 November and Bhai Tika on 11 November.

Can I send Dashain or Tihar gifts to Nepal from abroad?

Yes. You can order online from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, India, the UAE or anywhere in the world, pay with an international card, and we deliver the gift inside Nepal. No customs, and no courier hassle on your side.

What is a good Bhai Tika gift for a sister?

Popular Bhai Tika gifts for sisters include a cute night lamp, a soft plushie, an aromatherapy humidifier, a personalised keepsake, or a small gift hamper. Pair it with a handwritten note.

Do you deliver gifts outside Kathmandu Valley for Dashain?

Yes. We deliver to Pokhara, Chitwan, Biratnagar, Butwal, Dharan, Hetauda, Nepalgunj and most major cities. Place orders 2–3 days earlier than valley orders to account for transit.

What should I avoid gifting during Dashain and Tihar?

Avoid perishable items couriered from abroad, because they may be held in customs. Avoid leather goods or sharp objects for Hindu elders, and avoid anything that arrives after tika day. Timing is everything.

Make this festival count

Dashain tika is close, and Tihar follows soon after. Pick something that fits each person, add your personal message, and we will handle delivery anywhere in Nepal. If you are ordering from abroad, start here: send gifts to Nepal from USA, UK, Australia and Canada.