The concept of gift registry has not yet caught up in India, and may not do so for a number of years. This is a pity, since the entire country is caught up in web of circulating gifts that no one needs or wants.

How many of us gift something without caring if the person will like or use it? We just pass on presents from one person to another with the result that millions of people have spent millions of rupees on items no one gives a crap about.

32-year-old Swati has a simple gift philosophy. Be it any occasion, unless she knows the person very well or is very close to the person, she gifts a silver coin. This way, she doesn't spend hours shopping for someone only to pick up something they may not like, neither does she ever recycle useless gifts. Should anyone asks her what she would like as a present, she doesn't hesitate before saying, "A silver coin would be great, thanks."

Silver is a standard gift at many Indian weddings. Instead of gifting hideous glassware, crockery or silver bowls, which are likely to get tossed into the closet, occupy precious space, and get passed on, consider gifting a coin. The weight and size of the coin can be according to the amount you wish to gift. Coins occupy far less space, are as good as gifting money, and you have the added satisfaction that a person can only hazard a guess as to how much you spent on the coin. No one else knows if you picked up the coin 20 years ago from the back of beyond wholesaler at a discount, or from your hip neighbourhood retailer. In addition, when you gift a silver coin, its value will appreciate.

If, instead of the many useless, some revolting gifts you have received over the years, you had received silver coins, you would have been a far richer person today, going by the soaring value of this shiny metal. And, you would have had far less clutter in your home. Hmmmm...

When you gift a silver coin, you gift more value, as no additional charges like 'making' have been levied. Also, if you ever desire to purchase a silver bowl, you can take your coins to most silver shops and get them exchanged for a bowl of your choice, so it's very practical.

Certain occasions like Rakhi and Diwali see a lot of give and take. Says Mira, "Every Rakhi my husband ends up with ten shirts which he's never going to wear, and promptly hands them over to the chauffeur. Instead, if his sisters gave him silver coins, he would be richer by around ten thousand rupees, and wouldn't be saddled with useless junk." These observations, not just the ramblings of a bitchy sister in law, ring true.

When someone asks you what you'd like on your birthday, do you sweetly murmur, "Oh just your presence is present enough," although you're bursting to say, "Get me something red for the home, to go with my beautiful new carpet, and for heaven's sake, nothing from Archies."

After getting saddled with 5 baby mobiles, 3 nappy holders, 4 baby blankets and no carrier or bouncer on her baby shower, Mallika now tells people just what she'd like to receive when asked. "It is far better I tell people what I need instead of having them spend their money on something that's useless for me. So on my daughter's first birthday, I had a list ready, and if someone asked what she could get as a present, I told her! It was my version of a gift registry."

Similarly, when you are gifting someone something, the worst thing you can do is pass on bad leftovers. Stop doing that! Always shop keeping the person and occasion in mind. Try and give personal gifts when you know the person, his needs, likes and dislikes very well, or if you've found out what he wants. Otherwise, present a gift certificate, cash or a silver coin.