Creative gifts you can give to your Malayalee partner

As students started travelling all over the country and rather the world, the concept of dating and
marrying people from other states became a common phenomenon. Yes, you got it right, an extension
of 2 States or Chennai Express. While each state has its own collection of beliefs, customs and traditions,
dating/marrying interstate also means adopting their identity while extending your own. However,
sometimes your partner will want to have that one meal, drink or use the brand that reminds them of
their own sweet home and definitely their roots. While many articles and videos have been created
regarding what it is to ‘date a Malayalee’, here we take a different approach by stating what a
Malayalee would love to receive as a gift that’ll remind them of their naadu.

Yes, some of those in the list are reinforcing existing stereotypes, nevertheless we assure you that your
Malayalee partner will cherish this gift. The gifts are applicable to any occasion including birthdays,
anniversaries as well as making up after a fight.

PS: Tried and tested on Malayalees

1. Be……ef treat

Yes, we said it and you got it. Athreum mathi. Eating an authentic pothu fry in other parts of the country
is near impossible. If your partner often talks about their home, porotta and pothu, take this as a sign
and gift them the meal of their life. Even if it’s your ‘last supper’ enjoy it to your very core. While this
may be a taboo for those belonging to different states, but porotta and pothu is ingrained into the minds
of keralites despite religious boundaries.

2. Old Monk Rum

Kerala has an infamous reputation for alcoholism. While there is nothing like authentic kallu and
karimeen from a toddy shop, Old Monk Rum hits a close to home. Vodka, Beer, Blenders Pride are the
new GenZ stuff for the college kids. But Old Monk Rum is the OG. Share a drink with your partner and
listen to them go on about their memories with this brand of alcohol ending with a special performance
of Malayalam karaoke!

3. MMM (Malayalam Movie Marathon)

In the Northern states of the country, being able to catch Malayalam movies in theatres is a dream. So if
your partners Malayalee roots begin to twitch, sit them down with a bowl of roasted peanuts and watch
the old sappy 2000’ movies. Malayalees do not acknowledge dubs, so if you want to be a part of the
experience, bring in the subtitles game or maybe it won’t be needed because chances are they’ve
watched the movie and there will be constant commentary.
 4. Introduce them to another malayalee

‘NAATIL EVIDYA’ is the first thing a Malayalee asks the other when they meet. While meetings between
mayalees are not uncommon, the joy of meeting one and jabbering away is a whole different vibe. The
ability to speak in one’s own language in the typical accent is a gift they’d own with pride. So begin the
search amongst your friend group for the grand meet.

5. Oru Kerala special Onam

Onam is undoubtedly a major festival for the Malayalees. But there is nothing like celebrating Onam
back home with friends and family with the traditions and customs which we fall behind on when we
aren’t back home. So next Onam, save up some money and gift them a ticket to travel back home and
gift them a chance to reconnect with their roots. As a bonus, you could travel with them as well!

6. Mullapoo

Something that we take for granted in Kerala becomes as scarce when we move away. Mullapoo or
Jasmine flowers are extremely common in front of temples or literally in ever nook and corner in ever
district and town of Kerala. But in other states it becomes as difficult with the exception of stumbling
upon them by mistake. So gift them a metre or two of Jasmine flowers. Or better, you could adorn your
hair with them and watch your partner swoon over it.

7. Thenga

Yes you heard it right. We mean coconut. Whole coconut, grated coconut, coconut water or even a
bottle of coconut oil will make your partner really happy because from food to hair care to skin care and
even medicinal purposes, a coconut or derivatives is a must have. There’s nothing like a white chutney
or cherupayuru made with freshly grated thenga. Or using the husk and cheretta for DIY art. So gift them
a thenga and watch them get creative with it!

8. Koruchu Malayalam

Malayalam is tagged as one of the most difficult languages to learn due to the presence of certain
sounds that cannot be pronounced commonly like ‘zh’. This contributes to the immense joy a Malayalee
when a non-Malayalee learns Malayalam. So get on YouTube and learn some rudimentary sentences
and surprise them. You could also incorporate Malayalam songs into your playlist and groove to them.
And do not take it personally in case they correct you and explain the facts, it’s because of the intense
love their have for you……and their language.

So quit waiting and get to gifting!