Shop for a cause at this place in Delhi - WWF - World Wildlife Fund Shop - Lodhi Estate

All of us love the cute sticker of a panda, the logo of the World Wildlife Fund. The cute little Panda looks great on a lot of merchandise that this little shop sells. The shop situated in the basement of the WWF building on Lodhi Estate. Ensconced amongst the India International Centre, Habitat, Chinmaya Mission etc, it is in iconic surroundings. And true this the merchandise is also wonderful and affordable. The shop is accessible through the front reception of the building and is located near the entrance to the right as one enters. The steps leading to the shop have huge paws of the tiger, which gives an inclination about things to come within the store. The store has drool worthy merchandise. There are river rafting jackets in off white hues which is perfect for a day out in the wilderness. The winter stock includes full fleece jackets, woolen jackets both with and without hoods. During summers it is the time for Tshirts. The T-shirts are lovely in white, black, green and red. T-shirts include those made using organic cotton, starry earth hour T-shirts, the captions are interesting and yes they support a cause. I have shopped there regularly for T-shirts and jackets. They also have some very attractive gift items – candles, calendars, diaries, notebooks, books and more. The merchandise is arranged all around and if one does not see meticulously one can miss out on what is available. The staff is extremely courteous and polite. The range of products takes one back to a time when nature and wilderness were plentiful. Books and catalogues of birds, animals and insect dominate which is refereshing to the eyes.

Shop Timings – 10 to 5.30

Where - Pirojsha Godrej Building, Lodhi Estate, Lodhi Road

Highlights – The shop is filled with excellent items for self use and gifting. Apparel is worth since it is cost effective and yes it is funding for a good cause. The lovely coasters, candles and notebooks are a must buy.

Insider Tip – It is the in the range of T-shirts and jackets that the merchandise really stands out. The jackets are cool with their tiny logos. The T-shirts do send out a nice eco-friendly message. The camping gear including rucksacks and jackets are good to buy. Go ahead and indulge yourself, it is for a good cause and the  merchandise is lovely.

Value for money Craft shop in Delhi - INTACH Shop at INTACH – Lodhi Estate,

Our series on some unusual shops in Delhi

What do you do when grounded due to the Corona virus – well start writing on all the posts that you wanted to write but could not squeeze given your busy schedule. This writing is also theraupetic as it helps me re-coup and remember the wonderful time spent in these shops…So here goes…one my favourite blog posts.

I am an inveterate shopper. No, not a spend thrift but a thrifty one who can hunt good bargains, roam around looking for some unusual bargains. The mantra – good quality, good or unusual design at a good price. Yes, Warren Buffet’s mantra for investing in a company – a great company at a fair price rather than a fair company at a great price..

In this process of bargain hunting, I have come across unusual shops, which stock some wonderful products rarely available in other places. The products make for great gifting options. The first of the series is INTACH shop

It is called The Heritage Crafts Cell. This shop is a steal. Little known, but stocks some amazing stuff. It is located inside INTACH’s office. As one proceeds from the road to the left from WWF, it is located at the far corner, next to Alliance Francise. Since INTACH’s office is located in the same building, the usual bustle in a shop is missing. It is more like a quiet office. The interesting architecture of the interiors of INTACH is an added attraction. The shop has been carved from a small space but let that not befool you, it is stocked with some rare finds. The shop window attractively displays pieces. The front has a little book case and other memoraphilia stocked.

INTACH leads in the preservation of heritage and culture, the stock is of craft curios from across the country. There are beautiful lamps cast in bronze at very affordable prices, stoles, tiles, wooden blocks, tiles, publications by INTACH, books, terracotta objects, lacquer work…..The products are produced through the INTACH’s Craft Development Projects. The proceeds from the sale are used for the purpose of craft development and conservation.

Shop Timing – 10 to 5:30

Highlights – There is a quiet ambience. It is there probably in all buildings and offices at Lodhi Estate. With India International Centre and Habitat leading the way in quietude and open architecture. The area harks back to the era when things were laid back. There is the Lodhi Garden adding to the area. The toys, books and various items are available in a variety of prices, apt to suit every pocket. A very friendly cooperative staff which goes out of the way to find pieces. INTACH members get a discount on the purchases.

Insider Tips  - My favourites are the metal lamps in various sizes made of bronze. It is gorgeous and comes at attractive prices. There are a couple of excellent books on cooking – heritage and building crafts.