We report here the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of eight bis-chalcones of D-pi-A-pi-D type. These dibenzylideneacetone (DBA) derivatives are synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt reaction. The compounds are characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, mass spectroscopy and powder XRD. By substituting different groups (electron withdrawing and electron donating) at 'para' and 'meta' positions of the aromatic ring, we observed an enhancement in second harmonic generation with substitution at 'para' position. These compounds have also showed higher two-photon absorption compared to other chalcones reported in literature. These compounds, exhibiting both second and third order NLO effects, are plausible candidate materials in photonic devices. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.