The title of my gift guide is inspired by what I’m feeling right now.
Admittedly, after the wrath of typhoon Yolanda, I haven’t been up to blogging. I feel that it’s hard to write about anything when so many people are still suffering. However, life is about moving forward and to honor those who have passed away, one should live life with purpose and meaning.
This holiday season is going to be different for my family in terms of gift-giving. We all agreed that all of us should only get one gift each (except for Dylan) from each other and donate our Christmas fund (yes, we save throughout the year for the holidays) to Yolanda survivors especially to the family of our helper Liza who was affected by the typhoon.
My friends are also getting something from me and Santa this year. It’s simple but cute along with a personal note. It’s all about creative gifts this season!
If you’re looking for gifts that don’t cost much but are meaningful and useful, here’s my gift guide for the holidays:
Brass charms
One of the best gifts I’ve received that cost practically nothing but means the world to me is a brass bangle with engraved “You are my sunshine my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray” given to me by my daughter Aryanna on my birthday. I wear it everyday and I consider it as one of my prized possession.
Brass coin charms, P129 each (bracelet is sold separately) from The Bead Shop, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell
Every woman would love to receive a piece of jewelry for Christmas. Since silver and gold can be pricey, brass is an alternative. It ages beautifully with natural patina and if you like it shiny, just polish it with metal polisher.
Artisan home decor
Home decorating these days are not left to designers and domesticated wives. With so many books on interior design and decorating, every independent man or woman in their early 20’s to 30’s has also been into sprucing up their pad.
Decorating doesn’t have to expensive. A mix of high and low pieces make a place more interesting.
Apple decor made from natural abaca, P199.75 each, Kultura, SM Dept. Store
Chic decorations make a classy gift.
Christmas chocolates
We all love chocolates. We also love good packaging. Chocolate packaging can provide unique value to the gift.
Bloomsberry Chocolates, P275 each, Healthy Options
Fun and festive chocolate bars are affordable. They’re also a hit to both adults and kids!
UV Toothbrush Sanitizer
I find the coolest things at True Value store.
For the OCD, the gift of bacteria-free toothbrush is everything! Haha
UV Toothbrush Sanitizer, P1,395, True Value, Glorietta 1
It’s battery operated and easy to install. Every household should at least have one.
Instax Photo Albums
Your kids will love you for this! Finally, a proper photo album for Fuji Instax film plus, they’re super cute too!
Instax Photo Album, P247 each available at select Kodak centers
The album comes in six colors: pink, yellow, red, blue, green & cream
Coffee table books
Books are always a good gift for any occasion.
Coffee table books are good sources of information, a means of escape and lovely decor.
Hellolulu camera strap with memory card and lens cap holders
How many times have you fumbled with the camera’s lens cap? Don’t you wish that your camera strap had a pocket for an extra memory card?
Hellolulu “Tyler” camera strap, P1,499, Rustan’s
Hellolulu camera strap is one of those cool and cleverly designed products. It has a lens cap dual elastic strap to secure your lens cap; works with a range of cap size from 30-60mm and a leather-made slip pocket to keep all you happy moments (memory card) safe.
Embroidered Sinamay wine/champagne bag
The perfect hostess gift!
Available at SM Kultura, P249.75
The holidays are all about get-togethers. Impress the hostess with her favorite wine/champagne in a lovely natural Sinamay fabric with beautifully embroidered bamboo leaves.
Zubels hand knit dolls from Chibi Momo
Zubels are heirloom quality handcrafted toys which are sure to be cherished and loved by children of all ages. All Zubels characters have been tested safe and are suitable for ages from birth and up. These 100% super soft organic cotton knit characters also wash beautifully and they are budget friendly.
This doll is my son’s current favorite. It’s mine too as it’s the type of toy that he can pass on to his own kids. In the future. Which is in 200 years in my book.
Zubels “Mr. Clause Santa”, P1,250 from Chibi Momo
Zubels will be available soon at Chibi Momo, the newest baby store to hit the city. Writer and stylish mom Jackie Cohen-Antonio is the owner and curator of the latest children’s boutique. To order Zubels dolls, call +639178501010.
WD My Passport Ultra portable storage
External hard drives are a must these days. WD My Passport Ultra portable storage is the perfect unisex gift this holiday!
Suggested Retail Price for the My Passport Ultra 500 GB, P3,390 ; 1 TB, P4,290; 2 TB, P7,290
It has auto & cloud backup and it also comes with a USB cable and pouch.
Cake stand
Looking for a gift for girls of all ages? A pastel pink cake stand is always a fab idea.
Dolomite Cake Stand, P549.75, SM
When not used as a cake stand, it doubles as extra storage plus, decorative too!
Let’s not forget to share our blessings especially to typhoon Yolanda survivors. This holiday, more than ever, they need our help. Donate to your charity.
‘Tis the season to shop smart and share!