Taking Gifting to the Next Level

As if the carols playing and decors shimmering in the malls don’t make it obvious enough, it’s already Christmas season!!! You know us Filipinos: we just might have the longest Christmas season in the whole world, starting as early as the arrival of the Ber months. Now, we’re only less than two months away from Christmas day! Can you believe it???

Perhaps one of the things that people love about this season is that it’s a time for giving. One part of Christmas that I was extremely fond of was asking for a gift from Santa Claus. Unfortunately, I’m probably too old now for Santa to give me a present; but hey, who says grown-ups can’t wish for things anymore? With that said, I have taken the liberty to share my wishlist *winkwink*. These are actually a couple of things that I have actually been lusting for for a looooong time heh *puppy face* (Might be helpful for any kris kringle I get into, hey!)

Top to bottom, L-R: Precision eye makeup brushes / Brown leather mules / Black oxfords (similar here) / White marble iPhone 6 case / Domain name for Style & Sundry / White tennis skirt / MAC Prince Noir or Sin or Diva lipstick / Zeste gelly from Lush (or anything from Lush, tbh) / L'Oreal Brow Artist / Ear pins, ear jackets, or ear cuffs (from here or here) /   "Eiffel" sunnies (similar here) / Mirrorless camera (preferably Fujifilm X-T10 or Olympus PEN) / Ankle-strap heels (similar here) / Potted succulent / Essie Merino Cool nail polish

You know what the best part is? It’s not actually hard to look for these items! Most of them may be found in our favorite SM Supermalls, thanks to their wide variety of stores. You can also trust The SM Store to have a great selection of items that are almost just as good as what you’re looking for. I know gift certificates or GCs are just about the most generic or “safest” gift ever, but I honestly don’t mind getting them especially if they’re SM gift certificates! You can use them not just in any The SM Store, but also in SM retail partner stores *cough*Forever21*cough* It’s almost as good as winning a shopping spree which I really love because I have free rein of what to get!

But of course, Christmas shouldn’t be just all about yourself. After all, it is the season of giving! I often have a hard time thinking of what to give my loved ones on special occasions; but thankfully, this Christmas, I just might have some ideas!

For Dad: Sperry Authentic Original 2-eye boat shoes (brown leather with white sole), or a die-cast model of any sleek car to add to his collection. For Mom: Baby-G black watch with gold dial, or Sperry Authentic Original 2-eye boat shoes (blue leather with white sole)-- not that they intentionally want couple shoes hehe. For Lola (my grandmother): Chanel Allure EDT, or any lace or printed top because she is fond of that kind of design. For Ate (our househelp): Handmade dangling earrings (like these ones by Franzl Bajada), or a funky wristlet for her knick knacks / For Tito/s (my uncle/s): A hip pocket tee, or Ray-Ban wayfarers. For friends: Assorted chocolates because if there's one thing I'm sure about us, it's that food is enough to make us happy hahaha!

And remember those GCs I was swooning about? If ever I get some, I just might share them with my family! I could volunteer and use the checks to deduct their value from the sum of a(n impulsive) family shopping session in Uniqlo or something hehe.

Yet, giving should not be limited to those we know-- we must also have the heart to give back to others. By helping others, we honor the true reason for this season. Therefore, everyone is encouraged to give to those who are in need. We can donate basic necessities such as clothing-- whether brand-new, or pre-loved but in good condition-- or food which our brothers and sisters can share over Noche Buena.

Besides these, we can also play Little Santas and give toys such as teddy bears to young children. One way to do this is through SM Cares’s Bears of Joy project. For only P200, you get two teddy bears: one for yourself, and the other for children in different orphanages and charities. Just click here for more details. If you've been looking for ways to take gifting to the next level, this is definitely one!

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Now, are you ready to do some Christmas shopping? You bet I am! Let's just beware the holiday rush, yes? Sure, it'll be a hassle, but just think of the smiles that you'll put on people's faces; it will all be worth it. Happy holidays! And see you maybe in an SM Supermall! (Note: I frequent SM Makati hahaha!)

For more updates about this year’s “Merry SM Christmas” campaign, visit SM’s official Christmas microsite (https://www.smsupermalls.com/merrysmchristmas2015) and follow its official social media accounts at Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls), Twitter (https://twitter.com/smsupermalls), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/smsupermalls/ and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber (http://chats.viber.com/SMsupermalls). Shoppers can actively share their holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.

x Erika Rosales

All GIF collages made by yours truly

Photos used in collages belong to their respective owners