What to Get the Person Who Has It All: Gift-Giving Tips From Manila’s Tastemakers
We all have at least one person in our lives that we never know what to get for Christmas because he or she already seems to have it all. But just like anyone else, these recipients will appreciate any well-designed and novel gift you present them as long as it sends a message to its receiver. If you’re at a loss as to what and where to shop, there’s an abundance of Christmas bazaars around the metro that make perfect one-stop shops for all your shopping.
Below, we asked friends and exhibitors from the Greenbelt Designers’ Holiday Bazaar for some of their tips on present-picking for this season and beyond:
Sofia Zobel Elizalde
“People who have everything tend to be very busy people! You would be surprised at what they would appreciate, as most of the time, one doesn’t have time to discover many interesting items. Quality is important, no matter how small or inexpensive. The story behind the gift can also make it very special too. In the end, it’s the thought that counts—a gift picked with love and thought from one person to another.
I’m a big fan of Tsaa Laya products. Unlike other teas, they are so full of flavor! The packaging is lovely. And I like that the brand has a story and a cause—the making of the teas help to serve communities in need. I also love all items from Chrysara Nest, all beautiful things made in Pampanga. Very nice, and very affordable!”
Techie Hagedorn, designer
“The gift of genuine friendship, time (undivided attention without gadgets), positive reinforcement in times of need, a ready ear to listen, a warm embrace when needed, a handwritten note with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.”
Ding Perez, Etniko Pilipino
“A bokashi composting bin to promote awareness in environmental issues.”
Joyce Makitalo, J Makitalo Jewelry
“Healthy food made with love, like spreads from The Good Seed. And jewelry, because one can never have enough!”
Lulu Tan Gan, designer
“A plant with a request that says, ‘Take care of me!’”
Tina Palacios, Esscentials Manila
“Anything personalized. The simplest products when personalized speak highly. It says the gift has been thought of and is meant for the receiver.”
Feanne, artist
“I think the most precious gift you can give someone is your time and attention. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, just chatting and bonding over a nice meal. I also really appreciate it when people make the effort to spend time with me. We’re all busy with work and various responsibilities, so setting aside time to see someone in person is really special.”
Dara Villonco, DSV Studio
“A gift certificate to a spa. You can never have too much pampering.”
Karen Santos, Kassa
“Table linens are a luxury and always a pleasure to receive!”
Juan Carlos Pertierra, Majordomo
“[The receiver’s] favorite food, dish, or snack. Something to put a smile on their face!â€
Marge Obligacion, Gifts & Graces
“A gift that tells a story, [whether] how it's made, who made it, or what it is made of. An example would be the T'boli's T'nalak. When we visited them for the first time last year, we were enthralled by all the rituals and beliefs that surround the hand-loomed textile, from harvesting to dyeing and weaving. Some stand out more than the others because of a personal faux pas in the name of design.
Here are some of those:
1| Our T'boli partners never stock up the T'nalak textile. Why? Because they only harvest what they need and if they have to, they make an offering to the spirit of abaca (the fibers used in weaving T'nalak).
2| Only a weaver can cut the T'nalak. A non-weaver who has to do it should bite the edge of the textile. So if you visit us in our showroom and buy a few meters of T'nalak, you'll witness our salesperson doing it.Â
3| And here's my personal faux pas: I had a T'nalak embroidered! Up to this day, I feel mortified to have committed that offense. According to the T'boli's, every fiber of T'nalak has the spirit of abaca, Fu Dalo. They believe that adding an embroidery would make the person who did it crazy.Â
So, a great behind-the-product story is a perfect gift to give.â€
Erica Reyes, Riqueza Jewelry
“Gift certificates to the spa, a good restaurant, tickets to see a musical or a ballet, and specialty food are always very much appreciated by anyone. And jewelry, of course! Because a girl can never have too much jewelry.â€Â
Cukay Viray, Cukay’s CakesÂ
“Cake is always a good idea for every celebration and milestone in someone's life, whether you have everything or not.â€
Ian Giron, designer
“I would give a day of therapy to my friend who has everything. He or she must be in depression since he or she has everything!â€
Mayet Tiaoqui, Steak PH
“I sincerely believe that a Steak Gift Box is one of the best gifts you can give to someone who has everything. First of all, you'll never go wrong with a good U.S. Angus Ribeye Steak, and secondly, it's definitely a gift [the receiver] won't pass on to someone else. Unless you’re gifting a vegetarian, of course!â€Â Â
Tim Tam Ong
“For me, love, time, and prayer are gifts that even the most materially-rich people will appreciate. These are priceless things that come from the heart. It shows that you care about the person and makes a positive impact on the life of the receiver.â€Â
Follow @designersholidaybazaar for more tips and gift guides from the designers and exhibitors of The Designers Holiday Bazaar, ongoing at the Gallery of Greenbelt 5 until December 15, 2019. All proceeds from the bazaar go towards funding scholarships for students of CENTEX, APEC and the Steps Scholarship Foundation.Â
