12 Gifts for the one who has everything
It’s five days before Christmas — or four if you count Christmas Eve. By now you should be done with shopping, but most likely you’re not.
I know I’m not, even though I started shopping for gifts in November.
Living in Manila holds lots of limitations, especially shopping-wise. Choices are slim pickings, to begin with. Then there’s the budget, then the traffic to contend with.
If you’re in panic-buying mode, here’s a gift list particularly for that person in your life who has everything. Most of the items here have to do with scents, well being, and other luxuries.
You can be sure that even your most jaded friend or relative will find something here that suits them.
1. Archipelago Diffusers
Have you ever noticed how good Adora smells, especially in the home section? Follow your nose to the Archipelago section. I personally like the fruity scents that make your home feel cozy and chic, just like a boutique hotel. Archipelago’s powerful Reed Diffusers are made of high-quality essential oils and unique fine fragrances imported from US and Europe.
Prices range from about P2,000-P3,000 upwards. Plus, Adora at Greenbelt 5 has the most wonderful packaging and gift-wrapping. The shopping bag alone makes you feel like you’re taking home an extra freebie.
2. The Bobbi Brown makeup trunk
Sure to make every girl drool, with a stylish trunk packed with Bobbi Brown beauty essentials. I would sure give up my entire makeup collection if I could get my hands on one of these. Any makeup-loving girl would love you if you get her the luxurious trunk. Available at Bobbi Brown at Rustan’s Shangri-La Mall. Retail price is P25,000. For Inquiries call, 633-4636.
3. Comme des Garçons Special Edition Glitter Eau de Parfum
Just one of the scents offered at Adora’s Comme des Garçons perfume bar — the biggest and most complete in Asia. Trust me, I’ve never seen so much CDG fragrance in one room. Glitter, the new special limited-edition scent from Commes des Garcons 2, sparkles with energy. Only at Adora Greenbelt 5, P6,250.
4. La Prairie’s Advanced Marine Biology Cream
What woman doesn’t appreciate La Prairie every now and then? Once you’ve tried La Prairie, no cream ever feels the same. Now, La Prairie’s Advanced Marine Biology Cream offers effective early protection against signs of aging skin. That means it is designed for younger women and men in their 30s.
It combines five deep-sea elements, complemented by La Prairie’s exclusive Cellular Complex, to enhance the skin’s own protective mechanism and natural repair process.
Advanced Marine Biology Cream also contains potent moisturizers and Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, which diminish the appearance of wrinkles.
P9,250 at Rustan’s Makati, Edsa Shangri-La and Ayala Cebu.
5. Histoires de Parfums Globe-Trotter Set
Founded by Gérald Ghislain in 1999, Histoires de Parfums is a collection of 12 rare and delicate perfumes smartly bound in 12 volumes to create a library. Mix and match three fragrances from Histoires de Parfums’ bestsellers, and put them in a nomad or traveler’s kit. The kit is packaged in a water-resistant black neoprene “book” that perfect for gift giving and traveling. Only at Adora, Greenbelt 5.
6. Le Labo candles
Probably my favorite things at Adora. These are not your usual candles. Created by some of the world’s most trained noses at New York’s Le Labo fragrances, and packed in vintage-looking distressed tins and industrial corrugated cardboard boxes. They’re so pretty you don’t know if you should give them as presents or keep them for yourself. Available only at the world’s most fashionable stores such as Barneys New York, Liberty in London and Colette in Paris. We should feel so lucky they have them now at Adora Greenbelt 5. Made of 100-percent soy wax and made in five fragrances. P2,950.
7. Vabene watches
Vabene watches can be easily spotted in Milan where hip men and women sport the large-faced watches. In Italy, the word vabene (pronounced “va-ben-ne”) means “it’s cool.”
At first sight you might think it is a Rolex with a transparent bracelet, but these beauties cost only P10,000 upwards.
The watches are available at the Aum Jewels at TriNoma (near Fully Booked on the lobby level) and at Zcente’s Watch Gallery in Davao. They are water-tight, some made with silicon and Swarovski crystals, and are recognized for its robust case.
They are sold in different colors, with a transparent bracelet.
8. The Flip Video
In this day and age of YouTube and the Internet, almost everyone has access to some sort of video cam, whether in mobile phones or digital cameras.
But these gadgets can take only so many minutes of footage before their memory or batteries run out. The Flip video is an affordable device that can easily capture moments that still pictures can’t. Plus, there’s a built-in USB connector, so no need to look for wires to hook up to your computer.
Priced at P3,995 for Flip Ultra 30 minutes and P 4,995 for 60 minutes. Ultra conveniently uses double-A batteries and comes in an array of colors; while the Flip Mino 60 minutes uses lithium ion and comes only in black.
Available at SM Makati near Kultura lobby, all Anson’s outlets (except Ortigas), Robinson’s Pioneer, Galleria and Cebu, Kameraworld, Digital Walker and 5th Avenue outlets.
As a special offer call 735-1211 or 735-1550 and ask Cherryl for an additional 5 percent discount, just mention “chuvaness.”
9. JVC’s Picsio pocket camera
Similar to the Flip Video, but pricier because the new JVC pocket camera shoots not only HD video but also 8-megapixel still photos.
The Picsio GC-FM1 is a simple camera that allows easy sharing and delivers high-quality video that looks good, even when viewed on an HDTV.
The camera is about the size of a small cell phone, and is available in three colors — Black Ice, Blue Steel and Purple Passion, with a stylish case featuring a tone-on-tone geometric pattern and chrome accents for a jewel-like appearance.
Pictures and footage are stored on SD/SDHC memory cards (bought separately), and the package includes a USB connector for charging or transferring files.
The JVC Picsio GC-FM1 is available now for P11,990, cash price.
10. Samsung’s dual screen camera
Perfect for the vain or narcissistic self-photographer, this 12.2 megapixel camera features LCD screens in front and back of the camera, so you can see exactly what you look like while taking your picture.
Take first-rate photos whether you are behind the camera or in front of it, with Samsung’s new ST550 and ST500 cameras featuring a high-tech 3.5” wide touch-screen back LCD.
Tap into the front LCD while the camera is in self-portrait mode and smile while your picture is taken automatically without having to press the shutter button.
Discover other built-in features such as Smart Face Recognition, Beauty Shot, Smart Album and HD Video Recording. Priced at about P21,000.
11. Oxygen Generator
Some people swear taking in 15 to 30 minutes of pure oxygen daily improves their skin and well-being.
But those hospital-grade oxygen tanks are bulky and an eyesore. Imagine the benefits of breathing oxygen in the comfort of your home, in a stylish package that fits right next to your bedside or lazy chair.
AOM’s oxygen generator is the perfect gift for your that someone whose health and well-being you care about—your parents, grandparents, special aunt or uncle, or even yourself.
Regular use of the Oxygen Generator improves concentration, alertness and memory, detoxifies blood and fortifies your immune system. It promotes healing, improves sleep and counters aging. It is a natural remedy for migraines, headaches and hangovers.
It strengthens the heart to reduce the risk of a heart attack. It calms the mind and stabilizes the nervous system, increases endurance and speeds up body recovery from tiredness.
Suggested retail price: P38,000. To order or know more about it, call 490-3030.
12. AirQ100 Scenting Unit
A scenting box that truly works and is perfect for that someone who’s particular about odors.
The AirQ scenting unit is fully programmable according to the time and scenting level you prefer. Choose from over 25 different scents that can last anywhere between two to 10 months depending on your setting.
Of all the senses, scent is the most powerful trigger of memory. Create pleasant memories by placing the scenting unit it in your home, office or showroom.
Suggested retail price: P14,980 inclusive of one scent cartridge.
To order, call Scenting Asia at 490-3030.
