Present Sense: Adora opens the world's first wish registry

We all love receiving presents, even those of us who say we don’t. (Yes, we really do. If the gift is intended to override our principles or make us do something we shouldn’t do, the pleasure is in rejecting it.) Of course it is the thought that counts; we just wish that our favorite people would put a little more thought into our presents.

“Oh my, a toiletries kit. Exactly what I wanted! How did you guess?” Then stash the toiletries kit in the closet with the other half-dozen toiletries kits from people you don’t know that well. Opening presents has become a test of our acting talents. “I’ve always wanted another picture frame, you’re a mind reader!”

It’s not entirely the giver’s fault we are all too familiar with the headache that comes with choosing the right present for a specific person. Multiply this by the number of people you’re buying presents for, and the pain is enough to make you run to a liquor store not to get smashed, but to buy a few cases of wine and just give everyone on your Christmas list a bottle each. 

Until everyone develops telepathic abilities, this is a problem that will hound us for years to come. Okay, in the general scheme of things climate change, recession, human rights not a real problem, but still a source of stress. Therefore it is our responsibility to ease the pain of our friends and loved ones by dropping hints as to what we want for Christmas.

Heavy, specific hints illustrated in living color.

My “If you love me, you’ll give me this, and this, and this…” postcard

I have always wondered why there are no gift registries for all occasions. You have to get married or to spawn in order to register at the better stores and have them post a list of the items you need or want. (Or in the absence of a partner, marry yourself or give birth to yourself.) 

Even then, the loved ones and associates who peruse your gift registry tend to pick items on the basis of price. What do you have to do to make your wishes known without coming across as an emotional blackmailer or a corrupt politician? 

I wish there were some kind of wish registry where one could publish a list of the gifts she desires, for the benefit of the wonderful people in her life for whom she intends to do the same.

My wish has been granted.

Today Adora launches the first-ever Wish Registry in the world. “Our theme is, ‘Give and You Shall Receive,’” says Adora’s energetic general manager, Eman Pineda. “We’ve noticed that when people do their Christmas shopping, they buy presents for everyone on their list but put off buying things for themselves.” It’s harder to share happiness if you deprive yourself in the first place.

I agree. It is as the flight attendants advise before every flight: In the event of a change in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling blah blah blah, use it on yourself first, and then help the other passengers.

Exactly, Eman says. So Adora presents The Wonderlist, a book that features the must-have holiday items available at their Greenbelt 5 store in Ayala Center, Makati. The Wonderlist comes with a set of blank postcards, and it is up to you to fill them out.

Shot by myself, red lip gloss from Becca

These postcards are naked expressions of your desires told with wit and humor. Hey, it’s not gold-digging if it’s ironic. “Thank you for giving me everything I ever wanted” lift the flap “Including this.” And “If you love me, you’ll give me this.” Then “Get me this... and I’ll get rid of my boyfriend.” And so on. 

You decide what “this” is.

Take a stroll in the labyrinths of Adora and choose the gifts you would like to receive this Christmas. Point them out to Adora’s roaming photographers, who will then take pictures of your wishes. The photos will be printed instantly. Then you can stick these pictures onto the blank postcards and present them to your loved ones.

Specifically your loved ones, because it’s a little weird to give your business client a postcard with a picture of a Chloe bag and the words, “Get me this… and I’ll get rid of my boyfriend.” Only someone who knows you very well would appreciate your cheekiness.

And since the digital age is all about putting the word out instantly, the Wonderlist also contains a set of Want-its. Want-its are cards that say, “(Your name) absolutely must have it.” “(Your name) will send you fruitcake if you don’t buy this.” “(Your name) will be your alibi for the whole year if you give him this.”

My bag within my bag

Stick the Want-its on the items you would like to have this season, and then photograph them using your phone or camera. Then you can upload the photos to your Facebook or email them to your friends. There’s nothing like strong visuals to make your wishes known.

Now your mom, your grandparents, your best friend, your boyfriend, and all your favorite people can glean your true desires without having to develop psychic powers.

The Wonderlist is available starting today at Adora. It’s Adora’s way of making holiday shopping a pleasurable experience for both the recipient and the shopper, Eman says. “We can’t keep the item you want on reserve for very long, but in the event that it’s been sold, our staff can suggest alternatives. What do you think?”

“I think I’ll nominate you for the Nobel Prize in Retail Shopping Theory.”

The World’s First Wish Registry opens today at Adora. The Wish Photographers are on call every day from 12:30 p.m. onwards.