Cool and practical gifts under P200

This Christmas, love comes in all shapes and prices. And so when your gift list has reached kilometric proportions but your pocket doesn’t run deep, opt for items that are small in price but big on thoughtfulness.

We scoured the amazing “wasteland” called Regina at Shoppesville Greenhills and other cool stores in the metro for interesting finds that’ll cost you less than a Macapagal (P200).

Cell phone brassiere. Stylephiles on your list can literally dress up their mobile phones with this itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie, hot-pink polka-dot bikini. Men aren’t left out as they, too, can personalize their units with “boxer shorts” that come in interesting patterns. The cell phone brassiere (P59 each) fits all iPhones.

Eat’N Tool. This metal spoon (P120) is the perfect gift for adrenaline junkies — mountaineers, campers, even fishermen — as it doubles as fork, bottle opener, screwdriver/pry tip, metric wrench and carabiner.

Nail art kit. Help your nail stylist-wannabe friends create stunning designs using these nail art stamps (P79 each), caviar kit (P120) and nail polish remover pads. 

Washi tapes. Dainty and pretty Japanese Washi tapes top the wish list of those engaged in arts and crafts. These eye-catching strips of adhesive tape bedecked in an assortment of wonderful, wacky, weird, wild designs can be used for perfectly punctuating your next art project.

LRT and MRT re-loadable fare cards. Spare your commuter friends or relatives the hassle of queuing up at the ticket booths of the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit during rush hour by gifting them with these re-loadable fare cards.

Drink markers. Friends who love to entertain at home will appreciate this devil-faced silicone glass markers (P99/set). Simply attach one to your glass or beer bottle and your drink will be safe all night. Cheers!

Kitchen scale. This portable kitchen scale (P88) is the ideal present for friends on a Cohen diet. Available at Daiso and Japan Home.

Shoe organizer. These see-through, plastic shoe containers (P66 each) allow the recipient to go through his/her shoe collection with ease.

Hygiene kit. Hygiene kits are still needed by typhoon Yolanda survivors. And so if you, like me, are in the habit of getting the dental and hygiene kits from the hotels you stay in while traveling, now’s the best time to gather your loot and put it to good use. And while you’re at it, throw in a pair of slippers, a tube of toothpaste and a bar of soap into each bag before sending them to Villamor or Red Cross. Don’t be shy even if it bears the logo of Sogo. You won’t be judged, promise!