WHETHER they’ve been a little naughty or a whole lot nice, grown-ups deserve gifts as much as children do at Christmas. Though the song from which this article’s title is lifted asks for “no more lives torn apart,” no more wars, and endless love, truth is, it wouldn’t hurt to get something you really, really, really want from a friend or a special someone.
“My heart can still dream,” the song carries on, and what else can big kids ask for but these absolutely fabulous gift ideas specially laid out by The Manila Times as the biggest hint for your personal Santa Claus. You may also find the gift you’re looking for if you’re someone else’s Santa.
Wish to wear
Style and grace
Spanish fashion brand Sfera is all about a combination of textured pieces, on-trend outerwear, and comfortably soft knits. With just the right mix of style and grace, it features clean lines and easy silhouettes; as well as crystal embroidery and delicate designs.
The holiday collection is available at Sfera’s first-ever store in Asia in SM Makati.
Sparkling intimates
Comfort, cost and fashion are the three attributes that Filipino intimate apparel brand Barbizon has been known for in the last 40 years. As a toast to independent Filipinas, the brand introduces its “Don’t Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle” collection in time for the holidays.
“We understand that women play different roles in their lives and we want to help our customers shine with ease as she goes through her daily routine,” said brand manager Pamela Cristina Cortes, as she unveiled the Jewel Tone Collection, inspired by precious stones like Cherry Sunstone, Amethyst, Ruby, and Pearl.
For information log on to www.barbizon.com.ph.
SM
Travelers’ choice
For the jet-setting Filipino, LeSportsac brought Italian founder and designer Simone Legno back to the Philippines to personally launch his exclusive collection for the brand’s 40th anniversary via pop-art event at Greenbelt 5 Gallery in Makati City.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Legno proudly presented his designs, saying, “I have eight more years of experience so there are improvements in details, in the number of characters, and in the illustrations.”
At the top of the collection is the Giramondo print featuring iconic Tokidoki characters on stamps from around the world; and is the Carina Tote in the Buon Viaggio print. These aesthetics make for suitable gifts for loved ones who always travel the globe.
LeSportsac is exclusively distributed by Store Specialist Inc. in the Philippines.
EV
Easy ‘him or her’ picks
WHETHER for him or her, find easy but stylish picks from Debenhams.
Surprise her with trendy pieces from the holiday collection, such as a wine shawl collar jacket, Star by Julien McDonald’s red gathered top, and Red Herring’s pale pink embellished lace collar vest.
For men, how about comfy tops to work all year round such as classic polos and light knits from house brands St. George by Duffer and Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant.
Branches are located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Glorietta 4–Rustan’s Makati, TriNoma, Abreeza Mall in Davao, and at the newly opened store located
in Estancia Capitol Commons.
Wrist crocs
From the iconic crocodile logo on the classic cotton petit pique polo shirt, has launched the Lacoste.12.12 watch collection, which embodies the brand’s rich history of designing crisp, elegant pieces.
Catering to the local market, MGI president for Asia Pacific Julian Addison said, “Filipinos seem to have a tasteful yet practical sense of aesthetics—values that are manifest in these timepieces.”
The Lacoste watches come in six colors and watch design palette, namely the gray, red, blue, white, green and black. Whatever you choose, the result is timeless, simple, wearable elegance for work and play.
Lacoste Watches are available at L Timestudio, Wristpod, select Chronos Boutiques, SM Department Stores, The Landmark and Robinson’s Department Stores.
Versatile jewelry
Jewelmer Joaillerie’s yearly holiday staple, the Noel Pendant, is a favorite piece among jewelry lovers. Introduced along with necklaces from the new Bisous Dorés line and Watch Me collection, Jewelmer’s gold and pearls speak louder than the words, “I love you.”
Wish to pamper
Beauty come true
Christmas 2014 at The Body Shop is all about making wishes come true with over a hundred gift selection for anyone and everyone.
For the ladies, the sweetest choice is the brand’s limited edition scent for 2014, Glazed Apple that comes in a tin set. A sure surprise to delight the manly man is the Shaving Essential Gift Box of Macaroot Shaving Cream and Razor Relief.
By the way, every specially selected gift box—no matter how big or small—when bought will automatically make a contribution to War Child, a global charity for children affected by war.
According to Danica Leung, the brand’s public relations and marketing communications manager the company’s noble partnership aims to provide six million classes for children in war-torn area.
EV
Skin and body solutions
To celebrate Christmas and another year of giving Filipinos affordable access to innovative skin and body solutions, Flawless is running its “Flawless Pink Revolution” promo, which gifts customers with a “five plus five” service package for the entire month of December.
“We really want to mark this fantastic year and share our success with our clients,” shared Rubby Sy, the clinic’s CEO. “So the five sessions customers initially purchase will include five more free sessions of the same services, which include our bestsellers like the Cell Booster Infusion Mask, Nano Power Peel, Laser Hair Removal and Shape and Sculpt.”
Flawless is also offering a new anti-skin aging line created by four French doctors—Novexpert by Laboratoires Novexpert. Each product is guaranteed safe and natural, and are great wish list items for people with sensitive skin.
Log on to Facebook.com/FlawlessFaceandBody for more information.
Spa time
Clueless what to give someone who has everything? What about a much-needed respite from the holiday rush with Foot Massage Lounge’s gift certificates? The FML signature massage is a combination of shiatsu massage for the whole body and foot reflexology for 75 minutes.
The Foot Massage Lounge is located at Bonifacio Global City’s The Forum. EV
Shower it!
How about a shower of healthy gifts? Literally. Arrow, a world-class provider of bathroom fixtures has created a new line of shower heads that will make for pleasurable gifts. The Bathmaster range boasts of a Slimming Shower, Hair and Skin Massage Showerhead, Shower Spa and the Bluetooth Shower.
Log on to www.bathmastershowers.com for more information.
Wish to upgrade
A different kind of ‘Passport’
SURPRISE that Blackberry user with the brand’s most-advanced flagship phone called the BlackBerry Passport at Romulo’s Café in Makati City.
Launched in time for Christmas by Cameron Vernest, the gadget’s managing director for the Philippines and Singapore, he enthused, “We are excited to mark a new milestone for BlackBerry here in the Philippines with the introduction of the first square screen design and touch-enabled keyboard smartphone—the BlackBerry Passport.”
Yes, by patterning the size to a passport, the smartphone ably combined a unique square-touch screen and the brand’s iconic QWERTY keyboard—making it an ideal gift for someone who has been loyal to the brand despite the avalanche of other choices.
Used by presidents around the globe including Barrack Obama, think of the BlackBerry Passport as something to spoil the most special person in your life.
The BlackBerry Passport is available in select gadget retailers in the country like The Hive in Glorietta 3, Makati City.
EV
Pump it up!
What’s Christmas without dancing? Harman sound systems turns up the volume this holiday season as it unveils four new audio solutions, promising to change the way you hear—and even see sound. Among the new lines is the urban Harman Kardon Esquire Mini; the Bluetooth enabled Esquire Mini; and the Harman K ardon Omni Wireless HD.
Light and beat
Bring music to the life of your special someone with JBL Pulse. Combining room-filling sound with an eye-catching, programmable light show in one portable speaker, the gadgetcan take music anywhere, and liven up any get-together with a Multi-LED light show.
The Pulse is a wireless sound and vision treat giving new ways to enjoy favorite tunes
BNO’s tip
From the airwaves to endorsements, the men of Boys Night Out (BNO) swear by Star Mobile in keeping them digitally connected.
BNO, comprised of Sam YG (Sam Gogna), Tony Toni (Tony Bueno) and Slick Rick (Eric Virata) share their own experience with the mobile brand.
“We’re always on the go,” says Sam. “That’s why it is essential for us to have a gadget that can keep up with our active digital lifestyles.”
For Tony, “It’s all about performance and the advantage of being able to do so many things in one nifty device.”
“My personal favorite would have to be the selfie smartphones,” Slick Rick ended.
If your man is just like these boys, maybe a new mobile phone is right gift to stay connected with him all the time. LMB
Wish to taste
Piece of cake
Christmas is not complete without sweets like Le Royale, Supermoist Chocolate Cake, Baked Cheesecake, Delice Chocolat and other scrumptious selections. These are readily available at The Diamond Hotel’s lobby area.
Sugar rush
Spark that Christmas celebration with a refreshing dessert for everyone to enjoy. Ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins offers a wide selection of delightful ice cream flavors and frozen treats in holiday creations. For details visit www.baskinrobbins.ph
Give in to ‘Cravings’
It’s all about decadence with the “My Holiday Cravings 2014” menu. Ideal for lunch or dinner, Christmas feasting made easier for mom can be a great gift via Savory Bundles of Organic Mixed Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, Roast Beef with Mushrooms, Steak Fried Rice, Seasonal Vegetables, Baked Ziti and Chocolate Caramel Cake.
Choc it up
This holiday season let the people around you know how much you value them in a sweeter way. The premium artisanal chocolates from Italy, Villa del Conte, now offers delightful gift sets that can truly touch the hearts of your family, friends, and colleagues. And how they love these sweet treats.
Healthy goodie baskets
As sure-fire gift is the so-called “Christmas Basket” filled with assorted goodies. But instead of filling ‘em up with the usual munchies you may want to try out something that’s on the healthier side with additions like British tea time biscuit McVitie’s Digestives. For more information, log on to www.mcvities.com.
Wish to enjoy
Kawaii!
Instead of tapping into your savings to buy expensive presents (or ask for them), check out Daiso Japan Philippines for all things cute, nifty and absolutely pocket-friendly with price tags starting at P88. Choose from—or wish for—home and kitchen ornaments, office knick-knacks, and beauty essentials to curious merchandise that are both practical and collectible. As they say in Japan, they’re so “kawaii ,” i.e. “cute.”
Daiso stores are located in most Robinsons Malls.
The post Grown-up Christmas list appeared first on The Manila Times Online.