For me, Christmas season revolves around love and generosity. It’s the time of the year wherein families get together, friends meet and celebrate for hours, and happy gifters (like me!) starts searching for unique holiday gift ideas.

Have you started making lists? I did! Read on to know more about the things I want for Christmas. 🙂

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Cor. 9:7

My Christmas Wishlist

I only have TWO major wishes before the year ends: The Happy Planner 12 Month Box Kit – Best Days (34.99 CAD) and a Filofax Malden Organizer in Purple (110 USD). I already purchased a Happy Planner from Saffy Tenten (it will be delivered to my doorstep one of these days!) and I’ll be using it as my 2016 planner. The Filofax Malden is my unicorn; I think I can ONLY achieve planner peace when I already own a purple Malden.. But right now, all I can do is DREAM.

I have a number wishes that I’m not going to publish simply because they are my life goals. I think we all have wishes that money can’t buy, and all we can do is work hard, pray, and wait for them to come true. 🙂

I also would love to receive goodies from my happy places: SM Stationery, National Book Store, Papemelroti, The Paper Stone, and Fully Booked. I’m in wonderland whenever I’m surrounded with paper, pens, stationery, stickers, journals, notepads, and other kawaii stuff. Our home is just a tricycle ride away from SM City North EDSA, so whenever I’m feeling a bit off, I visit one or two of my happy places and succumb to retail therapy. 🙂

Gift Ideas for my Loved Ones

It’s a Bluetooth Smartwatch for my husband. He recently bought a bluetooth speaker and bluetooth headset, so I thought he might also like this. I have no particular brand in mind so I’ll just go check out the gadget shops in SM Cyberzone. 🙂

For my eldest, I want him to have a new classic polo shirt (BGS Dark Blue, PhP 349.75) and a Cra Z Sand Glow Sand Space Play Set (PhP 1,199.75). We bought him Kinetic Sand a few months ago but this one glows in the dark and showcases his favorite outer space theme.

My other gift options for Z are Lego Creator Tree House (PhP 2,999.75), Marvel Wolverine Costume (PhP 929.75), and Bubble Workshop Table (PhP 849.75). He also asks for a doctor play set so we’ll visit SM Toy Store or Toy Kingdom one of these days.

Neo, my toddler, is currently undergoing speech & occupational therapy. Since he cannot voice out his needs and wants yet, I’m going to give him what he needs at the moment — educational toys to help him slowly achieve more milestones. I’ve already purchased a few wooden educational toys from online shops but it would be nice for him to choose from a variety of therapy toys such as blocks, learning boards, sensory toys, and more.

The Goula Geometric Form Farm House (PhP 1,899.75) features the classic shape-sorter that’s ideal for toddlers. I also want a cotton polo shirt (BGS White, PhP 299.75) for him, to match his kuya’s.

The more, the “MERRIER”, right? 🙂 N would definitely enjoy summer with a bigger Intex Crystal Blue Pool (PhP 699.75). I also like this set of 10 Color Beanbags (PhP 1,299.75) to help him develop hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Plus, this Market Stall Set (PhP 1,799.75) so I can easily teach him about food & nutrition while we play.

Food & Wine Gift Baskets

For my family and friends, these SM Markets Christmas Baskets are perfect holiday gifts. SM has a wide variety of gift baskets that fit any budget – from PhP 350 to PhP 2,500 (imported holiday baskets).

Specialty hams also make great holiday presents for families. Seriously, who wouldn’t smile after unwrapping one of these? 🙂

I love the idea of wine gift hampers. Such elegance!

Watsons Gift Sets

For budget-friendly beauty products, head to Watsons and check out their holiday gift sets. I’ve already sent out a perfume and bath essentials set for my mother-in-law. 🙂

This elegant yet affordable Candlescape Tealight Holder (PhP 179.75) is another great gift idea from SM Homeworld. The place also has a lot of chic home decors that I’m sure every homemaker will love.

SM Cares Bears of Joy

We all know that family comes first in all aspects of our lives, but it surely wouldn’t hurt to extend our hands a little bit and reach out to our less fortunate kababayans in this season of sharing.. especially the children.

To take gifting to the next level, SM Cares Bears of Joy campaign invites us all to put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas. For only PhP 200, you get to take home a bear and give one to a child in need. All collected bears will be given to the children from various orphanages and charitable institutions through SM Cares program.

On cuddling teddy bears, psychologist Corrine Sweet says “it evokes a sense of peace, security and comfort. It’s human nature to crave these feelings from childhood to adult life” (Llorens, 2012). Studies have shown that touching a teddy bear can lessen the adverse psychological effects of social exclusion and reduce stress (Jarrett, 2011). As a result, teddy bears are often given to trauma victims, including sexually abused children. — whatispsychology.biz

Let’s all make simple gestures of kindness and participate in this campaign. Drop by at Christmas Toy Fair Booths in selected SM Supermalls from November 6 to December 21, 2015 to gift cute teddy bears to other children.

My idea of giving back to others also includes doing ramdom acts of kindness to strangers (offering a helping hand, giving free meals to street children, etc.), participating in upcoming events for a cause, and blogging about my personal experiences that my readers will benefit from… Those little things that go unnoticed but make a big difference. 🙂

I also teach my children the principle of sharing by letting them donate books, school supplies, and toys. We have been regularly joining campaigns so that my children will learn how to give back in their own little ways. 🙂

Each material gift that we give and receive often has a deeper meaning. Wrapped inside it is a thought that you are never forgotten. Practice the Gift of Giving, and you’ll be blessed more than you’ve ever imagined. 🙂

Merry SM Christmas

To avoid the holiday rush, head to the nearest SM Store so you can start shopping for the best people in your life. You may choose from a wide selection of gift items, promos, and discounted goods. Download the My SMAC app for coupons.

Happy shopping and let’s all have a Merry SM Christmas this 2015! xoxo

“For more updates about this year’s “Merry SM Christmas” campaign, visit SM’s official Christmas microsite (https://www.smsupermalls.com/merrysmchristmas2015) and follow its official social media accounts at Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls), Twitter (https://twitter.com/smsupermalls), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/smsupermalls/); and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber (http://chats.viber.com/SMsupermalls). Shoppers can actively share their holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.”

Published: 2015-11-11 17:08:58