“BEING a mom keeps me busy as I’m very hands on and at the same time, I enjoy spending time with my little boy, India. My five-year-old keeps me entertained for sure,” said 41-year-old Nikki Serrano-Honasan. With Christmas around the corner, Holiday decorating and gift shopping add up to the must-do list.
“Growing up, my siblings and cousins would all spend Christmas in our lola’s house in the province. We’d gather around the table for Noche Buena, followed by the much-awaited part of the evening, the gift-giving. Now living in Boracay with a small family of my own, I find myself carrying this tradition while sharing it with her island family. We have Noche Buena and open gifts together,” shared Nikki. When it comes to giving gifts, she believes one can never go wrong with a “food showcase,” as this is a practical choice and leaves zero waste. She also makes sure these food items fit the recipient’s preference.
“I shop at Marks & Spencer for clothes, but I never forget to stop by the food section to pick up my favorite bites and hunt for new wines to taste. During the holiday season, this is where I go to select food and wine items to give as gifts. More often, they have my themed choices in a Christmas hamper.”
Here are five of Nikki’s Christmas shopping tips:
Keep it personal. Remembering random tidbits about the person and incorporating that in your gift adds a special touch.
Choose food presents in decorative hampers. They will find a use for a nice hamper. The M&S gold basket this year is quite elegant.
Whenever you can, support local makers and artisans. They make some of the most unique gifts. I wrap my food hampers with inabel blankets, which can also give the present an element of surprise.
Hit the bookstore. Cookbooks and other books make great presents. For example, I incorporate a cookbook with an Italian selection. Plus, the red wine is always great company while cooking and dining.
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t material things, but experiences. Tickets to the museum or a yoga class are sure to be appreciated. Shopping is an experience too, if not an art. Besides everybody needs retail therapy. A gift card from their favorite store can always excite, and if it’s from M&S, they get to choose their preferred apparel or fill their basket with the Christmas foodstuff they want to indulge in.