7 Innovative Gifts for Your Office Kris Kringle The past year has passed us in a blur and it’s once again the time of gifts, reunions, noche buena, misa de gallo, and, of course, Kris Kringle. The last one is an undying office tradition where everyone’s names get put into a bowl and everyone surprises whoever they picked with items following a given theme. This would be a breeze if you’re someone who has the natural inkling on knowing exactly what to give a person (or if you’re close to the receiver personally), but what about the majority who don’t? No one wants to be the person who gives a bath towel for the “something soft” category. Fret not because here are some office Kris Kringle ideas and where you can find them to help you veer away from clichéd, uninspired gifts.
1. Something local: Gourmet Bits of Tuyo
The Gourmet Bits of Tuyo looks even more scrumptious on top of pasta. (Image: eHarvest’s Facebook Page) Why give something made outside of the country when there are truckloads of great gifts right here in the Philippines? Let the often overlooked Filipino flavors shine and opt for homegrown items instead. The satisfyingly savory and malinamnam (yummy) Gourmet Bits of Tuyo from eHarvest, which is sold at Php 230 per bottle, will speak to your taste buds. On top of that, you also get to support our local artisans and farmers and promote Pinoy pride. Where to buy: Available online at Marketa’s website
2. Something for self-care: Adult Coloring Books
This coloring book’s illustrations invites one to have a break and let the imagination run wild. (Image: ColorStones Book’s Facebook Page)
Young professionals are among the most stressed people in the world. With workloads, daily commutes, and relationships to worry about, it’s easy to overlook mental well-being. Help your yuppie monito or monita have a break by giving him or her an adult coloring book. If it worked to keep us preoccupied when we were kids, why wouldn’t it work now? This simple item can help one relax and shut out the noise from the world. These books are available at prices that range from Php200 to Php800. Where to buy: National Book Store and other bookstores and school supply stores. Read: Seven Stores in Ortigas Where You Can Get Gifts for Your Workmates
3. Something nostalgic: Archie Comics
Flip through Archie comic books and walk down nostalgia lane. (Image: Comic Odyssey’s Website)
Give your monito or monita a blast from the past with items that bring him or her back into a simpler time, such as the timeless classic Archie comics. It doesn’t only serve as a throwback to their childhoods, but also a reminder that the bad things happening now aren’t always going to last. Archie and the gang never run out of new adventures so you won’t have a problem choosing an issue you think your giftee will cherish. Where to buy: Comic Odyssey branches Check out a list of bookstores in Metro Manila or browse the Specialty Goods category of the ShoppersGuide Directory.
4. Something personalized: Post Script Designs’ Daybook
Own your thoughts – literally. (Image: Postscript Designs’ Website)
The gift for anyone who’s obsessed with pretty paper things, this personalized daybook can have the name of your monito or monita in the cover. This daybook can either serve as a planner for the year ahead or just a nice place where your giftee can jot down his or her thoughts and ideas. Available in soft turquoise, honeysuckle, and cozy gray at Php490 each, this daybook is all for function without sacrificing aesthetic. Where to buy: Available online at postscriptdesigns’ website.
5. Something for wellness: Precious Pain Away Pillow
The Precious Pain Away Pillow promises sleep you won’t soon forget. (Image: Human Nature’s Website) Sleep is one of the most crucial things our body needs but unfortunately, some of us don’t get to have quality shut-eye. Products dedicated to this problem are in abundance. One of which is the Precious Pain Away Pillow. Made out of cassia seeds, ginger, cinnamon, lemon grass, lavender, and peppermint, the Precious Pain Away Pillow can improve blood circulation, help
relax tired muscles, relieve tension and stress and soothe swollen joints. It is guarantees to give a good night’s sleep, so it could be a welcome gift no matter what the Kris Kringle themes might be. Where to buy: Mercury Drug Stores, Robinsons Supermarkets, Lazada, Watsons outlets, Rustan’s Supermarkets, SM City North EDSA Precious Herbal Pillow Kiosk, SM Megamall Precious Herbal Pillow Kiosk, and Market! Market! Taguig Precious Herbal Pillow Cart
6. Something practical: Emoji Powerbanks
Powerbanks fit for every personality. (Image: Rainbow Splash PH’s Website) It’s no secret that portable powerbanks are necessities in this day and age. Finding access to sockets for charging our gadgets proves to be a challenge at times. Whoever your monito or monita is, Rainbow Splash PH’s emoji, unicorn, and pokeballpowerbanks will fit under the “something practical” category for him or her. These trinkets aren’t only nice on the eyes,
they’re also very handy. With powerbanks that are equipped with 10,000 mAh for the pokeball (Php950) and 5,200 mAh for the other designs (priced from Php500 to Php650), your giftee won’t have to worry about his or her phone dying—and not being on trend. Where to buy: Available at Rainbow Splash PH’s website Read: Gadget-Shopping Made Easy: Be Clueless No More
7. Something that gives back: Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates
Some of the many chocolate varieties Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates has to offer (Image: International Food Exhibition (IFLEX) Philippines’ Facebook Page) A little-known product that deserves more recognition is our homegrown, quality chocolate, like the ones offered by Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates. You won’t only be giving your monito or monita a treat but you’ll also be helping out Bacolod local farmers where the sugar is grown and
Davao local farmers where the cacao is from. With prices starting at PhP110 per bar, you can choose from their many unique yet proudly-Pinoy flavors such as Barako, Turon, and Labuyo, which is one of their bestsellers. Where to buy: Landmark Nature branches, and others
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Gift-giving isn’t easy, but with these unique and out-of-the-box gift ideas, you might just become a gift-giving aficionado in no time. What was the best Kris Kringle gift you ever received? Voice them out in the comments section below!