Surviving Christmas

Shop: Gifts of Xmas cheer

Don’t know what to get? Here’s a guide to what’s out there and what may please certain personality types!

1. The poinsettia, which is native to Mexico, has always been associated with the Christmas season because the Mexicans believe the flower’s shape is symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. These festive candleholders with poinsettias on them will make a nice gift for someone who loves flowers or someone who is very traditional. RM7.90 each from Living Plus Trim Shop, Hartamas Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

2. Someone with a passion for ethnic stuff will appreciate these wooden boxes with exotic designs. Priced at RM39.90 each, they are available at Home Treasures and Gifts, Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

3. What’s a better gift for a trendy young miss than this cheerful tote bag? From CreAsian, Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd Floor Hartamas Shopping Centre, at RM39.

4. Great for guys, these pretty shell ashtrays can double up as paperweights too, RM35. Available at CreAsian, Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd Floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

5. Crochet is definitely in and these hand-made bead and crystal earrings are great for a fashionista. RM69.90 at Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

6. Lace and crystal bead chokers make an eye-catching gift for a special sister or friend. This pretty bauble will cost you RM39.90, from Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

7. Christmas is a season for nostalgia and compilations of favourite singers would be a big hit with people. All you have to do is identify which singer the gift recipient likes and get that CD. It’s a great gift for anyone and it costs below RM50. Pictured here are a collection of hits from U2, Gloria Estefan, Sugarbabes and Kenny G. Available from Speedy, Tower Records, MPH and all record shops.

8. A stocking filler that will put a smile on anyone’s face. These cheerful paper clip animals are just adorable and a steal at RM1.20, from Czip Lee, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar.

9. Dainty choker with floral motifs and beads will please a gal who doesn’t like loud jewellery, RM24.90 from Furry Tales, Santa’s Little ShElves, 2nd floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

10. Little tykes will be pleased to wear Barbie, Ariel, Snow white, Mickey, Hello Kitty and other cartoon characters on their wrists. These colourful watches are a money-saver at RM10. The best part is, if you buy one, you get one free. From Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd Floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

11. A cute novelty gift, this waterproof duck radio will be a welcome addition to anyone’s bathtub, RM75.90 from Living Plus Trim Shop, Hartamas Shopping Centre.

12. Santa, Rudolph and Snowman coin purses are cheery festive gifts for children or the young at heart. From Watson’s. Used to be RM9.90 each, now RM4.95 each.

13. Obliged to get a gift for someone you don’t know very well? These wicker wine bottle holders at RM36.90 make ideal gifts. From SSF,71-75, Wisma Gurcharan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur.

14. For someone who likes entertaining and hosting dinner parties, this chip and dip glassware platter is a great gift idea. RM22.90, House of Presentation, Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd Floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

15. A connoisseur of good food would appreciate this mouth-watering cake of crepes layered with strawberry jam and cream patisserie, which makes a change from the usual fruitcake, RM70 from Food Foundry, Hartamas Shopping Centre.

16. Another great festive gift for someone whom you are not terribly familiar with is a Christmas tree candlelight holder. The big tree costs RM26.90 while the smaller tree is RM16.90. Both from Living Plus Trim Shop, Hartamas Shopping Centre.

17. Paperweight or door stop? These doorstoppers from CreAsian can double up as both. Prices range from RM25 for wooden doorstoppers to RM48 for the brass and wood ones. Nature boys will like this gift from CreAsian, Santa’s little ShElves, 2nd Floor Hartamas Shopping Centre.

18. If you known any scrooges, this jolly snowman door hanger from Living Plus Trim Shop is bound to put a smile on their faces. RM21.90, Hartamas Shopping Centre.

19. A person who likes birds will fall in love with this cheery red cardinal festive plate, RM9.90 from Living Plus Trim Shop, Hartamas Shopping Centre.

20. Do you know someone who is into crystology? She may appreciate these crystal earrings, RM19.90 from Celtic, 3rd Floor, One Utama Shopping Centre, (Old Wing). Pictured here are purple agate and green aventurine crystals. Other crystals also available.

21. These mini cookbooks might be small but they contain a chockful of helpful cooking hints and come with pictures too! They make ideal gifts for those who enjoy cooking or who appreciate good food. Available at Times and MPH Bookstores. Under RM9.

22. Christmas shopping sometimes can be a good time to spot bargains. This leather passport holder from House of Leather, Ground Floor, One Utama Shopping Centre (Old Wing) is a bargain buy at RM29.90. Great gift for a frequent traveller or anyone who likes to keep organised while travelling.