Christmas is almost here. I can already hear the groans of moms, ninangs, and aunts who are already feeling the economic crunch. Gift-giving this coming Yuletide season will be an additional burden for their stressed-out pocket books.

But Christmas does not have to add a wrinkle to the Pinay’s kutis porcelana (porcelain complexion). It is after all a time of joy that should be focused on Jesus, the reason for the season. We however, cannot escape from the traditional gift-giving. Gifts are just meant to show we care and that we remember those who are important to us.

Following the thread that it’s the thought that counts, there are quite a number of ways you can cut down on your gifts budget this Christmas.

One is to make your own gifts. If you are creative and like to make crafts, give something you made. With your computer and printer, make personalized cards for your inaanak and package these in a small fabric covered box. Or make a nicely decorated ref magnet with your sister-in-law’s picture. If you are a good cook, whip up pate or your special salad dressing and put them in mayonnaise jars. Cover the lid with fabric and glue tiny Christmas balls & berries on top.

Another way of beating the crunch is to make your own gift certificates. You can make arrangements with your favorite establishments for their prepaid services. Make sure that these are good but inexpensive places. Print out a nice certificate for your niece that says she gets a free manicure and pedicure from your parlor. Make another one for your brother for a free cleaning with wax from the neighborhood carwash.

And if you don’t mind the trip and the swirling masses, run to Divisoria for loads of cheap gifts. Here are some items that I saw in my last trip there. The prices quoted can still be haggled down. Tip: some items are cheaper in Divisoria Mall than in 168. This is a better place to shop if you don’t mind the smaller aisles and not-as-clean ladies’ room.
•Stuffed toys – talking Barney (P65), Bear with scarf (P100), “It’s a Boy” Bear (P110). These are sold by the street vendors.

•“Crocs” slippers for children (P55) and the accessories you slip in the holes (P5 each)
•Key rings with leather letters or animals (P150 for 2). These I bought for my grown-up female inaanaks.

•Designer men’s hankies(5 for P100)
•Blouse and shorts set for little girls (P40 or 3 for P100). Divisoria Mall

•Cellphone cases (P85/dozen)

 •Glow-in-the-dark wrist support (P65) for computer addicts.

•Friction-powered flashlight (P50)
•Fabric cosmetic kits - different sizes and styles (P60 to P70)
•Foldable shopping bags (P60)
•Artificial nails (P50)
•“Crocs” cellphone holder (P100 in Divisoria Mall, P150 in 168). Great for teens. I wanted to buy this but I didn’t have my list ready.

•Animal-shaped bath gloves (P50). Really cute. I would have bought one for my baby nephew but my sister-in-law was with me.
•CD holder with zipper (P50)

•Enamel bangles (P50 each)

There are a lot of items out there to fit your budget. I focused on gifts P100 and below. There are, of course, nicer ones if you can afford more. You just need the stamina to go around and have a good eye for bargains. Of course, it also helps to talk to your relatives about your miniscule budget as a result of the hard times. They’ll understand. Most probably, they’re feeling the crunch too.

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