Gift Ideas for the Late Christmas Shoppers Like Me

Though I frequently join bazaars, I'm not yet done with my very own Christmas list.

Last year I bought 2 dozens of shopping bags from Mama Earth. I am still crazy over shopping bags, but this year I was able to buy half a dozen from another seller (I think the name is Earth Cherish) from the St. James Bazaar.

My hubby would always tell me not to give generic gifts to friends-- such a pressure! We plan to visit more bazaars this weekend, while I have a bunch of personalized gifts currently in production.

(I'm having tote bags personalized for friends, not drawstring such as the ones in the photo)

When budget is really tight, it could be really hard to think of possible gift options. My mother-in-law, who's a very practical gift-giver, gave me some ideas. The other tips below came from my frequent stroll to the bazaars I have joined:

1. Aluminum foil. My mother in-law will be giving rolls of aluminum foil to her neighbors! I find it really useful because I remember rushing to the market last Christmas because I ran out of supply. I just suggested that she can make a really nice packaging to the gift.

2. A Basket of Salted Eggs. With a really attractive packaging, I think salted eggs make perfect gifts because of its longer shelf life. You can make it as a hearty breakfast, a side dish or even as a salad.

3. Bottled foods. Jaq's Kitchen makes really yummy specialty sauces like tuyo with eggplant, spicy tahong with aligue, and spicken longaniza. A former colleague owns GUSTAZO that makes the yummiest Bagoong with Baboy and Bottled Tuyo in Corn Oil. Why not make your own if you happen to have a winning recipe of bottled foods like atchara and bagoong.

4. Natural Soaps. By Nature is one of the pioneers in the natural soaps business. Aside from soaps, they also have balms, insect repellants, and essential oils. I am a big fan of By Nature's oil-based insect repellant. For me, it worked wonders for my daughter because the effect takes a while to subside.

5. Herb pillows. These are compresses that you can either put in the refrigerator or warm in the microwave to treat common ailments such as body pains, tummy aches and bumps from minor accidents. They are usually available in bazaars. I got mine from Babibski Baby's sister company but I just can't find the herb pillows in their site. They will be at the MEGA TRADE HALL 2 & 3 at SM Mega Mall, on Dec. 16-22, 2009, Wed.-Tues. and at the NOEL BAZAAR, World Trade Center, Manila on Dec. 18-20, 2009, Fri.-Sun if you want to consider herb pillows as gifts.

We have 9 more days before Christmas so we still have time. My mom told me that Divisoria is so crowded even in the early morning, so good luck to those who will even attept to go there.

Happy shopping!