Gift Guide: Splurge or save options for you and your loved ones

It’s giving season. For some people, that means it’s the time to stop letting price tags hold them back. For others, it’s the time to stock up on great finds that fit the budget. Our gift guide this year caters to both types of gifters.

Here’s a list of splurge or save options for you and your loved ones.

Save: iWhite Korea’s Acne+ Skincare Line

iWhite Korea has a skin-soothing line for people who want to start their skincare journey. The Acne+ Skincare Line is a simple three-piece set that includes a facial wash, toner essence, and an aqua moisturizer.

Its ingredients include hydrating Real Cica and anti-inflammatory Tea Tree Water. Available in tubes or sachets, the set is so affordable that you can gift it to all your inaanaks or add them to Christmas goodie bags.

Splurge: Longchamp Box-Trot 

The compact cross-body bag might just be our fave Parisienne chic accessory. The Longchamp Box-Trot is an It bag that has a classic boxy structure with a modern twist. Our picks from the three sizes are the smaller version with an adjustable shoulder strap and the mini format with a cute top handle and a removable shoulder strap. It comes with a gold-tone medallion that goes well with the color options black, cognac, bold orange, lilac, and cypress. You could also choose the tone-on-tone monochrome pop version in candy pink. 

You or your fashionable loved one can sport it along with stars like Lupita Nyong’o and Kim Se-jeong by copping it from Stores Specialists, Inc. online or at Greenbelt 5.

Save: Levi’s Holiday Icons and access to the Levi’s Music Project

Juan Karlos Labajo for the Levi’s Music Project

Looking for a gift that suits your musician friend? You can never go wrong with the effortlessly cool and gig-ready Levi’s Holiday Icons pieces. Apart from the brand’s selection of classic tops, the 501 Jeans are our go-tos.

But what would really make this gift special is your additional encouragement for them to join the collaborative, artist-led international community of the Levi’s Music Project 2022. It aims to make music making more open and accessible via online resources and hands-on audio workshops held exclusively on its Discord channel. Members can get gear advice from new friends, find people to collaborate with, or even chat with their fave artists.

Its Industry 101 series also offers invaluable insider tips. Its latest session had Island Records Philippines’ Juan Karlos, Republic Records Philippines’ huhsmile, and Managing Director for UMG Philippines Enzo Valdez breaking down current industry trends and how artists can use them to their advantage. 

Splurge: Montblanc Writers Edition Homage to Brothers Grimm collection

Know someone who reminds you of Wednesday because of their love for writing and spooky things? Montblanc’s Writers Edition has an homage to the Brothers Grimm inspired by their fairy tales. One of our faves from the collection is the luxury fountain pen with the famous words “Once upon a time…” written across the cap ring in German and the Brothers Grimm’s signatures engraved on the barrel.

Aside from gold and ebony pens, the collection includes a bottle of dark green ink, a calfskin leather notebook, round cufflinks, and a woven leather bracelet with the brand’s emblem. You can cop these from Montblanc stores in Rustan’s and other locations.

Save: The Linya-Linya Self-Love Guidebook

Want to help a friend start putting themself first? Linya-Linya’s Self-Love Guidebook might be what you’re looking for. The brand’s signature witticisms are present across this undated planner’s monthly and weekly spreads, braindump spaces, and trackers for goals for your finances to relationships.

The planner has poems and prompts that ask, “Para saan at para kanino ba ang biyahe mo? Saan mo nais tumungo? Kailan mo huling inintindi ang iyong sarili?” It even has stickers for decorating and labeling.

 

Art by Ella Lambio

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Amrie Cruz: Amrie is a nonbinary writer who likes to talk about politics and viral animal videos. They have a dog daughter named Cassie who doesn’t go to school.